Description of the Insulator (Heat and Frost) trade
“Insulator (Heat and Frost)” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by an insulator (heat and frost) whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:
| Occupational title | NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
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| Heat and Frost Insulator |  |
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| Insulator | |
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| Insulator (Heat and Frost) | |
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Insulators (heat and frost) work with different kinds of insulating material to prevent or reduce the passage of heat, cold, vapour, moisture, sound or fire. They read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine insulation requirements, select the amount and type of insulation to be installed, and measure and cut insulating material to the required dimensions. They then apply, install, repair and maintain insulating material. Insulated surfaces may be finished with materials such as plastics, aluminum, galvanized steel and coated steel, stainless steel, canvas, mastic laminate or finishing cement. Insulators (heat and frost) also lay out and fabricate parts on-site, or remove or seal off old insulation.
Types of insulating materials that may be used include calcium silicate, ceramic fibre, elastomeric foam, nano-like technology, mineral fibre, fibreglass, polyurethane, polystyrene and cellular glass. They may be used for systems such as plumbing, air-handling, exhaust, heating, cooling and refrigeration, for piping equipment, pressure vessels and storage tanks, as well as for walls, floors and ceilings of buildings, industrial complexes and ships.
Removing old insulating material such as asbestos, ceramic fibres, lead and mould is also part of the trade. Special training and licenses may be required to deal with these types of materials. Spraying insulating materials and installing fireproofing and fire stop systems are also specialized parts of the trade.
Insulators (heat and frost) are employed by governments, construction companies, insulation contractors and industrial plants, or may also be self-employed. They work on residential, industrial, commercial and institutional projects. Their work schedules depend on the type of work they are doing, ranging from regular work weeks, to shift work or irregular work hours. Schedules may depend on the availability of contracts, or inconvenience or health risks to adjacent workers or the public.
Insulators (heat and frost) work with a number of hand tools and power tools. They use personal protective equipment to protect themselves from workplace hazards. Also, they frequently use scaffolds, aerial lifts and ladders to help them accomplish their tasks. They can work indoors or outdoors, often in extreme temperatures. They may perform some of their tasks in confined spaces. Depending on the location of work, they may be required to travel.
The ability to be focused and responsible is a vital part of insulators’ (heat and frost) work and safety. The work often requires the insulators (heat and frost) to spend most of the day on their feet, bending, kneeling, working at heights, climbing (scaffolds, ladders) and lifting. Insulators (heat and frost) must be able to use their body to brace large items and guide objects or materials into place. This requires them to have a good combination of motor co-ordination, and manual and finger dexterity.
This standard recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of boilermakers, roofers, sheet metal workers, painters and carpenters.
With experience, insulators (heat and frost) act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They can also move into positions such as maintenance, instructor, contractor, foreperson, superintendent or estimator.