Sprayfoam Pro Newswire

 

 

Due to shortages cause by the COVID-19 pandemic, coveralls, (often referred to as Tyvek suits) used in many aspects of our trade are in short supply with long lead times. Below are some options to be used during these shortages. Working with the SPFA, ICAA, American Chemistry Council’s Center for the Polyurethanes Industry and our manufacturers, we have come up with some guidelines to help navigate through these times. Once the crisis is over and suits become available it may be prudent to replenish your supplies and build a stockpile to be prepared for a possible relapse. It is important to remember; these items have expirations dates so rotating stock may be necessary.

• Heavy, which is usually lined with a PVC material, is tough, lasts longer and is good when handing liquid chemical but is not very breathable. Best used when working with Spray Foam in crawl spaces, attics and wall assembles as well as around the liquid chemicals in the truck.
• Medium, which may have a small amount of PVC. This suit is much more breathable and is ok for small liquid chemical spills. It is often the preferred option for Spray Foam installers. It is used for attics, walls and minimal use around chemicals in the truck.
• Light, which is very breathable but will rip/tear easily. This is often used by Roofers, Waters Proofers, Fiberglass and Cellulose installers as well as some Spray Foam installers. With Spray Foam It is best used in areas where the installer is standing and does not require them to have any part of their torso come in contact with the ground. It is NOT Recommended for crawl spaces or attics because of its resistance to durability. If an installer is working on equipment, cleaning their gun or transferring chemical or drum pumps a chemical resistant apron with TYVEK sleeves MUST be worn in conjunction with the light weight suit.
Currently Heavy and Medium weight suits are very difficult to find. Lightweight suits are still available.

 

 

• If your location still has heavy/medium weight suits, save them for the Spray Foam installer to use in attics, crawlspaces and around the liquid chemical. If they use them around liquid chemical and do not get them dirty, have them wear them more than once. Suits should be hung up to dry and aired out after use. As soon as a suit is damaged it should be thrown away.   Fiberglass, Cellulose, Roofers and Water Proofers should use lightweight suits.
• Ventilation is Mandatory and should always be used during spray foam application regardless of suit weight. If a lightweight suit is going to be used by a Spray Foam installer High Flow Ventilation fans MUST be used. Depending on the size of the work area, a minimum of one fan bringing air into the work area and one bringing air out of the work area should be used. (See Tech Corner Document Attached). Open windows and low flow house fans are not considered adequate ventilation.
• It is a good practice when wearing a medium weight suit and mandatory when wearing a lightweight suit to wear a chemical resistant apron and Tyvek sleeves when working with raw chemical. This would include, working on equipment such as hoses, reactor, drum pumps and guns as well as transferring chemical from one drum to another or transferring drum pumps from on drum to another.
• There should never be exposed skin when wearing a chemical suit and working with spray foam.

Examples of suits for MDI exposure provided by the American Chemical Council here: https://www.spraypolyurethane.org/personal-protective-equipment-ppe/#protective-clothing
Please reach out to your risk manager if you have further questions.