ACC / CPI To Develop New Online SPF Training Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - September 22, 2011 – The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) today announced that it will develop a new training and education program for use by employers and workers using low-pressure spray polyurethane foam (SPF) thanks to a $48,000 grant from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The Research Foundation for Health and Environmental Effects (RFHEE), a non-profit organization established by ACC that supports joint research projects sponsored by industry, public agencies, academia and other foundations, was awarded the $48,000 grant through OSHA’s Susan Harwood Training Grant Program. CPI, in partnership with RFHEE, will execute the project. The $48,000 in federal funds provides for 96 percent of the $50,000 budget for the new low-pressure training program; CPI will provide the remaining four percent, or $2,000.

“This grant will allow CPI to continue our ongoing product stewardship activities around spray polyurethane foam products. The funds will increase the reach of our online health and safety program to include information for professionals using two-component, low-pressure foams and insulating foam sealant,” said Lee Salamone, senior director of CPI. “We are pleased the grant proposal was selected and look forward to starting this new project.”

With the grant, CPI will develop an online training program targeted to weatherization professionals about hazard considerations related to SPF. This new initiative will include a web-based program for professionals who work with low-pressure, two-component foam systems and insulating foam sealant. The training program will be available in English and Spanish. The proposal was modeled after CPI’s popular SPF Chemical Health and Safety Training online program, which focuses on high-pressure, two-component foam. More than 3,000 people have participated in that health and safety online training program.

The Susan Harwood Training Grant Program provides funds to train and to educate workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance and prevention of safety and health hazards in their workplaces, and to inform workers of their rights and employers of their responsibilities under the OSH Act. Since 1978, over 1.8 million workers have been trained through this program.

About The American Chemistry Council (ACC)
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.