Table C1: Recommended Assessments and Actions for Worker Safety Concerns (continued)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
Assessment: Determine whether workers may be handling
PCB-containing or PCB-contaminated building materials,
including fluorescent light ballasts and caulk.
Actions
• See EPA's PCB-Containing Fluorescent Light Ballasts
in School Buildings Web page for information on
proper maintenance, removal and disposal of PCB-
containing fluorescent light ballasts. If leaking ballasts
are discovered, wear protective clothing including
chemical-resistant (nitrile) gloves, boots and disposable
overalls.
• See EPA's PCBs in Caulk—Steps to Safe Renovation
and Abatement of Buildings That Have PCB-Containing
Caulk website for information on this topic. Work
practices to help ensure worker and occupant safety
include employing protective measures (both interior
and exterior), complying with occupational protective
regulations, communicating with building occupants/
third parties, setting up the work area to prevent the
spread of dust, using appropriate tools that minimize
the generation of dust/heat, and leaving the work area
clean.
Assessment: Determine whether workers will be using SPF,
which may contain chemicals such as isocyanates (e.g.,
methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), amines, flame retar
dants and/or other additives. There are three main types
of SPF products (two-component high pressure, two-
component low pressure, and one-component foam), each
of which has different applications. Determine which of
the three main types of SPF products will be used.
Actions
• Applicators, crew and building occupants in the work
area are required to use protective equipment to pre
vent exposure to isocyanates and other SPF chemicals.
Protective equipment requirements vary depending on
the type of SPF product.
• Review label and product information for ingredients,
hazards, directions, safe work practices and precau
tions.
• Ensure health and safety training is completed and safe
work practices are followed to prevent eye, skin and in
halation exposures during and after SPF installation.
• Exercise caution when determining a safe re-entry time
for unprotected occupants and workers based on the
manufacturer's printed recommendation. If you experi
ence breathing problems or other adverse health effects
from weatherizing with SPF, seek immediate medical
attention.
• See OSHA's Green Job Hazards website for additional
information on the hazards associated with SPF.
• See EPA's SPF website for additional information.
• See the American Chemistry Council's SPF Health and
Safety website for additional information.
Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL BUILDING UPGRADES
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