During the handling, processing and application of Icynene® spray foam products, exposure to chemicals, particularly MDI, may cause a range of adverse health effects including irritation and sensitization. Short or long-term exposure to MDI can affect the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Chronic skin exposure can lead to skin irritation and/or sensitization, and may cause respiratory sensitization.
Given the clear potential for exposure to MDI during application of Icynene® spray foam products and the related potential health risks, it is extremely important that exposure controls are implemented for the protection of worker(s) and others on the jobsite.
Recommendations on how to safely install
ICYNENE® Spray Foam Products on the Jobsite
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Respiratory Protection
Handling
When handling the liquid components (Components A&B and the solvent), it is essential that at a minimum workers wear properly fit-tested NIOSH approved Air Purifying Respirators (APR).
Spraying
Sprayers and Helpers must always wear Supplied-Air Respirators (SAR) with full-face protection (hood or full- face piece type) when spraying.
Protective Clothing
Handling and Spraying
Sprayers and Helpers must always wear chemically resistant gloves and full body protection to prevent skin contact. There should be no skin exposed during the handling, processing or application of Icynene® spray foam products.
WORK ZONES
Establish a work zone (a distance around the immediate spray area) that restricts the entry of workers/individuals (including other trades) not wearing the prescribed PPE to 25 feet (8 meters) for both indoor and outdoor spraying. It is recommended that the area be cordoned off (i.e. with tape or barriers) and
warning signage be posted.
WORK PRACTICES
Ventilation
-Wherever possible, seal off the spray area (open ducts and penetrations should be sealed off in the spray area).
-Utilize mechanical exhaust ventilation independent of the HVAC system (furnace, air conditioning, etc.) such as fans ensuring exhaust to the outside. Your ventilation equipment should be running during and after the
installation process to minimize the build up of vapors.
-In jobsites where HVAC systems are in place and operational (i.e. retrofit applications), ensure that they are turned off before, during and a minimum of 24 hours after spraying.
-Sprayers and Helpers should position themselves upwind of the spray stream as much as possible for outdoor application. For indoor applications, there is usually a natural air flow direction that should be noted and taken into consideration especially when directing other trades to clear the area.
CLEARANCE TIMES
Another aspect of exposure management is when to allow re-entry of unprotected workers, individuals and occupants to the spray area.
Updated July 29, 2010
Technical Bulletin
New Construction Applications
In general, MDI exposure studies indicate that in well ventilated new construction jobsites, 120 minutes is sufficient waiting time for re-entry of unprotected workers. Please note that these guidelines were formed from the findings of numerous studies demonstrating MDI concentration levels were well below the exposure
limits within these time frames. Please note that clearance times with indoor spraying are highly dependent
on ventilation and jobsite conditions. In cases where ventilation is limited, a minimum waiting time of 24 hours and constant mechanical ventilation that allows for exhaust to the outside will be necessary.
Please note that full PPE as described above must be worn by both the Sprayer and Helper for the minimum of 120 minutes for all work activities following spraying.
Retrofit Applications
With respect to clearance times with indoor spraying in retrofit applications where ventilation is limited, especially in confined spaces (i.e. attic and crawlspace), a minimum waiting time of 24 hours and constant mechanical ventilation that allows for exhaust to the outside will be necessary.
Consult the Icynene Technical Service team for more information.
Since Icynene Inc. cannot foresee the application for which the product was intended, nor the conditions of application, the Icynene Licensed Dealer must assume full responsibility for the exposure control and management protocol implemented on the jobsite.
This document is intended to provide basic guidelines on MDI Exposure Management. For more comprehensive information, please refer to a paper entitled The Current MDI Industrial Hygiene Data on Spray Foam, by Mark Spence, commissioned by the American Chemistry Council’s Center for the Polyurethane industry (available on Icynene’s Foam Booth) OR visit
ACC Center for the Polyurethanes Industry
www.americanchemistry.com/polyurethane
SPF Health and Safety
www.spraypolyurethane.com
Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance
www.sprayfoam.org
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
www.osha.gov
National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health
www.cdc.gov/niosh
