A Heat and Frost Insulator is a person who covers exposed surfaces of pipes, steam generators, ducts, process vats and related equipment with a variety of insulating materials. These insulating materials not only reduce the transfer of heat and cold from the plumbing, heating, cooling and refrigeration systems, piping equipment and pressure vessels they apply it to, they also reduce noise and the chance of fire. A Heat and Frost Insulator is designated as Insulator (Heat and Frost) under the Inter-provincial Red Seal program. (Find out about Red Seal in the Trades Lingo section.)

What do these workers do?
(Source: BC Work Futures)

Apply spray-on surface insulation. More and more concrete buildings use this technique. Spray-on insulation is often visible in underground parking garages. The insulation can be sprayed onto wire mesh or directly onto surfaces. See the technical terms section for more information.

Cut insulation to shape. The fibreglass matting or styrofoam board used in residential construction must be cut to fit wall, floor and ceiling cavities, and sometimes glued, stapled or wired in place.

Remove and safely dispose of old insulation. This task can range from taking out old, inefficient fibreglass insulation to the full-fledged removal of dangerous substances, such as asbestos. Removing hazardous materials requires special training and equipment to protect workers and other people from exposure to hazardous materials.

Insulate pipes and ducts. Industrial piping and boilers must be insulated to increase their efficiency and prevent items around them becoming dangerously hot. Special materials and techniques are used to wrap pipes with insulation and cover them with a protective coating. At one time a cement coating was usually used but now light-gauge sheet metal is often applied because it is easier to clean, which is an important consideration in food production plants.

Cover and cosmetically finish insulation. Insulators sometimes cover the insulation they apply with drywall or plaster. While they are not professional drywallers, they will need to become proficient at fitting and forming cosmetic covers made of drywall and plaster.

Read the full Insulator (Heat and Frost) Profile (40kb pdf).

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