Whether you’re using a DIY kit or a professional-grade foam machine, every spray foam user needs to wear the proper safety equipment. There are many parts to the spray foam personal protective equipment (PPE) safety wardrobe, so it can be helpful to use a checklist to ensure you don’t forget any pieces. Here is a complete list of the 10 safety accessories all spray foam users need before an application job. Use this list to evaluate your PPE supplies and promote safe spray foam jobs.
Safety Equipment Evaluation
Before completing any type of spray foam application, a contractor should always start by evaluating their safety equipment and its quality. You should never perform a spray foam job without having all the proper safety equipment and checking its condition. Keep reading to find the list of 10 safety equipment supplies you’ll need. Once you have these items, inspect them for any signs of wear and tear, damage, and defects. Replace any faulty equipment immediately and delay your installation jobs until you have the proper equipment.
Air Monitoring Equipment
Once you’ve assessed your equipment, you can proceed to evaluate the quality of the spray location. Air monitoring is a crucial step of the assessment process. You’ll need air quality sensors and controls that provide readings on humidity, ventilation, and other air quality metrics. Contractors should know to avoid applying foam in areas with poor ventilation or high humidity. These readings can help assess your surroundings and promote a safe working environment.
Caution Tape/Signs
Another preparatory step before applying insulation is to mark off the target areas. This is especially important when spraying high-traffic areas such as businesses and other commercial venues. Contractors have the necessary protective gear to prevent contact with foam chemicals, but the average passerby will not. Use caution tape and signage to restrict access to areas with fresh foam. You should only remove these restrictive materials once the spray foam cures and air quality returns to normal in this area.
Protective Suits
Whether you’re a beginner spray foam contractor or an experienced professional, you’ve likely seen the protective body suits all insulation contractors wear on the job. These protective suits are one of the most crucial pieces of spray foam PPE because they provide a barrier between the contractor’s body, arms, legs, and face and the airborne spray foam materials. Contact with spray foam chemicals can cause skin irritation or more serious injuries, which is why protective suits are crucial.
Eye and Face Protective Accessories
Some bodysuits have detachable hoods and head coverings, so you’ll also need face and eye protection. Face shields and hoods are some of the most common accessories for facial protection when applying foam. When you’re transporting or mixing liquid chemical materials, it’s necessary to wear protective goggles to prevent the chemicals from contacting your eyes.
Protective Gloves
Safety gloves are usually worn over the bodysuit to provide extra protection for your hands and keep them mobile. Applying spray foam takes a lot of coordination, so it’s helpful to have a full range of movement with your hands, which protective gloves can provide. Just make sure to select corrosion and chemical-resistant gloves that can stand up to chemical mixing and spray foam application.
Air-Purifying Respirators
Foam contractors use respirator machines to promote clean and healthy breathing conditions on the spray foam job site. Once you mix spray foam chemicals and they become airborne through the spray foam applicator, they are easier to inhale, which can cause severe damage to your respiratory system. Always use a respirator mask, machine, or hood in combination with your bodysuit to promote clean and clear breathing conditions.
Chemical-Resistant Boots/Booties
To finish your spray foam safety ensemble, don’t forget to cover your footwear with chemical-resistant boots or booties. Manufacturers create specialty shoe covers that protect your shoes and feet from corrosive chemicals and spray foam contact. These coverings help protect your feet from chemical splashes or airborne foam deposits.
Eyewash Station
Eyewash stations are critical to have nearby on the spray foam job site. If an accident happens and the foam spray catches you without your protective eyewear, it could cause severe eye injuries or damage. In case of chemical-to-eye contact, you should always have an eyewash station prepared with your safety supplies. For most spray foam contractors, you can keep a station in your spray foam rig or carry a portable station to your job sites.
First-Aid Kit
A first-aid kit is another safety accessory you can store within your spray foam rig. In fact, many spray foam rigs come with first-aid kits and other safety equipment included. These kits are essential to have on-site in case of common injuries such as cuts, burns, and spray foam exposure. Ensure that your first-aid kit contains all the vital supplies, such as bandages, wraps, ointments (disinfectants and burn ointments), disposable gloves, cotton balls, sterile instruments, and a manual. These will help you patch up non-serious injuries as soon as possible to speed up the healing process.
Fire Extinguisher
Finally, when working with any flammable materials and heating systems, it’s crucial to have a fire extinguisher on hand. You can’t always guarantee that your client will keep a fire extinguisher at the spray location, so you should always carry one in your spray foam rig. Spray foam chemicals are flammable, especially before mixing, and the heating systems involved can all pose fire risks, which is why fire extinguishers are necessary for a spray foam contractor’s safety equipment collection.
Where to Find Spray Foam Safety Gear
Missing or faulty safety equipment can cause you to delay your spray foam jobs, so it’s helpful to keep some materials stocked in your supply. If you’re looking for safety equipment and PPE, you can find a variety of items at Spray Foam Systems. We carry a wide range of spray foam insulation supplies, including safety gear and replacements.
Ensure that you have all 10 safety accessories every spray foam user needs before your next application job. You should have enough of the above equipment to service any assistants or helpers you may have on the job as well. Whether you’re looking for duplicates to offer assistants or to replace your old equipment, browse our selection of safety accessories at Spray Foam Systems. We offer everything you need for a safe and successful spray foam installation.
