According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 351 of the 1,008 workplace fatalities among construction workers in 2020 were caused by falls from heights. Why then are some companies still willing to risk the lives of their employees, just to get the job done? read more
Ask any experienced spray foam applicator about respiratory safety and they will preach that having the correct protection is vital to help guard against hazards such as isocyanates. The Spray Foam Magazine Team (SFMT) spoke with Precision Foam, LLC based in Midland, Texas to ask them why they believed switching from a cartridge full mask to a supplied air respiratory system was not only crucial for safety but made great business sense too. read more
The Storm Investigation Program (SIP) leaders have sent an Advance Team to Cape Coral area to do preliminary research to determine if a formal investigation needs to be launched. The RICOWI, Inc. Board of Directors has approved an investigation, should it be determined to deploy. We are currently searching for volunteers to be a part of investigative teams for the week of October 24, 2022. read more
Most spray foam contractors are already aware of the safety standards OSHA sets for eye wear protection, yet with any human, accidents can and will happen. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20,000 eye injuries occur in the workplace each year. They range from superficial eye injuries to severe trauma that can cause permanent damage, vision loss and blindness. read more
With the pressure to produce tighter cycle times, rising material and labor costs, and worker shortages, it is easy to get caught up or in a hurry and take “risks” doing something that is not safe. read more
On June 1, 2022, the current Administration stated that a new building code initiative will help strengthen against climate change, lower utility bills for both homes and commercial buildings, and prioritize underserved communities. read more
PPE may sometimes intensify the effects of heat; however, it may also be employed to help fight it. OSHA agrees with this sentiment and states that the use of circulating air is “The most highly effective, as well as the most complicated, personal cooling system.” For example, PPE supplied air respirators, direct compressed air throughout the body and help increase both evaporative and convective cooling. read more
Certain features can increase the risk of a fire within a spray foam rig, but how can these risks be decreased? A few contractors weighed in with first-hand experience on what it means to get a little hot in the rig. read more
The last two years have emphasized the importance of PPE, not just for the contractors but the world. The COVID-19, pandemic has put personal protective equipment in the spotlight with “PPE” now a common term among the public. How is this affecting trends in PPE, and what may the consumer consider when ordering supplies. Spray Foam Magazine spoke with some employees of Bullard, a global PPE manufacturer based in the United States, to get their take on the current PPE situation. read more
Every three years the International Codes Council updates the model building codes, commonly called the I-codes. It is important that SPF contractors understand important changes. Late last year, the 2021 I-codes were published and include the International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Several changes in this new edition of the model building codes impact SPF. read more
