Fire Safety Guidance; Working with Polyurethane Foam Products During New Construction, Retrofit and Repair 

Fire is a serious concern during construction, repair and retrofit projects because materials can be exposed to ignition sources. For example, there may be a potential for polyurethane/polyisocyanurate foam to be exposed to open flame from welding, cutting torches, and other ignition sources from allied trades during certain construction sequences. While fires involving polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam during construction, retrofit or repair are rare, they do happen. The following safety precautions, limited here to a discussion of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foam products that are present during “hot work,” are suggested for the construction site to help prevent these accidents. However, if a fire does occur and cannot be extinguished immediately, evacuate the area at once. Any guidance or suggestions made in this document do not replace the instructions provided by the employer, the MSDS and the product instructions.