In addition to keeping your crew safe, the type of breathing air system you choose for your rig could affect your productivity and profits down the line. Learn how to choose the best system for your rig and type of insulation work: (0:19) Why do rigs require an industrial breathing air filtration system?
A quality, functional, and calibrated fresh air systems on your spray foam rig is paramount(not to mention they’re required!). Selecting a system that offers the most comfort, proper air flow, and quality air can drastically change the outlook of your SPF crew! Money can replace most things, but not your quality of life.
Employers must ensure crew members who are exposed to SPF on the job have clean, fresh air to breathe. According to OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134, employers are required to provide breathing air that meets the requirements for Grade D breathing air for employees using respirators.
Ambient Air Filtration Systems (Low-Pressure SAR):
Ambient air pumps, also called rotary vane pumps, are driven by electricity to provide air. These pumps are placed in a cool and safe environment where no foam is being sprayed and clean atmospheric breathing air exists. They move clean air from their safe location to your respirator. Ambient air filtration systems must be fully tested and OSHA approved.
Pros: Ambient air pumps are portable alternatives to air compressors. They’re an ideal choice when expensive CO monitoring or high-temperature alarms are not required.
• Less upfront cost
• Easy to maintain
• Don’t require as large of an air compressor
Cons: A common downfall of most ambient pumps is that they are low pressure, which means sometimes your sprayer feels like they’re not getting enough air. Other factors to consider include:
• Limited hose length
• Lack of cooling devices, no cold air to the worker
• Improper pressure setting can damage pumps
• Lower pressure feels “stuffy” to the sprayer
High-pressure Breathing Air Systems:
High-pressure SAR systems use air off of your compressor in your spray foam rig. These are popular due to their ability to support numerous workers, along with their ability to provide enough pressure to operate many of the personal cooling devices offered by manufacturers today. This type of system also has the ability to provide much longer hose lengths.
Pros: These are great options for people with spray foam rigs that have large enough air compressors to power all of their insulation equipment as well as their air systems.
• Vastly underestimated, personal air cooling can reduce labor costs and boost the morale of your installers
• Increased hose lengths, typically up to 300 ft. per worker, provide the ability to support over three workers
Cons: This upgrade to your rig will increase the cost (but can increase your ROI and the lifetime of your SPF equipment and rig)
• HP systems require a larger air compressor, which may require a larger generator
• This system also needs filter replacement and routine calibration
(4:18) Fresh Air Cooling Equipment: Choosing a Hood or Mask
Before you purchase respirator equipment, consider what respirators offer the best protection and if your insulation installers should be fit tested.
The two most common air respirators are masks and hoods:
• Hoods: offer much more protection by protecting your entire head, face, and neck. This style of respirator also adds airflow around your entire head, which is especially beneficial when using personal cooling devices — increasing the efficiency of your crew.
• Masks: offer a bit more movement, but are more expensive to replace. And let’s be honest … everything in contact with spray foam will eventually need to be replaced!
• The deciding factor: for many, it’s the fact that masks require a fit test, and hoods do not.
• If you don’t want to argue with employees about shaving, and you’re interested in less-expensive replacements and increased airflow — hoods are for you.
• If mobility is more important, and your crew is ok with maintaining their fitted mask (along with a medical card and fit test) — go with masks!
Before you make any decisions on a rig or trailer, use our mini-series to learn what to look for in a rig and manufacturer, and how to save by avoiding bad investments. Once you’re ready to purchase, learn more about our custom rigs:
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