If there is no way into the loft, make a permanent hatchway.
If a stepladder is being used to gain access to the loft, tie the ladder firmly in place or have someone holding it while it is being used.
Do not try to work standing on the joists, use a piece of board reaching across three joists so that it is stable to kneel safely upon.
The ceiling of the rooms below between the joists will not carry a persons weight.
Do not try to install loft insulation using only a torch to light the area, if there is no lighting installed in the loft, run an extension lead up into the void and hang a suitable light from a beam.
Make sure that the depth of the ceiling joists is adequate if using loose fill material. The height of the joists can be increased by nailing strips of wood to the top of the joists, but it might be simpler to use an alternative insulating material which would not need to be as thick to achieve the recommended level of loft insulation,
Check that the roof void is adequately ventilation to avoid condensation. If there is daylight at the eaves or if the tiles and slates are visible in the roof space, ventilation is probably adequate. But if the roof is boarded or felted under the tiles (so that you can not see them), and there is no obvious ventilation at the eaves, additional ventilation should be added.
A roof void needs ventilation equivalent to the area of a continuous 10mm (3/8 in) slot at eaves level. Where the eaves has a soffit, installing soffit vents can increase ventilation.
If there will only be a small space between the roof and insulation at the eaves, small ventilation strips can be added between the roof trusses to ensure that the insulation is kept away from the roof.
Joist end boards need to be fitted if loose fill insulation is to be installed; these will keep the insulation in the loft rather than falling out down the cavity or into the eaves.
Cracks and holes in the ceiling should always be filled before laying the insulation. They can allow heated air to reach the loft, which can lead to condensation problems. And if you are using loose fills, they may allow it to fall down.
When adding loft insulation it is essential to insulate any water tank and/or pipework in the void - do not insulate under the tank.
Before loft insulation is installed, check the loft for possible problems which might require attention - particularly electric wiring, insect infestation and the state of the roof covering - corrective action will be easier without the insulation installed. The cables and roof structure should be checked by competent persons to identify if corrective action is necessary.
Electric wiring should not be covered by the loft insulation . If cables are covered by insulation, the small amount of heat generated by the cable will not be dissipated and the cables could become hot and possibly cause a fire.
