Using Respirators and Fresh Air Units
When you are working with spray foam, it is important that you have the right tools to complete your spray foam project properly. This includes having proper safety equipment. One characteristic of spray foam is that it tends to get everywhere. This is especially true you’re working in a confined area. Many people are often surprised by the haze/air-borne particles that spray foam can produce. For this reason, you should use respirators and fresh air units at all times while spray foaming to ensure your safety.
The Fitting
One of the main reasons to use respirators is to reduce the amount of airborne material to the user. Foam particles that reach your eyes can cause serious irritation. Sometimes it may not seem practical to use a respirator for a particular application such as a roof. However, even when spraying outdoors you can still be exposed to air contaminants. Wearing sun glasses simply is not enough to protect your eyes. Windy conditions can produce significant ‘off spray’ that can affect installers. You should have protective eyewear, such as goggles, that firmly seal around your face. Simply covering the face is not enough.
There are many types of air respirators you may use when applying spray foam. One of the most popular is the APR (air purifying respirators). These respirators use cartridge filters to help stop particles from reaching you. Air purifying respirators can be full-faced or half-faced. You should use goggles to protect your eyes when wearing half-faced respirators. Both of these are great for working around spray foam conditions but should not be used when applying spray foam.
Full Face Fresh Air Units
For direct application of foam, you should use supplied air respirators. These respirators are generally full-faced masks and have hoses attached providing fresh air. While applying spray foam, it is important to maintain a tight seal between the face piece and your face. During an indoor application you should always use a fresh air respirator. Continual spraying of foam produces large amounts of air borne particles. A fresh are unit ensures you are protected even in the most confined environments. Proper tools for spray foam dispensers and installers are essential to complete a successful spray foam project. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about your project.
