Even with effective engineering controls, personnel who work with SPF chemicals still need to wear appropriate PPE. Although not exhaustive, the information provided in this section may complement information contained within your company’s safety program, as well as the SDS. An SDS is an important source of safety and handling information for a product.
Generally, PPE is required for applicators, helpers, and other adjacent workers who may enter a spray foam application work area. However, keep in mind that formulations of SPF may vary, particularly with respect to B-side chemicals. Contact your supplier for more detailed information regarding reentry time for workers or reoccupancy time for residents or others. Implement appropriate work area restrictions (signs or tape) to limit entry into the spray enclosure or spray area to personnel wearing proper PPE until the level of airborne concentrations of chemical substances is below the applicable occupational exposure limits.
It is critical to avoid inhalation of, and skin and eye contact with, SPF chemicals. A PPE evaluation prior to beginning work is a useful tool to determine the appropriate PPE for the job. The effectiveness of PPE depends on both proper selection and proper use. It is important for workers to understand what PPE is needed; how to put on, operate, and take off the equipment; and how to maintain and/or dispose of the equipment.
SPF Application
When applying SPF, applicators and helpers can be instrumental in helping to reduce the potential risk of exposure to SPF chemicals for occupants and other trade workers at the worksite. The work area should be appropriately restricted to personnel who are required to be in the work area due to their job responsibilities, have completed the required training, and who are properly using the required PPE.
Generally, appropriate PPE for high-pressure applications includes, at a minimum, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, eye and face protection, and respiratory protection. The specific types of PPE may vary depending on the conditions at the job site. This chart lists the PPE guidance for different SPF applications by product type.
PPE Evaluation
PPE evaluations are conducted to determine the appropriate type of PPE needed for a job task, depending on the conditions at the worksite. Consider the following when selecting PPE for a job task:
- Location of the job tasks, such as outdoors vs. indoors, whether the work will take place in an enclosed space, the type of ventilation available, and the ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and wind direction, if applicable.
- Potential for inhalation exposure or eye or skin contact with SPF chemicals based on the job tasks.
- The quality of SPF chemicals applied and the delivery method.
- The type of work being conducted and the potential for wear and tear on the PPE.
- Characteristics of the PPE that may affect the wearer’s ability to complete a task such as gloves that permit dexterity and respiratory protection that allows adequate peripheral vision.
- Wearer acceptance — PPE that does not fit the user may not provide sufficient protection. In addition, if an individual does not like the PPE, they may be less likely to use it when needed.
Air Monitoring
Air monitoring is one way to evaluate the potential for inhalation exposure to SPF chemicals. Air samples may be collected at specific time intervals during application and after spray application has ceased. These data are helpful in determining when it is safe to enter the enclosure or spray area. An environmental health and safety professional can help develop a sampling strategy for contractors that would like to explore the use of this tool.
A-Side and B-Side Chemicals
When working with SPF chemicals, respiratory protection is usually needed due to the relatively low occupational exposure limit for A-side chemicals, as well as the potential for exposure to B-side chemicals, coatings, and solvents.