Spray foam insulation (SPF) is created when two chemical components come together under pressure and create polyurethane foam. In the case of SPF used for thermal insulation, after full expansion and adequate curing time, the foam becomes hard. If applied under the right conditions, the foam can expand up to 100 times the original volume. While the hardened form of SPF is non-toxic and does not emit off-gases, the substances in the tanks prior to application are hazardous.
Generally speaking, polyurethane is defined as any polymer made up of organic molecular units joined by urethane links. To create the end product (the foam), two monomers are grown through a chemical matrix in the presence of a catalyst - in this case the catalyst is pressure. Therefore, when SPF tanks are in the vicinity, it would be a good idea to exercise caution. Store tanks well away from heat sources, as temperatures in excess of 100F (38C) will cause pressurized tanks to rupture. If the climate in your area includes below freezing temperatures, do not store SPF tanks outside or in outer buildings. Any space where the ambient temperature may drop below 40F (5C) is not a good place for keeping the tanks. Keep them upright and in a place where there is no change of damage. For example, sitting the SPF tanks on the garage floor where they could be damaged by vehicles is not recommended.
Spills and overspray happen, especially for those applying SPF for the first time. Before beginning the project, read over all material provided by the manufacturer, including the Material Safety and Data Sheet (MSDS); then if a spill does occur, you know exactly how to deal with it. If a spill or leakage occurs in an enclosed area, immediately ventilate and evacuate. Only enter the space to clean up with adequate personal safety equipment, including a ventilator. It is very important to absorb the spilled substance while it is still in a liquid state. The fastest way to clean up without incurring harmful respiratory problems is in using an absorbing material that can be thrown down. Sawdust is a good choice, as is cat litter, or any other type of vermiculite based material.
When the liquid chemicals have been absorbed, collect the material in an empty garbage can and prepare to make a decontamination solution. A standard decontamination solution is comprised of the following: 90% water, 5% ammonia and 5% detergent. The volume of solution should be equal to approximately one quarter of the spilled material. Once the solution is made, add it to the spilled material in the garbage can and wait for 24 hours. Do not cover the container, as gases will need to escape. When the waiting period is over, simply dispose of the decontaminated material according to local regulations.
After completing your SPF project, it is important to properly dispose of the tanks. If there is still some material left in them, and you wish to use it at a later date, then there are certain things you will need to do. Store them according to the guidelines listed above, but also be sure to use the spray gun at least once a week. Just make a habit of spraying a small amount of SPF into a garbage can each Saturday or Sunday, and it will ensure the hoses and nozzle do not become blocked.
When it is time to dispose of the tanks, be sure to do so according to the MSDS and the manufacturer's instructions. Some SPF companies offer tank pickup at a central location so they may recycle them. Unfortunately that option is not available everywhere. If you find yourself needing to take care of their disposal yourself, begin by venting the tanks. Fully open the valves and allow all pressure to escape. Do not attempt to puncture, cut, burn or try to reuse the tanks for other materials. Once you are sure all pressure has been released, check with local community environmental guidelines about steel recycling services.
In reality the safety guidelines for SPF tanks are fairly logical. Anyone who has had or used a gas barbecue is well aware of the hazards and precautions inherent in owning a propane gas tank, so those listed above are unlikely to be a surprise. Spill containment is slightly more complicated, yet large spills are improbable as the tanks are quite secure and easy to use. To prevent such things from happening, pay close attention to the MSDS and all literature provided by the manufacturer.
Generally speaking, polyurethane is defined as any polymer made up of organic molecular units joined by urethane links. To create the end product (the foam), two monomers are grown through a chemical matrix in the presence of a catalyst - in this case the catalyst is pressure. Therefore, when SPF tanks are in the vicinity, it would be a good idea to exercise caution. Store tanks well away from heat sources, as temperatures in excess of 100F (38C) will cause pressurized tanks to rupture. If the climate in your area includes below freezing temperatures, do not store SPF tanks outside or in outer buildings. Any space where the ambient temperature may drop below 40F (5C) is not a good place for keeping the tanks. Keep them upright and in a place where there is no change of damage. For example, sitting the SPF tanks on the garage floor where they could be damaged by vehicles is not recommended.
Spills and overspray happen, especially for those applying SPF for the first time. Before beginning the project, read over all material provided by the manufacturer, including the Material Safety and Data Sheet (MSDS); then if a spill does occur, you know exactly how to deal with it. If a spill or leakage occurs in an enclosed area, immediately ventilate and evacuate. Only enter the space to clean up with adequate personal safety equipment, including a ventilator. It is very important to absorb the spilled substance while it is still in a liquid state. The fastest way to clean up without incurring harmful respiratory problems is in using an absorbing material that can be thrown down. Sawdust is a good choice, as is cat litter, or any other type of vermiculite based material.
When the liquid chemicals have been absorbed, collect the material in an empty garbage can and prepare to make a decontamination solution. A standard decontamination solution is comprised of the following: 90% water, 5% ammonia and 5% detergent. The volume of solution should be equal to approximately one quarter of the spilled material. Once the solution is made, add it to the spilled material in the garbage can and wait for 24 hours. Do not cover the container, as gases will need to escape. When the waiting period is over, simply dispose of the decontaminated material according to local regulations.
After completing your SPF project, it is important to properly dispose of the tanks. If there is still some material left in them, and you wish to use it at a later date, then there are certain things you will need to do. Store them according to the guidelines listed above, but also be sure to use the spray gun at least once a week. Just make a habit of spraying a small amount of SPF into a garbage can each Saturday or Sunday, and it will ensure the hoses and nozzle do not become blocked.
When it is time to dispose of the tanks, be sure to do so according to the MSDS and the manufacturer's instructions. Some SPF companies offer tank pickup at a central location so they may recycle them. Unfortunately that option is not available everywhere. If you find yourself needing to take care of their disposal yourself, begin by venting the tanks. Fully open the valves and allow all pressure to escape. Do not attempt to puncture, cut, burn or try to reuse the tanks for other materials. Once you are sure all pressure has been released, check with local community environmental guidelines about steel recycling services.
In reality the safety guidelines for SPF tanks are fairly logical. Anyone who has had or used a gas barbecue is well aware of the hazards and precautions inherent in owning a propane gas tank, so those listed above are unlikely to be a surprise. Spill containment is slightly more complicated, yet large spills are improbable as the tanks are quite secure and easy to use. To prevent such things from happening, pay close attention to the MSDS and all literature provided by the manufacturer.
About the Author:
Mark Munns is a representative of Spray Foam Direct. We supply quick and easy do-it-yourself foam insulation kits which will save you money and energy.Visit us online today for more information about our expanding foam insaltion!
