SPFA to Elect New Board Members
This is an election year for the SPFA Board of Directors. Nominations will go out in April to the membership. Any member in good standing may self-nominate or nominate any other member that is also in good-standing. The nomination process will close and the election ballots will go out electronically, with the election concluding in May 2014. The new Board of Directors will be seated on July 1, 2014 for their two-year term. If interested in serving on the SPFA Board, please watch for the nomination and election forms in your email, or access them once available in the member-only section of the SPFA website.
SPF Article by Rick Duncan Appears in Roofing Contractor
SPFA Finishes Environmental Product Declaration for SPF 
As a continuing step toward effective product and environmental stewardship, SPFA and Underwriters Laboratory Environment (ULe) conducted the necessary steps to complete an SPF Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which further validates the 2012 release of the SPF Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This Declaration, along with the LCA, are recognized by sustainability experts as additional verification of a product’s environmental performance. The EPD is maintained on the ULe website, available at www.sprayfoam.org/technical. The LCA is available there, as well.
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Source: huntsman.com
"The Code of Conduct shows an important and continuous commitment to product stewardship that benefits the entire SPF value chain, as well as everyone in the built environment," said Lee Salamone, Senior Director, Center for Polyurethanes. The use of SPF continues to grow, and is one of the most effective tools to efficiently air seal and insulate residential and commercial buildings. The signatories, SFC members that manufacture SPF systems, promote worker and public health and safety with respect to their SPF products, which include the chemicals that react to make SPF and the final SPF materials."
The SFC Code of Conduct is the first of its kind and includes commitments to leadership, hazard communication, applicator training, education and research.
"Internally, as well as externally, Huntsman Polyurethanes strives to maintain a culture of product safety and product stewardship," said Steve Burns, Vice President, Americas, Huntsman Polyurethanes. "This shows in the way we manage the manufacture, sale and handling of our products for the SPF industry. Supporting the new SFC Code of Conduct is a natural extension of our strong commitment to the market and to our product stewardship principles."
Examples of best practices outlined in the SFC Code of Conduct include:
- Providing customers with appropriate health and safety information specific to each product;
- Supporting and encouraging professional SPF contractors to seek professional certification; and
- Encouraging innovation through research in building sciences, new products and technologies.
The SFC Code of Conduct will be reviewed at least annually to ensure the code remains an up-to-date reference for members.
Source: bpi.org
BPI understands that educating homeowners is critical to the future of the home performance industry. That's why consumer outreach has become one of BPI's most important efforts this year.
In April, BPI will participate in the 3rd USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo and Book Fair in Washington, D.C. BPI will showcase the science involved in using infrared camera equipment to understand house as a system building science. BPI will educate visitors on the value of BPI credentialed contractors and the quality of the BPI brand.
>>House GOP Pushes Toxic Chemicals Reform
Source: thehill.com / Megan R. Wilson and Tim Devaney
House Republicans are moving forward with a plan to reform decades-old chemical laws. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) introduced a discussion draft that he says would strengthen chemical protections by, among other provisions, requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to focus on high-priority chemicals that pose the greatest risk to the public.
"The vast majority of chemicals are low priority, and we really want to free up the time and energy to focus on the more important chemicals," said Shimkus, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee that is working to update chemical standards.
It is part of a longtime effort to reform the Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TSCA) from 1976, initially spearheaded by the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.).
- ACC Welcomes Draft House Legislation to Update TSCA: American Chemistry Council (ACC) President & CEO Cal Dooley issued the following statement in response to Congressman John Shimkus’ release of a discussion draft of the Chemicals in Commerce Act of 2014, a bill to update the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Source: nahb.org
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released the results of a new study, What Home Buyers Really Want: Ethnic Preferences. The latest release from NAHB’s publishing arm, BuilderBooks is a further analysis of the 2013 study, What Home Buyers Really Want, which presented preferences of all home buyers combined. This new study compares and contrasts how housing preferences are affected by the racial or ethnic background of a home buyer, after controlling for factors such as age and income.
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 >>OSHA NEP Letter to SPFA
In late
October 2013 SPFA received a letter from OSHA Director Dr. Michaels referencing
the 2013-released OSHA National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Isocyanates, which is
available on the SPFA website: http://bit.ly/1iUOmBA. In the letter Dr.
Michaels requested that SPFA work to inform the SPF industry and SPFA members
of the tenets contained in the NEP. After four focused years of involvement,
SPFA continues to work on the members’ behalf with federal representatives to
develop and deliver practical, meaningful guidance leading to increased
contractor and customer safety, high performing installations, and compliance
with regulations. For more information on the NEP visit SPFA’s website under Health & Safety or attend the 2014 Convention session.
Source: polyurethane.americanchemistry.com
CPI released an updated Guidance for Developing a Written Respiratory Protection Program. This document provides regulatory background and a model respiratory program that addresses OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Program Standard (29 CFR ยง1910.134) which applies to all respirator use in general industry and construction workplaces. The program provides guidance on appropriate respirators, respirator use, storage, fit and evaluation.
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The Spring 2014 issue of SPRAYFOAM Professional has been mailed and should be in your mailboxes shortly. However, the digital version is already accessible online. Some enhanced features in the digital version include:
>>Search for specific keywords or phrases.
>>Flag favorite articles.
>>Make notes in the margins.
>>Connect with vendors quickly and easily.
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The attendance at the 2014 SprayFoam Conference & Expo was fantastic. As the rest of the country built igloos and bundled up, attendees enjoyed 80-degree, sunny skies in beautiful Palm Springs. The conference was the highest-attended West Coast show, and had a record number of booths (92) as well as a record number of large booths: (7) 20x20s and (1) 20x40.
As can be seen here at the packed General Session, there were a lot of contractors, manufacturers and applicators interested in what's new in the SPF industry. They were not disappointed in what the expo offered, as far as training, updates on new products, networking, learning and testing.
During SprayFoam 2014, the winners of the SPFA National Industry Excellence Awards were announced. More details on the winners and their projects will be covered in upcoming issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional, but here are the results:
Commercial Wall Foam Winner: Domestic Insulation
Commercial Wall Foam Runner-Up: Biofoam Inc.
Residential Wall Foam Winner: PROFOAM of Tennessee
Residential Wall Foam Runner-Up: Jag Construction Inc.
Roof Foam Less Than 40,000 sq. ft. Winner: PROFOAM of Tennessee
Roof Foam Less Than 40,000 sq. ft. Runner-Up: Honeywell Building Envelope Solutions
Roof Foam Greater Than 40,000 sq. ft. Winner: Arizona Foam & Spray
Roof Foam Greater Than 40,000 sq. ft. Runner-Up: West Roofing Systems, Inc.
Specialty Applications Winner: West Roofing Systems, Inc.
Specialty Applications Runner-Up: Polyseal Insulation LLC
>>Break-Out Sessions
If you were not able to attend SPFA's 2014 SprayFoam Convention & Expo, be sure to stay tuned. Speakers at the highest-attended break-out sessions will be summarizing some of their material in upcoming issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional. Also, many of the slides from the presentations are available here.
Be sure to check out some of the photos from SprayFoam 2014 and see if our photographer saw you! Some images from SprayFoam 2014 are posted at the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) Facebook site.
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>>SPFA Publishes Membership Brochure
Available on the SPFA website, the brochure highlights some of the various benefits of membership and activities of the organization as it pursues its mission to represent SPF professionals in areas of technical and environmental leadership, government advocacy, professional certification, industry promotion and outreach, and delivery of a world-class convention and expo. Please check out the brochure if you have been considering joining SPFA and support our mission to serve you. For more information or to access the application to join, please click here.
>>SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide
Members in good standing are listed in this publication, which was mailed to members in September. This directory is also available in a digital format here. The convenient digital format allows users to navigate and access the directory's content quickly and easily, on the road or in the office. Use the information provided to contact fellow SPFA members and industry partners throughout the year to share ideas, ask questions, or just stay in touch.
>>SPFA Member Benefits
SPFA knows there are lots of organizations out there that would like to have you in their membership. But if you are in, or getting into, the sprayfoam business, we are the place for you. We work hard to represent you well and give you value back for your support. Click here to find out more.
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>>SPFA PCP Supplier Company Accreditation
The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) announcde the launch of the SPFA PCP Supplier Company Accreditation at the SprayFoam 2014 Convention.
By definition, an SPFA PCP Accredited Suppler is a Company that has met criteria of the certification scheme for Accreditation. A Supplier is any company who provides materials, equipment or services to the SPF industry.
The SPF Supplier Company Accreditation Handbook outlines the criteria in detail.
Here is a recap:
1. Supplier offered Training Programs for Contractors
2. Supplier Personnel Requirements
a. Certified Supplier Representative(s)
b. Liaison
c. Written Examiner(s)
d. Field Examiner(s)
3. Best Practices/Risk Management Program Verification
4. Supplier offered Written Exam(s) and Field Exam(s)
Companies that operate using good business practices can easily meet most of this criteria and just need to have the appropriate personnel become SPFA PCP Certified and develop a program to offer SPFA PCP Written and Field exams to meet the other criteria.
Please carefully review the Company Personnel section in the Handbook to help you know which and how many of your personnel need to be SPFA PCP Certified individuals to meet this criteria.
>>SPFA PCP Updates from SprayFoam 2014
1) Contractor Company Accreditation
2) Supplier Company Accreditation
3) Supplier Representative Certification
In addition to the launch of Phase II, the work of the first phase continued with the completion of 235 exams at the 2014 SprayFoam Convention & Expo. This brings the grand total to 1,324 PCP exams taken to date and the program hasn’t even marked it first anniversary yet! Currently, 197 SPFA PCP Certifications have been issued and the number continues to grow!
A total of 31 Field Examinations were conducted in Roofing and Insulation, hosted by Western Pacific Roofing. Ron Winkle of Western Pacific Roofing is a big supporter of the SPFA and the Professional Certification Program. "It confirms applicators' safety and quality installations." This three-day event served three purposes:
1) Candidates for Master Installer Certification were able to fulfill the Field Exam requirement.
2) Field Examiners in Training were able to see how Field Exams were conducted and to fulfill their obligation to observe and/or be mentored prior to conducting Field Exams on their own.
3) Observers were able to view the Field Exam process and over 120 people chose to do so. These observers represented governmental agencies, sponsors, suppliers who will be hosting in the future, international attendees and Field Examiners in training.
The PCP also conducted eight Examination Preparatory Classes at SprayFoam 2014. To help candidates meet other criteria, the Center for Polyurethanes Institute (CPI) sponsored online course availability by setting up a computer lab where SPFA attendees could take the CPI Chemical Health and Safety course, which is required for all PCP Certifications. We also offered CPR/First Aid Training on site at the Convention Center to help PCP participants meet this criteria.
The only complaint we heard was there was so much to do and so little time! To help alleviate this concern, please remember that suppliers are now making Exam Prep Courses, Written Exams and Field Exams available on a regular basis. Check the website at www.sprayfoam.org for current listing of upcoming PCP events.
To find out more about the program, enroll, register for a test, or get set up for one of the upcoming testing locations, email admin@spfapcp.org or call (866) 222-5000 and simply state what you want to do.
>>SPFA PCP Exam Preparatory Course, Written Examinations and Field Examinations
>>SFC Supports New SPFA Professional Certification Program 
The Spray Foam Coalition (SFC) of the American Chemistry Council recently released a document outlining the benefits of SPFA's Professional Certification Program (PCP). The Coalition strongly supports this program that will continue to expand the ongoing efforts of the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) industry to create the highest standards of quality and professionalism for its customers.
"The SPF industry has for many years and will continue to support the safe and appropriate use of SPF," said SFC Senior Director Lee Salamone. "SPFA has created a first-rate certification program to continually raise the bar on safety, performance, quality and professionalism among SPF industry professionals and help give building owners confidence when choosing an SPF applicator."
SPFA launched its new Professional Certification Program at the 2013 SprayFoam Convention & Expo. The program was developed in compliance with the ANSI/ISO 17024 standard.
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>>RESNET Calls for Comments on Proposed CAZ Testing Standards Removal
Deadline: March 12, 2014
Source: bpi.org
BPI encourages all industry stakeholders to provide their valuable input on these important standards revisions
RESNET is calling for public comments on its revisions of the RESNET CO and CAZ Depressurization Testing Standard. If adopted RESNET would amend its standard to remove CO testing and CAZ depressurization testing protocols. Instead RESNET proposes to point to ANSI/ACCA 12 QH, Appendix A, which is currently undergoing an ANSI public comment process.
If the amendment is adopted, RESNET will supply ACCA with Sections 807 and 808 of Addendum 2 as a proposed amendment to their ANSI Standard Protocols for CO Testing and Depressurization Test of the Combustion Appliance Zone. That document, together with the proposal from the CAZ Working Group comprised of ACCA, American Gas Association, and other stakeholders, would provide ACCA with input into their ANSI Standard.
While ACCA's Standard 12 does point to BPI standards with respect to CO and CAZ depressurization testing, RESNET's press release states that RESNET will continue to require the CAZ and Work Scope academic exam and the CAZ simulator exam for certification for all Rating Field Inspectors, Raters, Trainers, and Quality Assurance Designees.
Please note that the RESNET academic exam cited above is a simulation based exam that has proven to be very good as a diagnostic reasoning exam; however, it does not require the skills and abilities competency field exam with the diagnostic equipment that is required under BPI certification.
Public comments on the proposed amendment will be accepted until Wednesday, March 12, 2014.
After the comment period, the RESNET Standards Development Committee will consider and document each of the comments submitted and make appropriate changes. The revised proposed amendments then will be submitted to the RESNET Board for adoption.
>>Comments on OMB Proposed Update of Circular A-119 Are Due May 12
Source: nibs.org
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a proposed updated version of OMB Circular A-119, "Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities," for public inspection and comment. The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), of which NIBS is a member, strongly encourage representatives of standards developing organizations (SDOs), industry, academia, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders to review the proposed draft, which is expected to have a significant impact on future U.S. government use of privately developed voluntary consensus standards.
The current version of Circular A-119, which was last revised by the OMB in 1998, and the associated National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) of 1995 jointly serve to direct U.S. federal agencies to consider the use of private-sector-developed standards in lieu of government-unique standards whenever possible. The proposed changes focus on numerous topics, including the use of voluntary consensus standards in federal regulations, incorporation by reference and intellectual property rights, and government participation in standards development activities, among many other issues. Comments are due May 12. Read the ANSI release. View the Federal Register.
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Source: nibs.org
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a proposed updated version of OMB Circular A-119, "Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities," for public inspection and comment. The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), of which NIBS is a member, strongly encourage representatives of standards developing organizations (SDOs), industry, academia, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders to review the proposed draft, which is expected to have a significant impact on future U.S. government use of privately developed voluntary consensus standards.
The current version of Circular A-119, which was last revised by the OMB in 1998, and the associated National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) of 1995 jointly serve to direct U.S. federal agencies to consider the use of private-sector-developed standards in lieu of government-unique standards whenever possible. The proposed changes focus on numerous topics, including the use of voluntary consensus standards in federal regulations, incorporation by reference and intellectual property rights, and government participation in standards development activities, among many other issues. Comments are due May 12. Read the ANSI release. View the Federal Register.
>>Spray Polyurethane Foam Design Guidance: Insulation and Air Barrier Requirements of the 2012 I-Codes Source: americanchemistry.com
provides building designers with easy-to-use information about spray polyurethane foam (SPF) for use as wall and roof insulation and as an air barrier. Air barrier information and R-value requirements for commercial and residential buildings complying with the 2012 IECC and 2012 IgCC are provided. (booklet version)
>>The Building Codes Assistance Project Updates on Building Energy Codes
Source: energycodesocean.org
BCAP Newsletters are quarterly summaries of what's been happening at the Building Codes Assistance Project and building energy code progress around the nation. To access the full archive, click here. Here are some of the recent alerts from the BCAP Code Alerts released released weekly by the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) and its website, the Online Code Environment & Advocacy Network (OCEAN). Code Alert Bulletins are designed to share information and support timely participation in state and local activities related to the adoption and implementation of building energy codes. The bulletins highlight immediate opportunities to influence state and local policy outcomes, indicate code status, and recommend contacts for action. If you know of activity that should be on this bulletin or would like to sign up for this bulletin, contact Matt Kerns at (202) 530-2252 or mkerns@ase.org.
>>Sample alerts recently posted:
ICC Code Book Survey
Alert Status: In order to make a case to DOE for funding to provide IECC or combo IECC/90.1 codebooks to code officials, ICC needs to hear about specific states or jurisdictions that would benefit from a free download program. Cases might include:
1. Jurisdictions with budget issues, that do not allow purchase for all code officials/inspectors;
2. Jurisdictions that need copies to provide outreach to builders/contractors;
3. Jurisdictions that are not moving ahead with adoption, due to the expense of books/training on the 2012 IECC. There may be other situations as well.
Please send details on specific jurisdictions, including a name and contact info for someone in/at the jurisdiction, to dkarmol@iccsafe.org.
ICC requests that all information be sent by early April.
Action: Please submit information to Dave Karmol of ICC.
New Jersey
Alert Status: On February 25, Assembly Bill 2749 was introduced and referred to the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee. This bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt an energy inspection code to be used by licensed home inspectors in the preparation of an energy analysis for a house inspected for a buyer in contemplation of its purchase. Each report must include an energy analysis for the home, prepared in accordance with the energy inspection code adopted by the Commissioner of Community Affairs.
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Director of Sales – Industrial Building Materials
Convenience Products is a leader in providing one- and two-component polyurethane foams, adhesives and sealants to a variety of industries, including electrical, plumbing, insulation, weatherization, manufactured housing, LBM and underground mining. The growth of this business requires a professional sales leader.
The individual will report to the Vice President of Sales and will also be responsible for our Private Label business and will directly call on Private Label accounts. Other responsibilities will include:
>>Working with the VP to set strategy, pricing and forecasting while working with Marketing, R&D and overseeing the work of 4-5 Regional Sales Managers on new products, promotions and sales calls.
>>Visiting current and potential commercial customers to demonstrate and promote Convenience Products and negotiate terms and prices of sale.
>>Preparing presentations, quotes, correspondence and proposals to present to current and potential customers.
College degree or equivalent required along with 10+ years field sales experience, with particular emphasis in the IBM industry. Direct experience working in traditional Convenience Products market arenas such as technical services, marketing or field sales is a plus. Building materials experience is a must, with "hands-on" experience in product usage and demonstrations. Experience in "cold storage" sales would be a plus, but not necessary. Position is located in St. Louis, MO. Required travel of up to 50%.
We offer a full benefits package including relocation and competitive starting base salary plus incentives.
Convenience Products
866 Horan Drive
St. Louis, MO 63026
Attn: Human Resources
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