Spray foam insulation is a technical application that requires expensive equipment that should be managed by trained, experienced and skilled professionals. Employees of a spray foam company should complete applicable training before working with spray foam materials, processing equipment, or attempting spray foam application. Training and ongoing continuous education of all those involved with SPF operations can help prevent installation issues, accidents, and overexposure of SPF chemicals to workers and bystanders. Companies and workers can take advantage of many industry training options, including:
- OSHA’s 10-hour and 30-hour Construction outreach courses
- Your SPF Manufacturer’s product training
- CPI’s Health and Safety Training
- SPFA’s Accreditation Program
- And continuing education here at Spray Foam Advisor
After proper installation and curing, SPF is considered to be relatively inert by the EPA.
But during installation, health and safety are important considerations, and over the past few weeks we have discussed the proper handling of component chemicals, jobsite first aid & safety practices and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while handling SPF chemicals.
Now that we have considered critical safety practices and reviewed recommended technical documentation, it’s time to consider jobsite planning.
- Jobsite Planning
- Communication with Crews and Other Trades
- Lockout/Tagout
- Ventilation
- Overspray
- Substrate
This week let’s look at some jobsite planning guidelines.
Communication with Crews and Other Trades
Communication with key personnel on the jobsite is critical overall success. This includes educating the general contractor, building owner, supervisor, project manager or home owner before the spray application begins so they understand the safety requirements. Conduct safety briefings with the jobsite crews and maintain meeting documentation that may be necessary to submit to the general contractor. Vacate building occupants and non-SPF personnel from the work area during and immediately after application. While 24-48 hours is a typical re-occupancy time frame, refer to the product manufacturer’s guidelines for their recommended re-occupancy times.
Lockout/Tagout
For work near powered equipment, contractors should follow OSHA standard. The SPF contractor should coordinate with the facility personnel for locking/tagging out equipment. The purpose of these procedures is to protect employees from unexpected energizing or startup of machines, or the release of built up and stored energy during service or maintenance.
Ventilation
Ventilation is another key consideration when approaching a jobsite. Make sure to shut off any HVAC fans or internal ventilation systems and seal the vents to prevent overspray from entering into the duct system. Set up portable ventilation equipment to provide fresh air into the immediate spray application area and use containment and ventilation (a typical engineering control strategy) to manage working environments and exhaust chemicals, vapors, odors and particulates outside of the working area.
Note, if gas powered equipment is used make sure to direct the exhaust fumes to an open environment to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
For more information refer to the EPA “Ventilation Guidance for Spray Polyurethane Foam Application”.
Overspray
Spray foam materials are atomized on site to create the desired foam plastic insulation. This atomization can result in tiny particles of adhesive foam that can float in the air and will adhere to surfaces that it contacts. Overspray is when these SPF particles float away from the desired location and adhere to unintended surfaces.
Careful attention should be given to possible overspray risk in advance so appropriate protective measures can be taken. This process allows you to identify and protect surfaces that could be affected before the application, and when in doubt, cover it and protect it.
Outdoor applications create a whole new risk for overspray and wind direction, changing winds and nearby buildings and parking lots are critical to managing overspray risks. When necessary consider using windscreens or tenting to minimize overspray, and avoid spraying foam in high wind conditions (sustained wind speeds or gusts exceeding 15 mph).
Substrate
Substrate conditions are critical for proper spray foam application. Make sure to check these conditions before application:
- Substrates are clean, dry and free of contaminates.
- Substrate and any adjacent materials are secured and attached, specifically around windows and doors, so the adhesive SPF does not move them.
- Substrate temperature is within manufacturer’s specifications.
- Substrate moisture level is within manufacturer’s specifications.
Additionally, these pre-application procedures can be recorded on a daily jobsite log to document the history of your projects.
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