REPORT - · PDF fileequally committed insulators, ... may not know every seminar or workshop...

REPORT

Your 2018 calendar is probably already filling up, so we want to spread the word about an exciting event happening this

year in Washington D.C.! On May 8 and 9, ICAA is joining with affiliated associations to co-host the second annual Insulation Industry National Policy Conference.

During last year’s inaugural Conference, contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers gathered together for a day of learning focused on important policy issues affecting our industry. A dozen teams visited Capitol Hill the next day for meetings with Congressional representatives and their staff, where participants advocated for sensible regulations, energy-efficiency tax credits, and continued funding for Department of Energy Programs.

This May, ICAA, North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance, Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association, and National Insulation Association are joining forces for another two-day event where members can get up-to-speed on new legislative developments, network with industry colleagues, and make their voices heard. The Conference presents a unique opportunity to tell your story directly to the country’s top decision-makers. Whatever segment of the industry you work in, whatever your lobbying experience — your participation will help us make a compelling case to lawmakers that the insulation industry makes a remarkable impact on the lives, homes, and comfort of their constituents.

Save the Date: 2018 Insulation Industry National Policy Conference, May 8–9

A PUBLICATION OF THE INSULATION CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

INSIDE THIS ISSUE President’s Message: The Company We Keep .................................... 2Complying With OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard ....... 4Spotlight on Specialty Products, Inc. ................................................ 6 Q & A Corner: SPF Fire Protection Barriers ......................................... 10Thank You to Kevin Kinzler and Shawn Beears ............................... 11Reminder: Contractors Must Post OSHA Form 300A From February Through April ................................................................. 12Board Election Results ...................................................................... 12ICAA Calendar of Events .....................................................................12

The Conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, and will be preceded by

on Monday, May 7 at the Kimpton Lorien Hotel in nearby Alexandria, VA. ICAA will send out further event details and information on the Conference in the coming months. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact [email protected].

2 January | February 2018 INSULATION CONTRACTORS REPORT

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

Wayne SullivanICAA PresidentEmail: [email protected]

The Company We Keep

Let’s say you’re preparing a cost estimate for a job. You have all the specs and measurements in front of you; you’ve made all your calcula-

tions. You’re confident that you’ve factored in every relevant variable and calculated a bid that is fair and accurate. When you hand over that bid to your prospective customer, they naturally want to know what’s on that “total” line. But they’re completing an additional calculus, too, weighing another vari-able that’s a little harder to put on a piece of paper: trust. They not only want to know that they’re get-ting a good price, but also that your company can be trusted to do the job on time, and with accept-able quality.

Trust, much like a building, is easily demolished but painstakingly built. Often it requires time and repeated proven successes. In today’s crowded contractor market, it can be difficult to establish that relationship with a customer, especially as greater competition has narrowed the amount of time you have to make an impression. The good news is that if you are reading this, you already have a significant advantage. As an ICAA member, you have made the smart business decision to invest company resources in maintaining a professional reputation built on excellence. And just like insulation, ICAA membership offers a great return on investment. As the saying goes, we are the company we keep, and being part of this association helps keep your company strong by putting you in good company. In fact, I can think of several reasons why every builder and homeowner should choose to do business with ICAA members.

While most businesses follow some set of guiding business principles, ICAA members stand apart for their adherence to the association’s code of ethics. With every job, big or small, potential customers can rest assured that a member contractor or supplier is looking out for more than their bottom line. Even better, we understand

that integrity is the key to creating trust, which generates more business. That’s why we pledge to deal fairly and honestly with our customers, vendors, and employees. It’s why we seek out the most skilled workers available, and support a free, competitive insulation market. If reputation is the unspoken variable factored into builders’ and homeowners’ purchasing decisions, ethical business practices are the unspoken variable underlying our professional reputations.

ICAA members are especially noteworthy for their professionalism. The association’s membership is made up of those already most inclined to self-improve, and once a company joins this pool of equally committed insulators, there are hundreds of different ways to make good on the drive to be better. Educational programming and webinars provide the latest best practices, so you’re always ahead of the curve. Resources like the ICAA Group Health and Safety Program and ICAA’s Model Written Safety Programs help you reach compliance requirements at every level of your company. When you post the ICAA logo on your website, customers may not know every seminar or workshop you attended, but they can tell that your company holds itself to a higher standard.

Considering these competitive advantages, I hope you head into the new year trusting that your hard work will pay off. And knowing what you know about the caliber of your fellow members, I encourage you to take a look at your 2018 ICAA Membership Directory and Buyers Guide – you may just discover a new contractor or supplier who you can trust with your business.

P.S. I hope to see you at the upcoming Insulation Industry National Policy Conference on May 8 and 9, where we will discuss and advocate for policies that will improve the entire industry. See page 1 for more details.

INSULATION CONTRACTORS REPORT January | February 2018 3

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Complying With OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica StandardICAA Publishes Model Written Exposure Control Plan

In September 2017, OSHA began enforcing its new construction standard on respirable crys-talline silica, which applies to workplaces where

employee exposure will exceed 25 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) of air (the action level), on an 8-hour time-weighted average. When workers perform tasks that exceed this limit, the standard requires their employers to limit employee expo-sure to silica and implement control methods. As outlined in the ICAA Webinar “Understanding OSHA’s New Silica Rule,” where there is a pos-sibility of workplace exposure exceeding the action level, insulation contractors can achieve compli-ance by following the methods outlined in the standard’s Table 1, which covers engineering and work practice controls for tools such as power saws, drills, and grinders. If an employer does not fully implement the controls in Table 1, they must assess the level of worker exposure to respirable silica and

limit this exposure to 50 μg/m3 on an 8-hour time-weighted average.

Regardless of what method an employer chooses to ensure compliance, the standard contains other requirements that contractors must follow. These include providing respiratory protection when the task demands it; training employees and communicating hazards; maintaining records of medical examinations; using alternative housekeeping practices that limit workers’ exposure to silica; designating a competent person; and establishing and implementing a written control plan.

ICAA has developed a Model Written Exposure Control Plan for Respirable Crystalline Silica that offers a template for meeting this final requirement. Because every worksite is different, members should use this document as a jumping-off point and customize it with their company’s common workplace tasks and control methods. The Plan can be downloaded from the ICAA member site at www.insulate.org/files/general/silica-control-plan.docx. To watch ICAA’s webinar on meeting the OSHA construction standard on silica, go to https://www.insulate.org/understanding-osha-silica-rule.

Source: OSHA, 29 CFR 1926.1153. View the full table at http://bit.ly/OSHASilicaTable1.

Excerpt of Table 1—Specified Exposure Control Methods When Working With Materials Containing Crystalline Silica

Equipment/task Engineering and work practice control methods Required respiratory protection and minimum assigned protection factor (APF) ≤ 4 hours/shift >4 hours/shift

(i) Stationary masonry saws

(ii) Handheld power saws (any blade diameter)

(iii) Handheld power saws for cutting fiber-cement board (with blade diameter of 8 inches or less)

Use saw equipped with integrated water delivery system that continuously feeds water to the bladeOperate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to minimize dust emissions

Use saw equipped with integrated water delivery system that continuously feeds water to the bladeOperate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to minimize dust emissions:

-When used outdoors

-When used indoors or in an enclosed area

For tasks performed outdoors only:Use saw equipped with commercially available dust collection systemOperate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to minimize dust emissionsDust collector must provide the air flow recommended by the tool manufacturer, or greater, and have a filter with 99% or greater efficiency

None None

None APF 10

APF 10 APF 10

None None


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Spotlight on

Chas Weatherford, Vice [email protected]

What inspired you to join the manufacturing business, and what do you enjoy most about it?

Being exposed to polyurethane spray foam in the agriculture market in Nevada over 20 years ago allowed me to see its great benefits, and the potential that it had as a technology in the coatings industry.

I appreciate the unique and advanced solutions polyurethane foam has to offer in a very wide range of applications.

Specialty Products Inc. was founded over 40 years ago. Can you tell us a little bit about the company’s history and how it came to be?

SPI’s president and co-owner, Dan Helton, has a 43-year history developing, manufacturing, applying, and distributing unique polymer systems. While living and working in the piercing arctic Alaskan climate, it didn’t take long for Dan to appreciate the value of spray foam insulation. The experience of the harsh winters inspired Dan and Curt Josaitis, in 1974, to create the parent company of Specialty Products, Inc. (SPI) U.C.S.C.

In the early 1980’s Dan relocated to Washington State where he has been actively involved in the development of specially designed systems for use in a variety of niche markets.

As someone who has been a part of SPI’s team for quite a while, what changes have you seen in the industry during your time with the company?

There has been more acceptance of spray foam from an educated customer base, and positive ad-vanced improvement from manufacturers, distribu-tors and applicators that represent the industry.

What is SPI’s most popular product for insulation contractors?

I would say our 2.0lb EnveloSeal Closed Cell CL1 IBW spray polyurethane foam system for cold cli-mates used to increase energy efficiency. A respect-able portion of our spray foam customers reside in very cold climates. For decades, SPI EnveloSeal 2.0lb spray foam insulation has performed well, providing excellent adhesion to cold substrates, good dimensional stability, and optimum yield.

Can you explain how feedback from insulators has played a role in the company’s product development?

Our customers are our compass. If we do not listen to everything they say and their incredibly valuable feedback, we cannot stay ahead of the

Continued on page 8

S P O T L I G H T


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curve improving and designing products to meet their needs.

SPI manufactures products for a variety of industries. How do you distinguish the company in the insulation and coatings market?

We work closely with our customers and throughout the industry to educate about diversification. Their spray equipment package or rig is one of their biggest capital investments. We have seen many customers expand their profits, grow their company, and meet their personal goals by incorporating different ap-plications into their current business model.

Whether it’s spray foam insulation, polyurea coatings, concrete slab lifting, or even applications such as potting electrical components for vehicles, the application opportunities are diverse. We set ourselves apart by training and working with our customers to capitalize on these specialty applications.

Is there a particular piece of custom insulation equipment that SPI is especially proud of designing?

Our LPG low-pressure proportioner machine is one that SPI was honored to develop as a result of an invitation from a U.S. Department of Defense technical group. After fulfilling the project criteria of designing the chemistry and equipment to be used by the military in war-torn regions, we were able to commercialize the technology. Now with over 500 machines in service, the LPG continues to be a cost-friendly solution versus portable foam canisters, and is used in applications where portability is a necessity.

SPI offers training to applicators. What sorts of training courses are available, and what topics do they cover?

SPI offers training on each primary product that we manufacture. We focus on applications where the majority of our products are used, such as spray foam insulation, spray polyurea, and concrete lifting.

Our weeklong training course focuses on the

details of equipment operation and troubleshooting. This class is purposeful in the sense that if the equipment cannot be operated correctly to make quality materials, all training beyond that is a moot point. Additionally, equipment manufacturers such as Graco and Polyurethane Machinery Corporation are constantly introducing new products that we need to train the industry on as well.

From a supplier’s perspective, what are one challenge and one opportunity you anticipate for the industry in the years ahead?

Challenge: The challenge is that as polyurethane spray foam and polyurea coatings become more sought after and specified on projects, inexperienced suppliers and applicators will be in the chain from manufacturing to installation. Those with inexperi-ence can be tethering the industry in its entirety, due to the possibility of inadequate applications or the supply of inferior products to installers.

In order to overcome this, those with experience, or commitment to becoming experienced, need to remain steadfast in our determination to ensure that quality remains the foundation to good business practice. This can be done by ongoing education within the applicator, manufacturer, project owner and specification tiers.

Opportunity: There is an opportunity of continued market share growth through educating the consumer on the advantages of spray polyurethane foam insulation in building envelope designs.

Additionally, renewable energy is gaining significant momentum and the immediate measurable benefits of spray foam provide great energy efficiency in today’s market.

S P O T L I G H T

Specialty Products Inc. LPG low-pressure proportioner machine, originally developed for the Department of Defense

Specialty Products, Inc.Continued from page 6


Q & A CornerSpray Polyurethane Foam Fire Protection: Thermal Barriers vs. Ignition BarriersQ: What distinguishes a thermal barrier from an ignition barrier, and how do I know which one to use in a given area of a building?

A: A is a fire protective covering over spray polyurethane foam (SPF). Thermal barriers prescribed in the International Codes (IBC & IRC) include 1/2 inch of gypsum drywall and 3/4 inch of wood.*

If a material is not listed as a code-prescriptive thermal barrier, it can be approved as an equivalent thermal barrier by passing a series of fire tests (in accordance with NFPA 275) designed to show that it will stay in place during a fire and protect the foam from reaching a specific temperature for at least 15 minutes. One example of an equivalent thermal barrier is a spray-applied cellulose material called Ure-K. Other interior finish products such as thicker applications of intumescent coating that have full scale fire testing in accordance with Acceptance Criteria AC456 may also be approved.

An is a fire protective covering that provides a lower degree of protection

than a thermal barrier, allowed only in limited-access areas. Code-prescriptive ignition barriers include mineral fiber, wood panels, particleboard, hardboard, gypsum drywall, cellulose, and corrosion resistant steel. (See IBC/IRC for thickness requirements). Ignition barriers may only be used in spaces such as attics or crawlspaces that 1) are not configured or used for living space or storage, and 2) are only used for repairs and maintenance or service of utilities.

There are also alternatives to code-prescriptive ignition barriers, such as stand-alone spray-applied ignition barriers or specific spray foams without coatings, which can be approved if they pass certain attic and crawlspace tests. These tests can be found in Appendix X of the ICC Evaluation Services Acceptance Criteria AC377. Other alternative assembly testing may also be conducted and accepted by various test organizations and agencies. It is recommended that a contractor examine a material’s evaluation report to determine under what conditions it can be used as an ignition barrier alternative. Evaluation reports are published by the International Code Council (ICC-ESR), Intertek (CCRR), and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO-ESR).

Type of Space

Interior occupied or living space

Attics

Crawlspaces

Conditions

All living space and spaces where frequent occupancy is expected

Used only for service of utilitiesLimited access; Not used for storage

Used for storage or living space

Used only for service of utilitiesLimited access; Not used for storage

Used for storage or living space

Type of Protection

Thermal Barrier

Ignition Barrier

Thermal barrier

Ignition barrier

Thermal barrier

Exceptions

Thermal barrier not required if alternative assembly passes thermal barrier tests

Ignition barrier not required if foam or other accepted alternative assembly passes Appendix X tests without ignition barrier


Ignition barrier not required if foam or other accepted alternative assembly passes Appendix X tests without ignition barrier


*2015 IRC code update allows the use of 23/32” wood structural panels.


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Thank You to Kevin Kinzler and Shawn BeearsICAA thanks (Kinzler Construction Services, Inc., Ankeny, Iowa) for his exemplary service to ICAA as a Board member and as Co-Chair of the ICAA Technical/Marketing Committee in 2017. A few of the Committee proj-

ects Kevin led in 2017 along with current Co-Chair Kelly Frauenkron (BASF) were:

1. Development of an ICAA Model Heat Illness Prevention Program and Webinar to permit ease of compliance with OSHA’s General Duty Clause

2. Creation of a new ICAA Website design provid-ing easier access to resources

3. Publication of an online ICAA certification ex-amination featuring instant scoring and feedback

4. Production of a Get-Hired video that ICAA members are using to recruit installers. The video is published in English and in Spanish.

In addition, the Committee initiated a Tool Box Talks series in 2017 and published technical articles on the inappropriate use of FSK over foam, prescriptive tradeoffs in attics, and on an ergonom-ic study of installers resulting in recommendations to safely move product. The Committee hosted a Webinar on do’s and don’ts when working with spray polyurethane foam and updated the Sample HazCom Written Program for SPF applications.

Finally, the Committee developed infographics on the value of insulation in new construction and existing homes.

ICAA salutes CertainTeed’s who co-chaired

the ICAA Government Council in 2017 with current Co-Chair, Jeff Hire (Installed Building Products, Inc., Columbus, OH). The Committee was charged with co-hosting the first

Insulation Industry National Policy Conference in affiliation with other insulation trade associa-tions. Combining educational presentations with a “Legislative Action Day” comprised of pre-arranged visits to Congress, the Conference attracted nearly 90 industry personnel.

Earlier in the year, the Council revised and consolidated the association’s confined spaces resources to reflect an updated interpretation of the OSHA regulation.

The Council created a new ICAA Model Written Exposure Control Plan for Respirable Crystalline Silica pursuant to the new OSHA standard, which was accompanied by a Webinar on this subject that demonstrated how ICAA members could more easily achieve compliance.

A new series of Webinars was initiated on federal motor carrier safety regulations, and this will continue into 2018. The Council also hosted a Webinar on I-9 Immigration Compliance Strategies.

ICAA thanks Shawn for his guidance and participation in government affairs.

1321 Duke Street, Suite 303Alexandria, VA 22314Tel: 703.739.0356 Fax: 703.739.0412www.insulate.org

2017 ICAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

e-mail: [email protected] | Twitter: @InsulationContr

President Wayne SullivanPresident-elect Jeff HireSecond Vice President Jerry PalmerTreasurer Ted BlanchardSecretary Ginny Cameron

ICAA Committees and Co-ChairsICAA Technical/Marketing Committee Ahni Gamboa, Garland Insulating Ltd. Kelly Frauenkron, BASF CorporationICAA Government Council Jeff Hire, Installed Building Products Kimberly Watson, DemilecICAA Commercial Building Insulation Committee David Ball, Cameron Group LLC Mark Dietz, Superl Inc.ICAA Convention Committee Ferrell Drum, Garland Insulating Ltd. Christopher Bosch, Owens Corning

Directors: Jeff Banker Jeff Beck

Terry Burnham Mark Dietz Ferrell Drum Brent Dudgeon Mark Gieseke Mike King Thomas Sprouse II Gina Sullenberger

Published by the Insulation Contractors Association of America and provided as a service to its members. © Copyright 2018.

ICAA is the trade association representing the insulation contracting industry.

Executive Director Michael KwartMarketing Coordinator Meghan Lasswell

ICAA CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. • SPRING 2018ICAA Committee MeetingsMonday, May 7 | 2:00 pm

Insulation Industry National Policy ConferenceTuesday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 9

ORLANDO, FL • FALL 2018ICAA Convention and Trade ShowThursday, September 13 through Saturday, September 15

Board Election Results: Terry Burnham (Insul Pro Plus II, Inc., Pelatchie, MS), Brent Dudgeon, (North Central Insulation, Inc., Bellville, OH) and Gina Sullenberger (Weatherseal Insulation Co., Charlottesville, VA) were elected to the ICAA Board of Directors for the 2018–2020 term.

Reminder: Contractors Must Post OSHA Form 300A From February Through April

Don’t forget! OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1904 requires companies with more than 10 employees to post Form 300A (Summary of

Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) in the workplace by February 1 and leave it posted in an area that is visible to employees until April 30, 2018. Before posting the Form, employers must review the log data for accuracy, calculate the number of company employees and total hours worked by employees, and have the form certified by a company executive.

The posted Form 300A provides a summary of the more detailed OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses). Form 300, which does not have to be posted publicly in the workplace, records details about specific work-related injury incidents, describes how they happened, and classifies them by injury type. All entries on Form 300 should have a corresponding OSHA Form 301 or equivalent form (Injury and Illness Report), which must be filled out within 7 calendar days of receiving notice of a recordable worksite injury or illness. To ensure compliance with OSHA’s recordkeeping rules, Forms 300, 300A, and 301A must be kept on file for 5 years.

Per a new rule that took effect in 2017, establishments with 20 or more employees in high-risk industries — such as construction — will also be required to submit Form 300A electronically through OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application. (Establishments with 250 or employees must

submit information from Forms 300A, 300, and 301). The electronic submission deadline for 2017 injury data is July 1, 2018.

To download fillable PDFs of OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 and learn more about recordkeeping and electronic submission requirements, visit https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/index.html.

REPORT - · PDF fileequally committed insulators, ... may not know every seminar or workshop...

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