Safety

In addition, conditions and potential exposures from some low pressure two-component foam applications may trigger OSHA requirements to use a respirator. For applications where fumes may not dissipate as quickly, such as spaces with insufficient ventilation, confined spaces, or operations that involve spraying overhead, conduct an additional evaluation to determine whether a respirator is needed.

If respirators are required on the job site, note that federal regulations require workers to have a medical evaluation, fit testing, and training before use. For more information about the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Respiratory Protection Requirements, visit http://www.osha.gov/ or call 800.321.OSHA.

The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CR 1910.134) also requires employers to have a written respiratory protection program for employees required to use respiratory protection. The standard outlines requirements for respirator selection, respirator maintenance, annual fit testing, medical surveillance, and annual training. Refer to OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (http://www.osha.gov/, search 1910.134) for more information about creating a required respiratory program. If you are an employee of a spray foam weatherization contractor, refer to your company’s policy for specific information regarding your respiratory protection program.

Note that NIOSH certifies respirators for certain conditions and uses, which can be a useful tool to inform respirator selection.  When using air-purifying respirators (APR) or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) during low-pressure two-component SPF application, organic vapor cartridges with particulate prefilters will provide protection from SPF chemicals in most cases. Some of the common types of APR and PAPR that can be used in low pressure two-component applications include:

• Half-face APR.  These respirators have the advantage of being light-weight as compared to the full-face APR.  Note that the respirator is designed to fit tightly for a face-to-facepiece seal, so anything that impedes the seal (such as facial hair) means that this respirator design cannot be selected.
• Full-face APR.  These respirators provide a higher degree of respiratory protection than half-face APR.  Again, full-face APRs are tight-fitting respirators, and they cannot be used if facial hair interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal.
• Air-purifying respirators (PAPR).  These respirators offer breathing comfort from a battery-powered fan which pulls air through filters and circulates air throughout the helmet/hood. These can be worn by most workers who have beards.

Here is a helpful chart to guide you on options for personal protective equipment for common types of spray polyurethane foam products.  Always follow the specific recommendations made in the manufacturer’s MSDS.

• Keep the worksite clean during and after the job: As with any job, housekeeping and clean-up after the job is completed are important. Conduct jobsite quality controls throughout the project and be sure to dispose of waste materials in accordance with any applicable regulatory requirements (refer to the ”Storage and disposal of low pressure two-component SPF” section).
• Uncured (still sticky) polyurethane foam: On unfinished surfaces can be cleaned immediately with paint thinner, acetone or nail polish remover.  Use of such solvents on a finished surface, however, is less effective.  If solvents are used, remember to select gloves that provide skin protection for both the SPF chemicals and the solvent used. After the SPF has fully hardened and cured, mechanical removal is suggested.