When it comes to sprayfoam, you should always be equipped with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure your safety. Although safe once set, sprayfoam can be very harmful during installation due to the chemical makeup. Sprayfoam may cause eye, skin, and/or respiratory irritation. Be sure to cover all bare skin, even using tape to enclose areas around the wrists and ankles. Using a full-face mask or hooded respirator will help you breathe clean air and reduce the risk of eye and respiratory irritation.
What Equipment Should You Have?
- Gloves
- Nitrile Exam Gloves
- Battle Fit, Hi-Vis Yellow, Nitrile Palm Coated Gloves
- Suit
- SAS Moonsuit
- AFCAT Catsuit
- AFCAT Breathable Coveralls
- Head Sock
- Fresh Air System
- 3M Versaflo Heavy Industry PAPR Kit
- 3M Versaflo Organic Vapor/Acid Gas/HEPA Cartridge
- Mask Respirators & Filters
- 3M Full Respirator Mask
- 3M Vapor Cartridge/P100 Filter
- Honeywell 5400 Series Full Facepiece
- Honeywell Combo Organic Vapor + P100 Particulate Filter Cartridge
In addition, always be sure to cover your feet and ankles as well. No bare-skin exposed!
*Note: there are many other similar brands/options for the equipment listed above!
How Long Will Your Equipment Last?
- Gloves – The nitrile exam gloves are a one-time use, while the battle-fit, nitrile palm coated gloves can be used more than once.
- Suit – The Catsuits and Moonsuits are designed for multiple uses, whereas the breathable coveralls are a one-time use.
- Head Sock – Multiple uses
- Masks – All the masks that we offer at Yield One are designed for multiple uses.
- Filters –
- 3M Versaflo Organic Vapor/Acid Gas/HEPA Cart. – If you decide to purchase the 3M Versaflo PAPR Kit, the great thing is, the machine will tell you when the filter is ready to be replaced. In general, these filters will last longer than the 3M Vapor Cart. & the Honeywell brand.
- 3M Vapor Cartridge/P100 Filter & Honeywell Combo Organic Vapor + P100 Particulate Filter Cartridge – lasts 8 hours after opening package
Proper Storage of PPE
PPE supplies should be stored separate from the rig. Use separate bags for all PPE equipment including eyewear, gloves, and coveralls. Always clean, bag separately, and store your respirator or fresh air system after each use.
It is not recommended that individuals share masks and/or respirators. These products are intended to be fitted, so it’s unlikely that one mask will fit multiple people properly.
Why a Fresh Air System a Good Investment?
A fresh air mask will provide you with clean air and protection from the harmful chemicals in the sprayfoam. With proper wear and care, a mask will last years for a user. Though the filters must often be replaced, when you use a fresh air system, you create the safest working environment for yourself. These respirators are designed to filter out respiratory hazards, so the user doesn’t experience irritation. Long term exposure to the chemicals released during sprayfoam insulation can pose irreversible damage. Even one exposure can be very harmful to you. Using a fresh air system properly will decrease your risks of respiratory irritation.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, or tips in the comments below.