Spray foam insulation is a technical application that requires expensive equipment that should be managed by trained and skilled professionals.
Employees of a spray foam company should complete 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
Today I want to discuss the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) 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 recommended personal protective equipment is documented in their respective SDS.
We will focus on the personal protective equipment recommended for three key areas of interest: respiratory protection, eye protection and skin protection.
Respiratory Protection
Chemical exposure via inhalation is one of the primary areas of concern for spray foam applicators, helpers and other tradesmen in the surrounding area.
There are several tactics that can be used to implement a good respiratory protection policy.
During application, airborne levels may exceed exposure guidelines, so using proper PPE is critical, such as supplied air respirators for interior applications or possibly air purifying respirators for exterior applications; you should refer to the NIOSH Respirator Decision Logic for more info regarding respirator selection.
Additionally, engineering controls, like ventilation can reduce airborne levels of aerosols, mists and vapors created during application. During and after spray application, vapors and mists, as well as particulates and dust from trimming or sanding the foam can linger until the area is ventilated and fully cleaned. Furthermore, to protect other tradesmen, application should be scheduled so that no other trades or occupants are in the immediate vicinity during installation.
Eye Protection
When working with chemicals, workers should protect their eyes from accidental splashing, sprays of reacting foam, aerosols and airborne particulates. The most common options for eye protection include safety goggles, full-face respirator mask and a full hood; and the best option, at a given time, will vary depending on what the worker is doing. We recommend a full-face respirator mask or a full hood when spraying high pressure spray foam and at least safety googles when handling liquid chemicals.
Skin Protection
Protective clothing should be used when there is the possibility of direct contact with SPF chemicals so that no skin is exposed. Applicators and helpers generally wear disposable full body suits to keep spray, mist and particulates from contacting skin and clothing. Additionally, gloves made of nitrile, neoprene, butyl, or PVC generally can provide adequate protection when working with A-side and B-side chemicals.
SPF safety is a critical topic that you and your team need to be familiar with as you continue to work with spray foam insulation products.
