Spray Foam Safety in New England

FALL RIVER , MA - March 25, 2014 - The Office of Technical Assistance & Technology (OTA) has organized a second workshop that highlights the importance of safety and training when it comes to spray polyurethane foam, as well as other building insulation options.

The workshop, entitled "Insulate Right: Safe Insulation for Homes and Buildings" will take place on April 9, 2014 at the Bristol Community College, which is located in Fall River, Massachusetts. The event will gather attendees from different fields such as construction supervisors and designers, weatherizing specialists, and building inspectors. According to OTA's Rick Reibstein, the first workshop they hosted was oversubscribed and well received, which prompted them to not only host this second upcoming workshop, but to add a session consisting of ventilation standards, as well as a special in-depth session about safety and quality assurance when utilizing SPF.

"The event will help attendees understand the necessity for spray foam application and other important aspects of insulation as we make buiildings tighter," said Reibstein. "They will learn how to prevent exposures and comply with the law. They will discover material options, their pros and cons, as well as their strategic uses. Attendees will also be able to identify what can go wrong and how to prevent moisture, mold, and pest problems."

The event will consist of a morning session, in which various presenters will touch on different topics regarding safe spray foam insulation application and building code compliance. The day will begin with a Welcome Address by some of the event's presenters, followed by an OSHA-compliance presentation entitled "What OSHA requires: Getting Help with OSHA and the National Emphasis Program on Isocyanates." Then, attendees will be given an extensive overview of insulation options, including spray polyurethane foam.

As the day progresses, there will be a session of certifications of training in spray foam applications that will include SPFA certification. Then, there will be two presentations focusing on ventilation: one about ventilation standards and building code insulation, and another presenting the options for achieving adequate ventilation in a tight building.

After the morning session is completed, there will be a break for lunch, followed by one last presentation about quality assurance and safety in spray foam application. For more information on the event, including how to register for it, please use the contact information and links provided below.

About OTA: Since its establishment in 1990, the Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA) has provided a host of non-regulatory, strictly confidential services that have helped more than 1,400 Massachusetts facilities use less toxic processes and boost their economic performance. OTA has been instrumental in reducing the use of millions of pounds of toxic chemicals and saving companies millions of dollars in operating costs. As part of the Commonwealth's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, OTA has maintained a focus on toxics use reduction as it has expanded its service offerings. OTA's legislative mandate now calls for a direct focus on sustainability practices. As a result, OTA has accelerated its promotion of management strategies, systems and technologies that prevent pollution and conserve resources, specifically energy and water.