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, including:
- Proper handling of component chemicals
- Jobsite first aid & safety practices
- And, use of appropriate personal protective equipment while handling SPF chemicals
This week we will discuss the proper handling of component chemicals and over the next few weeks we will take a look at jobsite first aid & safety practices and use of appropriate personal protective equipment while handling SPF chemicals.
First and foremost, employees working with component chemicals should review the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed information regarding these materials.
SDS
Before using any SPF product, read and understand the entire SDS. The SDS contains very important information:
- Chemical constituents
- Potential health effects
- Appropriate PPE to use
- First Aid recommendations
- Storage, handling, transportation and disposal guidelines
OSHA requires SDSs to be readily accessible on the jobsite, so maintaining a document binder on the work truck is an excellent best practice.
Isocyanate
Working with isocyanante, also called iso, MDI or A-side, has the potential risk of irritation and sensitization through inhalation and skin contact. Exposure to this component can affect your skin, eyes and lungs. And once sensitized, ongoing exposure can cause persistent or progressive symptoms and even life-threatening asthmatic reactions, so sensitized people should be removed from potential exposure activities. Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with MDI can minimize exposure and protect workers.
Resin
The resin, also called polyol blend or B-side, is comprised of polyols, catalysts, surfactants, flame retardants and blowing agents. Potential health risks of the resin includes irritation to the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with the resin can minimize exposure and protect workers.
Cured Foam
When properly installed and cured, the polyurethane foam created by the reaction of the iso and resin components is considered essentially inert and non-hazardous. Note, avoid exposing the polyurethane foam to extreme heat or open flame due to the possibility of it catching fire and burning.
Handling and Storage
Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended storage temperature of the products you are working with. In general chemical drums should be stored in a secured, cool area away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. When storing MDI, limit the risk of contact with water, acids, caustics, alcohols and oxidizing agents like oxygen and chlorine. Water reacts with MDI and releases carbon dioxide, which can create pressure inside of a drum
Disposal
Cured foam is not an RCRA hazardous waste and can typically be disposed of with typical garbage, as non-hazardous waste. Make sure to follow proper disposal procedures for all drums, cans, and cylinders in accordance with legal, federal, state, and local requirements. The SDS will also have additional information on proper disposal procedures. For disposal of liquid components, small amounts of unused A-side chemicals can be reacted with small amounts of unused B-side chemicals to produce foam, which can be discarded with typical garbage. Appropriate PPE should be worn at all times when handling SPF liquid components and the chemical drums.
Hazard Communication
According to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, employers are required to have a written hazard communication program including: labeling, SDSs and employee training
The two most common labeling systems are HMIS – Hazardous Material Identification System and NFPA – National Fire Protection Association
OSHA requirements
Confined space training and fall protection training may be required depending on the nature of the environment and the types of projects you are involved with. Some attics and crawlspaces could be considered confined spaces, by the OSHA definition, and fall protection is required by OSHA if the worker is to be six feet off the ground or higher.
This has been a general look at the important world of safety as it applies to spray foam insulation.
Remember, over the next few weeks we will continue to discuss safety and take a look at jobsite first aid & safety practices and use of appropriate personal protective equipment while handling SPF chemicals.
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