Dow FROTH-PAK™ Spray - Manual

Chemical Components and Hazards
1. Spray polyurethane foam is formed by the mixing and reaction of
isocyanate with a polyol.
2. The isocyanate is polymeric methylene
diisocyanate (PMDI) or “ISO” or “A side.”
• Inhalation of isocyanate can cause irritation of
the nose, throat and lungs, and sensitization
in which very low levels of isocyanate can
trigger an asthma-like response. Sensitization
or asthma causes tightness in the chest, coughing, wheezing or
shortness of breath. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening and
lead to permanent lung or respiratory damage.
• Skin contact can cause irritation and may lead to respiratory
sensitization. Skin exposure can cause redness, swelling, itching
and a rash.
• Exposure to the eye can cause reddening, tearing, stinging and/or
swelling of the eye.
3. The polyol blend contains polyol as the
main component plus a mix of catalysts and
stabilizers. The polyol blend is often referred
to as the polyol or the “B” side. The polyol
blend can cause eye and skin irritation. Some
catalysts in the blend may cause blurry vision
and blue halos around bright objects or lights.
4. Both components are sold in pressurized containers.
A hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) blowing agent, R-134a
(tetrafluoroethane), pressurizes the containers and allows the
chemicals to flow properly during use. If released in an enclosed
area, HFCs can displace oxygen and present a dangerous situation
in which there is not enough oxygen to support life. Overexposure
to blowing agents can cause cardiac arrhythmia, dizziness,
drowsiness and an anesthetic or narcotic effect.
First Aid
Inhalation: Move immediately to fresh air. If
breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing
has stopped, give artificial respiration. Seek
medical attention.
Skin contact: Wash the area thoroughly with
plenty of soap and water. If pain or irritation
persists, seek medical attention.
Eye contact: Rinse eyes with fresh water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention.
Regulatory Requirements and Exposure Limits
1. Occupational exposure limits have been set for isocyanate, the
blowing agent and some of the components in the polyol blend.
The MSDSs state the specific limits established for each chemical.
If the potential exists for exposure to any of the chemicals to
exceed the occupational exposure limits, respiratory protection
and other engineering controls must be used. If there is any doubt
that the ventilation is enough to provide adequate protection for
the workers, respirators should be worn.
2. Because respiratory protection is often needed when applying
FROTH-PAK ™ foam, all applicators should be fit tested and
trained on the proper use of a respirator and compliant with
the employer’s respiratory protection program and the OSHA
Respiratory Protection Standard (29CFR 1910.134).
Wear Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
1. Always wear chemically resistant
gloves (e.g., nitrile).
2. Always wear long sleeves and pants for
full body covering.
3. Always wear goggles or safety glasses.
4. Wear a respirator. If there is any doubt
about the amount of exposure to MDI
possible in any given situation, wear
a respirator with an organic vapor
sorbent and P100 particulate filter. This
is especially important when spraying
in confined areas or areas with low
ventilation like attics and crawl spaces,
when spraying overhead, or when using
a wide or fan spray nozzle.
Keep Others Out of Work Area
1. Section off the work area to keep non-essential workers and others
out of the spray area.
2. Use plastic sheeting to protect from overspray.
Disposal
1. Plan project carefully to completely empty each cylinder before
starting a new one.
2. When finished, spray foam into a cardboard box to empty the
cylinders.
3. Empty cylinders may be recycled to reclaim the steel.
4. Cylinders containing polyol or isocyanate must be disposed of as
hazardous waste.
5. Follow all local, state/provincial and federal regulations when
disposing of cylinders.
6. Pieces of cured foam are considered inert and can be disposed of
as regular trash.
FROTH-PAK ™ Spray
Polyurethane Foam
Safe Handling
Instructions
®™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
This information is provided as a high-level summary or reminder of
the safety and handling precautions only. Always consult the Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), instructions and labels for specific
details before use.