Health and Safety Guidelines for Spray Foam Insulation
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Health and Safety Training
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) offers free safety training on low-pressure spray foam systems. The training addresses safe handling and disposal of low-pressure SPF, engineering controls, personal protective equipment, working in confined spaces, and avoiding temperature stress. Upon successfully passing the training course you will receive a "Recognition of Completion" form and wallet-sized card from the ACC, which is valid for two years.
Personal Protective Equipment
Versi-Foam® two-component spray foam systems are professional systems that should be used under proper health and safety conditions. All Versi-Foam® Systems are low-pressure products, with a dispensed pressure of below 250/psi.
The suggested Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Versi-Foam® Systems is as follows:
- Chemical resistant safety goggles
- Chemical resistant protective clothing to ensure there is no exposed skin
- Nitrile gloves (provided in all Versi-Foam® Systems)
- A NIOSH (National Institute of Safety and Health) approved respirator
- There are many respirator options and the correct respirator may be determined based on the project conditions (e.g. ventilation) and/or the applicator preference. Several options include:
- Half-mask respirators with organic vapor cartridges and particulate filters (P100). Half-mask respirators require a fit test and cartridges/filters should be changed in accordance to a regular schedule.
- Full-mask respirators with organic vapor cartridges and particulate filters. The face-shield protects face and eyes from irritants and contaminants. Full-mask respirators require a fit test and cartridges/filters should be changed in accordance to a regular schedule.
- Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with an organic vapor cartridge. This type of respirator offers breathing comfort from a battery-powered fan which pulls air though filters and circulates air throughout helmet/hood.
For more respirator information, please visit www.osha.gov (OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.134 Personal Protective Equipment).
Re-Occupancy Guidelines
The current suggested guideline for re-occupancy when using Versi-Foam® low-pressure dispensing systems is one hour after spraying has been completed. Adequate ventilation should be provided during application and during the one hour prior to re-occupancy.
First Aid for Low-Pressure Spray Foam Systems
The following outlines First Aid measures to be taken in case of an incident:
- For any first aid case, consult a physician.
- Eyes: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
- Skin: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with plenty of soap and water. Cured foam must be removed mechanically. Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing has stopped, administer CPR. Seek immediate medical attention.
- Ingestion: Drink large quantities of water. Do not induce vomiting.
- Contact a physician immediately in any first aid situation. See Material Safety Data Sheet for more information.
For more information about the health and safety considerations when using spray polyurethane foams, visit Spray Polyurethane Foam Health + Safety or refer to the Versi-Foam® Material Safety Data Sheets.
