Safety should always be your very first consideration. Polyurethane is found in common items like gaskets, bushings, and mattresses. When it is fully cured, it becomes a stable product with no significant chemistry concerns. However, all spray foam insulation products pose health risks during the install process. Mitigate the risk of skin and respiratory exposure by using the proper PPE and following the recommendations outlined in this section.

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Online Training

Enverge strongly encourages all persons that are involved in any aspect of a spray foam insulation business to complete the online CPI training course: Spray Polyurethane Foam Chemical Health and Safety Training. This course provides information about the use, handling and disposal of SPF. It also addresses potential health hazards and control measures, including engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). There are two courses available for both Low and High Pressure systems training.

The High-Pressure SPF Chemical Health and Safety Training provides information for SPF contractors, applicators or helpers who work with two component high-pressure SPF systems. Follow the below link to login to the online training course. If this is your first time, select "I am a new student" to set up your FREE registration.

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Always keep Safety Data Sheets for installed products and chemicals within reach. A safety binder should be maintained with all current SDS documents, and securely fastened to the wall inside your rig. Reference this immediately if exposure to chemicals occurs.

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Help Ensure On-Site Safety With This Printable Sign

Download the 'Spray Foam Installation in Progress' warning sign to help ensure safety and clear communication on-site.

Coverall Suits

• The use of appropriate protective clothing is necessary whenever there is possibility of direct contact with SPF chemicals.
• To protect skin, wear PPE in such a manner that protects all skin (no exposed skin showing).
• When not wearing a hood respirator, select a coverall with an attached hood or use a head cover (aka spray sock).
• For tasks where there is risk of splashing liquid chemicals, consider a suit coated with an impermeable coating, such as PVC.

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Gloves and Hand Protection

• Gloves made of nitrile, neoprene, butyl or PVC generally provide adequate protection against A-side materials. (See Guidance for the Selection of Protective Clothing for MDI Users, available at www.polyurethane.org).
• A-side protection is considered adequate to provide B-side protection as well.
• Fabric glove fully coated with nitrile, neoprene, butyl, or PVC provides good protection for SPF applicators, as the fabric may impart additional durability and the coating can help reduce penetration of reacting foam in the event of an accidental spray to the hand.

Eye Protection

• Appropriate eye protection helps prevent eye contact with splashes of liquid SPF chemicals, accidental sprays of reacting foam, aerosols and vapors that are likely to be present during spraying, and airborne particulates associated with sanding, grinding, and trimming operations.
• The type of eye protection needed depends on the nature of the activity.  Persons handling liquid SPF chemicals in open containers can protect their eyes by wearing safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields in combination with face shields. The use of contact lenses is discouraged.
• A 15 minute eye wash station is required by local or federal regulations. This can be a portable rig or running water.

• Engineering controls, such as general dilution ventilation and local exhaust ventilation, can be used to help reduce SPF chemical exposures.
• Administrative controls, such as work schedules and work practices, are used concurrently to minimize exposure.
• Respirators are needed when air concentrations continue to exceed OELs even after engineering and administrative controls are implemented.
• When using air filtration cartridges, make certain to follow manufacturer guidelines for replacement schedule.

OSHA requires employers to have a Respiratory Protection Program for employees required to wear respiratory protection.

OSHA Approved Program Must Feature:

• Respirator Selection
• Respirator Maintenance
• Annual Fit Test
• Medical Surveillance
• Annual Training

Additional OSHA Resources:

• Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Revised Respiratory Protection Standard

• ‍Spray Polyurethane Foam Chemical Health and Safety Training
• CPI Education Center