Spray Polyurethane Foam Application: When Are Workers Safe?
Emissions data collected following spray polyurethane foam application has been used to estimate the time required for workers to safely re-enter and work without respiratory protection.
The determination of trade worker re-entry time following the application of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) in residential and commercial buildings has traditionally been estimated by SPF manufacturers. Frequently, decisions related to the time required for airborne concentrations of SPF chemical components to fall to within acceptable levels have been based on qualitative information such as comfort and odor. Other factors considered have included building volume, mechanical and natural ventilation.
The research detailed in this paper focused on the evaluation and impact of SPF emissions on healthy adults working an average of 8-10 hours per day. Emissions data collected following SPF application was used to determine chemical degradation times to estimate the time required for workers to safely re-enter and work without respiratory protection.