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
Last week we reviewed the proper handling of component chemicals. This week we will discuss jobsite first aid & safety practices and next week we will take a look at 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; the first aid procedures for SPF component chemicals is documented in their respective SDS.
We will consider a few types of chemical exposure, inhalation, skin contact, eye contact and ingestion, each with distinct first aid and safety responses.
Inhalation exposure
High concentrations of vapors or mists can reduce the amount of oxygen in the immediate environment. Avoid breathing vapors or mists of either the A-side or the B-side to minimize exposure. If someone is affected by inhalation, get them to an area with fresh air immediately and find medical attention.
Skin Contact
Do you remember high school chemistry? If someone is exposed to chemicals through skin contact, the affected area should be cleaned and SPF chemicals are the same. Thoroughly rinse the area with large amounts of water to cleanse the skin and then wash with soap and water. When it comes to MDI, corn oil or propylene glycol can be more efficient than water at cleaning the skin. If skin damage, like a cut or abrasion, occurs while handling pressurized fluid, chemical may have entered the wound, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Likewise, medical attention is advisable if skin contact is widespread or if irritation progresses.
Eye Contact
In the event of exposure via contact with your eyes, continuously flush your eyes for at least 15 minutes with warm water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Ingestion
Do us all a favor and do not drink SPF chemicals. Note, that a possible opportunity for ingestion is chemical exposure to food or drink that is ingested. This possibility leads to an industry best practice of not allowing food or drinks in the vicinity of the chemical compartment on the spray foam rig. However, if ingested, do not induce vomiting and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Next week we will continue to discuss safety and take a look at the use of appropriate personal protective equipment while handling SPF chemicals.
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