No two days
are alike. That's one of the great things about being an insulation worker.
You often travel to different job sites, do different tasks and encounter
different places and people.
But some things stay the same each day.
These standard practices help keep things running smoothly. Many of the rules
of the company are common sense, but it's a good idea to get into the
habit of practicing them deliberately at first.
Each morning, after
receiving your work orders, you will travel to the job site. Whether you're
driving or riding, behavior in a company vehicle must be beyond reproach.
No speeding, passing cars, shouting or using profanity. You are a representative
of the firm while on the road.
When you get to the job site, park the
vehicle as close to the work area as you can safely. You don't want to
have to carry supplies any farther than necessary. Park it securely.
The
foreman will give you an overview of the job. He'll point out what needs
to be done. Together, you'll examine the job site for any potential safety
hazards (like loose wires, objects on the ground or dark areas).
You'll
also take some measurements and estimate what supplies and tools you'll
need from the truck.
Items should be carried into the worksite in safe
loads. Don't overdo it.
Depending upon the exact nature of the
job, you will then put on any safety gear required, such as gloves, goggles,
and facemasks. Your supervisor will then lay out the day's plan.
He
may tell you what he hopes to get done that day and when coffee break might
be. He might even take a vote on which station to tune the radio to.
After
that, you'll get down to work. These procedures may seem unnecessary
at first, but experience has taught us it helps get the day off on the right
foot!
Ron Hobbs, business manager at Local 28 of the
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers,
says workers mainly communicate with co-workers on the job. "They
have to deal with mechanical contractors and fellow workers. It doesn't
hurt to have good basic communication skills, but it's not a requirement
either."