SPRAY FOAM DANGERS

OSHAcampus Safety Warning

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is being used as an insulating material in new construction for the past years. It is a widely effective insulator and sealant.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cite that during the emphasis of”retrofitting older buildings to conserve energy has increased the use of SPF at least 60% in the past 5 years. “

The main component of SPF is isocyanates, other SPF chemicals that may be acquired in vapors, aerosols, dust or on surfaces during and for a period of time after installation.

OSHA states that the occupations that may involve exposure to isocyanates include painting, foam-blowing, and the manufacture of many Polyurethane products, such as chemicals, polyurethane foam, insulation materials, surface coatings, car seats, furniture, foam mattresses, under-carpet padding, packaging materials, shoes, laminated fabrics, polyurethane rubber, and adhesives.

SPF may cause health problems such as:

•Fire

•Irritation of skin and mucous membranes

•Chest tightness

•Difficulty in breathing

•Potential human carcinogens

•Sensitization which can lead to work-related asthma 

Procedures to control SPF exposure must be followed by employers in order to protect workers. Safety tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include:

•Participate in HAZWOPER training for information on how to handle chemicals, dangers of exposure and importance of personal protective equipment. •Wearing of a full face supplied air respirator.•Use of a peel off shield in order to keep masks clean.•By wearing a full body suit and chemical resistant gloves.•Making sure that filters are clean in the ventilation operating system. •For any symptoms of skin irritation or shortness of breath, contact a supervisor or medical personnel immediately.

OSHA has Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for Methylene bisphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and 2,4 toluene diisocyanate TDI of 0.02 ppm.  This corresponds to 0.20 mg/m3 for MDI and 0.14 mg/m3 for TDI. Exposure above the PELs is considered hazardous to the safety and health of workers.

References and Image Credits

https://www.osha.gov/dep/greenjobs/weather_spf.html

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/occupationalasthma/index.html

http://epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/spf/spray_polyurethane_foam.html

http://www.oshacampus.com/hazwoper-training/

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