May 6, 2015

Breakout Sessions at Sprayfoam 2015 Are Posted Online

"We tried to build it and hoped they’d come. And they did!" said SPFA Executive Director Kurt Riesenberg during Sprayfoam 2015, which experienced record-setting numbers this year, especially in the breakout sessions. Below are outlines of some of the most highly-attended sessions, some of which (and others!) will be expanded on in future issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine. All presentations will be uploaded to the SPFA website, www.sprayfoam.org/expo.

Top 5 Sessions (per registration numbers)

1G. Temperature and Pressures: Impact on Quality and Yield
By Justin Strombeck
Among the many variables SPF contractors need to manage on the worksite, temperature and pressure are among the most important. Both impact quality of SPF and yield, the latter having an effect on your project’s timeline, materials consumption, and bottom line.

2D. Understanding the Relationship: Air, Temperature & Moisture

By Nikki Kruger

The relationship between relative humidity, air and dew point temperatures, and air movement is core to application of proper building science principles in SPF projects. The session also covered the use of a psychrometric wheel and an iPhone/Android app to experiment how these strategies will affect the conditions in the home.

2C. Closed Cell Sprayfoam: A Cost-Effective Solution

By Grant Geise

Closed cell SPF is known as a very effective home insulation option. Attendees heard about all of the benefits along with the installation considerations.

3E. OSHA and SPF: Site Protection for Foamed Plastic Installations

By Tom Kline of MASCO

OSHA released a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Isocyanates in 2013 that included requirements for respiratory protection, respiratory plans, training and enforcement through increased inspections. These requirements apply to the SPF industry. Attend this session to learn how to be safe and compliant on the job.

4C. Existing Structures: How to Address a Retrofit SPF Job

By Jim Anderson

Retrofit and renovation in residential and commercial projects for SPF have added challenges. They were built to codes and designs from many years ago and may have other cosmetic and functional problems that will impact your install.

Some additional sessions that sparked a lot of interest:

1F. SPFA’s New Model Written Safety Program

By Tyler Fiske, SPFA Board Member

Every SPF contractor business needs to have an effective respiratory protection and safety program. Not only does this require adequate record keeping, but also evidence of proper training and PPE use by employees and information helpful in the case of possible future OSHA inspections. SPFA has constructed a model SPF written safety program for members.

2E. Advanced Best Practices for Avoiding Problems in Foam Plastic Installations
By Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director

Problems are going to arise on a worksite, and awareness and solution measures are critical to dealing with them and getting back on track. Attendees heard about procedures to avoid off-ratio/off-temperature installations, including strategies for remediating each type of foam material problem, and elements of the new CPI/SFC guidance document on removal methods.

2F. CPI Update: How SPF Manufacturers Are Supporting Your Business

By Lee Salamone, Senior Director, ACC Center for the Polyurethanes Industry

The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry, a division of the American Chemistry Council and home of the Spray Foam Coalition, provided an industry update on a variety of federal and state programs that will impact your business, along with an update on SFC activities in the area of SPF training, marketing and research.

3E. OSHA and SPF: Site Protection for Foamed Plastic Installations

By Carol Hetfield

3E. OSHA and SPF: Site Protection for Foamed Plastic Installations

By Tom Kline, MASCO

4E. California Department of Toxic Substances Control

By Karl Palmer

In early 2014, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released a regulatory plan for three initial priority products, SPF among them, to undergo workshops, hearings and other steps to assess product safety and possible alternative materials. The SPF industry has been a vocal critic of the process. The SCP program has been touted as a possible model for future environmental and safety regulation across the country.

4G. Insurance for SPF Businesses

By Craig and Kirk Campbell

Having the right insurance for your sprayfoam contracting business is critical to be sure you, your employees, business, and customers are protected. Having proper insurance is also a requirement for qualification to the SPFA PCP Accredited Contractor program. Make sure your business is covered!

Contractor Only Session

SPFA Executive Director Kurt & President Denny Vandewater led open discussion in this contractor-only meeting among SPF contractor professionals voicing challenges and opportunities facing them that the association may be able to address. "Every year there is a lot to hear about due to the complexity of this growing industry, but there are always a handful of things we hear that we can address and turn into a value point for members in the next year, be it a new program, committee activity or outreach effort. It gives us the chance to hear directly from our constituents and do something to show them we are listening, and maybe we’ll be able to make the industry a little bit better place because of it."