Before You Cut

Use this before cutting duct, sheet metal, flex, insulation, roof/wall openings, or field holes.

You are about to cut something and the cut affects duct size, route, access, rated assemblies, roof/wall penetrations, insulation, or a finished/exposed surface.

Apprentice Workflow, Communication & Learning 2nd Year YELLOW

Stop if

Ask before cutting if the print does not match field, another trade blocks the route, the cut touches a rated assembly, the duct is grease/exhaust/industrial, or the cut changes the intended fitting.

Watch out

Do not cut because 'it looks close enough.'
Do not cut a damper/access/grease/rated area without direction.
Do not make a field opening that blocks service/TAB/inspection access.
Do not cut blind into walls, decks, roofs, shafts, or unknown ceiling spaces.

Check

Wide context photo
Close-up of cut area
Tape measure/reference photo
Photo of conflict or reason for cut

Steps

Stop and confirm what you are cutting, why it needs to be cut, and who approved the cut.
Match the location to the latest drawing/shop drawing.
Measure twice from a real control point, not from memory.
Confirm system, duct size, airflow direction, and what is behind/above/below the cut.
Look for dampers, access doors, insulation, liner, wiring, controls, sprinkler, structure, and rated assemblies.
Take a wide photo, close photo, and a photo showing the measurement/reference point.
Ask the foreman/journeyman before cutting if the cut changes route, size, access, support, rating, slope, or manufacturer detail.

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