CPI Releases Free Low-Pressure Spray Foam Training
WASHINGTON, DC – December 21, 2012 – The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) in partnership with Research Foundation for Health and Environmental Effects (RFHEE) has released a new low-pressure spray polyurethane foam (SPF) health and safety training, which is available for free at www.spraypolyurethane.org. Grant funding from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) supported the training, which is available in English and Spanish.
"The new Low-Pressure SPF Chemical Health and Safety Training is the latest guidance from CPI on spray foam for professional applicators. It complements the high-pressure SPF training released in 2010. More than 6,000 individuals have accessed the high-pressure SFP training either online or in an instructor-led class. The polyurethanes industry is strongly committed to the health and safety of workers and consumers and this new training program provides information to professional applicators about applying spray foam safely and appropriately," said CPI Senior Director Lee Salamone.
The Low-Pressure SPF Chemical Health and Safety Training provides information for weatherization professionals, applicators or helpers who work with one-component SPF or two-component, low-pressure SPF kits for sealing and insulating. Weatherization and insulation professionals often use low-pressure SPF kits and insulating foam sealant, also called "foam in a can," for its excellent heat resistance and air-sealing properties. CPI recommends that building and homeowners consider hiring a trained professional contractor to apply two-component, low-pressure SPF.
The program takes two to two and a half hours to complete and is available for free to everyone. Those who successfully pass the test on the training material will receive a "Recognition of Completion" form and a wallet-sized card, which are valid for two years. "Contractors can demonstrate to home and building owners that they have completed CPI's health and safety training by showing them the Recognition of Completion. A customer can even verify that training is current at www.spraypolyurethane.org by using the ID number printed on the card," said Salamone.
The training, an industry-led product stewardship initiative, covers topics such as proper handling and disposal of low-pressure SPF, engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), working in confined spaces, preventing slips and falls and avoiding temperature stress. Additional health and safety guidance documents and videos for spray polyurethane products can be found at www.spraypolyurethane.org.
The RFHEE is a non-profit organization established by ACC that supports projects to enhance the understanding, safe use and positive impact of chemistry to society and that preferentially seeks projects with joint sponsorship among industry, public agencies, academia and other foundations, was awarded the $48,000 grant through OSHA's Susan Harwood Training Grant Program. CPI executed the project in partnership with RFHEE. The $48,000 federal grant provided for 60 percent of the $80,000 budget for the new low-pressure training program. CPI provided the remaining twenty percent, or $32,000.
About the American Chemistry Council: ACC represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $760 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the largest exporting sector in the U.S., accounting for 12 percent of U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.
About the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry of the American Chemistry Council: CPI promotes the sustainable development of polyurethanes. Members are U.S. producers or distributors of chemicals and equipment used to make polyurethane or manufacturers of polyurethane products.
For more information about CPI and the American Chemistry Council, please use the contact details and links provided below.
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