• Proper Storage is important before and during the use of spray foam materials. Improper storage and conditions can make the components unusable.
• When materials arrive at either a warehouse or jobsite the first concern is the temperature of the materials throughout the entire drum.
• Materials not immediately needed should be stored in an area with tempera-tures maintained between 50°F and 90°F. This material will require conditioning to a minimum of 65°F prior to use.
• Keep the A-side and the B-side drums dry and at the suggested temperatures.
• Storage temperature should be around 70 degrees F. minimum of 48 Hours be-fore use.
• It is important to maintain a tight seal on MDI A-side containers, to protect against moisture or direct contact with water.
• Open the B-side Drum Slowly to help release any built-up pressure, especially with closed cell products. This is due to the presence of Blowing Agent, which can ex-pand if the drum is exposed to high temperatures.
• Using drum blankets, floor heat or potentially band heaters to bring the materi-al up to temperature more rapidly.
• Storing Material in a warm area to raise the material temperature may take up to 4 days depending on the temperature of the material and the ambient temperature in the storage area.
• The exterior temperature of the drum is not an accurate indication of the core temperature of the material in the drum. This temperature should be measured using a long temperature probe and not an infrared gun.
• Heating with Band style heaters results in more concentrated areas of heat on the exterior of the drum. Mixing or agitation is highly recommended when using this type of heating to minimize hot and cold spots throughout the drum.
• Long term storage of both the A-side and the B-side material should be between 65-85 degrees F.

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:

Before using any SPF product, read and understand the entire MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for the material. The MSDS contains very important information about the product, including the chemical constituents and the approximate concentrations; potential health effects; appropriate PPE for the job; first aid measures; information on how to handle accidental releases; and information on stor-age, handling, transportation, and disposal. It is an OSHA requirement to make MSDSs readily accessible at a jobsite.

• Follow instructions on the product label: Read and follow all instructions on the product label carefully.
• Provide ventilation: Provide plenty of ventilation to avoid breathing vapors and mist until the foam has hardened.
• Wear appropriate protective gear: It is important that you wear protective gear, often referred to as “personal protective equipment” (PPE), when applying insulating foam sealant.
• Wear the clothing and eye protection such as safety glasses or goggles, full-coverage clothing, e.g., long sleeves, and gloves. Avoid getting foam on your skin or in your hair. (The foam is highly adhesive and very difficult to remove).

• PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Spraying of polyurethane foam results in the atomizing of the components to a fine mist. Inhalation and exposure to the atomized droplets must be avoided. Applicators must use personal protective equipment recommended by the Center for Polyurethanes Industry for use in high pressure spray foam application. Precautions include:

• Full Face Mask or hood with fresh air source.
• SAFETY GOGGLES: Eye Protection Helps Prevent, Splashes of chemicals, Over-spray Aerosols and particulates present in spraying, sanding, and grinding operations
• CLOTHING (FABRIC COVERALLS): Disposable coveralls are typically worn to keep spray foam mist from contacting the employee’s skin and personal clothing.
• GLOVES: Nitrile, neoprene, butyl, or PVC gloves generally provide adequate protection against. Fabric cloves coated in these materials provide the best protection when spraying or handling hoses due to heat associated with the spray foam process.