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SPFA News and Announcements

SPFA May 2017 Board of Directors Meeting

The SPFA Board of Directors held their quarterly meeting on May 2, 2017 The Board benefited from great and appropriately-diverse representation from the membership comprised of insulation and roofing contractors, along with manufacturers and industry experts. Focusing upon high level issues affecting the SPF industry the following are summary points of discussion and action taken:

SPFA remains in solid financial position with 426 current member companies and strong evidence of renewals. Retention of members is just as much key to the organization as new members in the effort to fund important industry activities ranging from research and development; code representation; production of positive press coverage highlighting the performance, and health and safety, attributes of SPF; growth and adoption of the national Professional Certification Program; early preparations for the expanding Annual Convention & Expo; increasingly engaged advocacy at state and federal levels; operational improvements, and more. Retention of members maintains SPFA’s strength and representation, while growth of new members means SPFA takes a step forward with every company to represent more of the industry in its totality, also adding to the strength and influence the organization can have for its constituents.
Following a commitment to industry partnership and cooperation, the SPFA board welcomed a briefing from staff representatives of the American Chemistry Council’s Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI), Sprayfoam Coalition. This connection allows the organizations to cooperate on important industry issues, drawing on the respective organizations’ strengths, and avoids duplication of efforts that could waste limited industry funding, attention and resources. This partnership benefits the entire SPF industry and solidified future representation and engagement in areas that grow the business for all stakeholders.
Dr. Richard Duncan reviewed a number of critical technical programs that have received Board direction and funding for 2017, including:
-Approval and publication of a new national ASTM Standard Practice for Installation of High-Pressure Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation for the Building Enclosure. This standard defines basic elements of an SPF insulation installation and was reviewed and approved by various subcommittees and committees of AST<, published as ASTM C1858.
-Continuing Foam-It-Right webinars produced primarily by the SPFA Safety Committee. These webinars are for members only, are delivered at minimum on a quarterly basis, and provide digestible-sized presentations on specific aspects of the SPF worksite in an effort to inform all SPFA member contractors about the conditions that affect them on a jobsite.
-The SPFA-published Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and related Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) hosted by UL, have reached their regular review and revision schedule. These documents are important resources for customers, namely architects, specifiers, general contractors and more, looking for cradle-to-grave information on SPF for inclusion in LEED projects and accommodation to customers looking for scientifically quantified products regarding their environmental footprint. SPFA is soliciting manufacturer support and involvement in the 2017-2018 revision process, required every five years.
-Publishing of the SPFA newly-completed technical document SPFA-150, a thorough document highlighting the interactions and benefits of SPF roofing paired with photovoltaic systems for flat and low-slope roofing.
-Creation and first-meeting of the new SPFA Equipment Committee, focusing upon updating of equipment-related technical documents, creation of new SPFA "Tech-Tips" for contractors and rig-builders, review of equipment-related material in the SPFA PCP certification program, and upcoming webinars focusing upon rig set-up, safety and more.
-Progress of new SPF-related Acceptance Criteria (AC) between IAPMO and ICC-ES, working within ANSI to develop an open consensus standard that will allow for flexibility, standardization and greater coordination around SPF fire-testing and approval related topics.
-SPFA’s sponsorship of the DoE’s Race to Zero Student Design Competition, and active participation with Dr. Duncan as a project juror. This event brought in 39 different universities for the competition and opens a door for all of the students and faculty to have a technical resource on SPF spurring future use, development and adoption of the technology for design projects.
Mrs. Michele Riesenberg updated the Board regarding Annual Convention and Expo planning, focusing upon the development of the 2018 Sprayfoam Show, to be held in Mobile, Alabama on January 29 – February 1, 2018. The convention center and hotels have been secured and the city has made many accommodations for the show to be held there. SPFA staff and Board are very excited about the location noting that being in a new city and venue is great for the attendees and increases registration, and avoids lethargic interest due to returning to the same locations. Mobile’s weather will be excellent this time of year supporting outdoor PCP Field Exams and the golf tournament. The city has many restaurants and hotel options, three airports within 40 minutes of downtown, and as a little-known fact Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras, which the Sprayfoam Show will show up just in time for the start of (pack your beads). It was noted that the Contractor Awards program will begin accepting submissions earlier in 2017 so that a robust and diverse set of projects will be in the judging.
Mrs. Marcavage provided important update to the Board on work of the various PCP certification committees. With enrollment and participation numbers increasing to 2750 exams conducted, 235 Field Exams, and a drive to complete translations of most PCP materials to Spanish moving forward, the program is beginning to settle in to its form and paying dividends to early-adopters. Mrs. Marcavage was please to report that due to PCP sponsors at the recent 2017 Sprayfoam Show, Field Exams were again able to be provided at no charge to the candidates leading to the greatest round of testing ever. The program now supports certified contractors in 45 of 50 states, and steps have been taken to make the program even more affordable and accessible by combining written exams – this will allow for any candidate to take one written exam per desired level of certification rather than individual tests for each lower level leading to the one they desire. She also reported that SPFA got top marks on a recently-completed ISO annual audit of the program, which is critical to it maintaining its ISO-17024 status.
The Board also discussed various aspects of public relations efforts, production of knowledgeable and accurate positive press coverage for the technology, with over 1 million impressions just related to the coverage of the Annual Convention. This public relations effort also includes sponsorship, participation and presentations at almost a dozen industry-related events throughout the year, with the intention of bringing SPF product and installation information to key audiences that lead to understanding, adoption and use, which ultimately benefit the professional members of SPFA.
The Board addressed the re-emerging issue of SPF-related regulations stemming from California’s DTSC, and prepared for an upcoming hearing in Sacramento scheduled for May 16, 2017. Additionally on advocacy, SPFA has maintained regular communication with EPA, OSHA, and DoE on important initiatives that will affect the SPF industry, and also participated in a recent insulation industry National Policy Day, that included briefings and Hill visits in Washington, D.C. to discuss energy efficiency, tax incentives, and more with representative staff.

Much more was addressed, but these are the highlights and meant to inform you about the work being done to represent you. SPFA, as directed by the Board, engages in efforts directly beneficial to the SPF professional. With membership comprised of insulation and roofing contractors, distributors, consultants and manufacturers, the ability to represent the complete value chain in all areas that impact the future strength and growth of the industry is a resource like no other. The SPFA membership can rest assured that the leadership represents them well, from every perspective, and the cooperation and coordination among those different professionals is where the activities of the organization draw its strength and effectiveness.

SPFA Publishes New TechDoc SPFA-150 for Photovoltaic Systems and SPF Roofing Systems

A task group within the SPFA Roofing Committee has completed the development of a new SPFA TechDoc for installation of SPF Roofing with roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems. This new document provides an introduction to PV technology, design considerations, service and maintenance, warranty questions, applicable codes and standards, and an overview of mounting options. The self-flashing properties of SPF roofing systems, along with superior energy savings, make SPF an excellent choice as a roofing system for any type of roof-mounted PC system.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/spf-nwl/pdf/SPFA-150_-_Apr_2017.pdf to view the full article online.

California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)

The California DTSC Safer Consumer Product's second proposed Priority Product regulation is going to notice. The comment period for Spray Polyurethane Foam Systems with Unreacted Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanates as a Priority Product opens at 8:00 A.M. PDT on March 24, 2017 and ends at 5:00 P.M. PDT on May 16, 2017.

On March 13, 2014, DTSC released the draft Initial Priority Products List identifying the first set of three product-chemical combinations proposed for regulation under the Safer Consumer Products regulations. One of the products on the draft Initial Priority Products List is SPF Systems Containing Unreacted Diisocyanates.

Also in March 2014, DTSC released a Priority Product Profile for each of the three products on the draft Initial Priority Products List, including a profile for SPF Systems Containing Unreacted Diisocyanates. In September 2014, after conducting a series of three public workshops on the draft Initial Priority Products List and the associated Priority Product Profiles, and after the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance ("SPFA") submitted extensive comments along with other representatives of the industry, DTSC released a Revised Priority Product Profile for such SPF Systems. The revised Priority Product Profile made a number of changes in the scope of the product and chemical, including limiting the product to SPF Systems containing only unreacted methylene diphenyl diisocyanates ("SPF Systems").

DTSC will hold a public hearing from 1:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M. PDT on May 16, 2017 at the CalEPA Building on 1001 "I" Street, Sacramento, California 95814. It is notable that this process has been delayed by DTSC for several years past their initial estimates and this announcement of a public hearing comes with an unexpectedly short notification. The industry is preparing for this engagement, but SPFA supports the request letter for extension of the comment period by an additional 60 days to July 14, 2017 as submitted by the American Chemistry Council.

You too can send a similar request emphasizing the extension of comment period to:

Dr. Julia Gress

Safer Products and Workplaces Program

Department of Toxic Substances Control

P.O. Box 806

Sacramento, California 95812-0806

Or by email to:

Julia.Gress@dtsc.ca.gov

meredith.williams@dtsc.ca.gov

karl.palmer@dtsc.ca.gov

Resources for you to review as you re-familiarize yourself with this issue:

Statement of Reasons

Notice of Proposed Action

Summary of Technical Information

Economic Report

External Peer Review on Adoption

SPFA has been directly involved in this issue since its inception in 2014 and will continue to engage the DTSC.

Also notably the DTSC has presented at several recent SPFA Annual Conventions & Expos in an effort to keep the status of progress and lines of communication open between the industry and DTSC. The most recent DTSC presentation from the 2017 Sprayfoam Show is available for download here.

We Have Our Winners!

The winners of the SPFA National Industry Excellence Awards 2017 were announced at the Sprayfoam 2017 Convention & Expo during the Awards Luncheon on January 31, 2017. "Each year the Industry Excellence Awards allow us to recognize our industry’s truly outstanding contractors and projects," said Kurt Riesenberg, executive director of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA). "This year’s entries exceed the bar in best practices with the contractors showcased helping to set a tone of excellence in the application of Spray Polyurethane Foam." See who won!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/spf-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=439755&issueID=51386 to view the full article online.

SPFA & Washington DC Insulation Policy Fly-In Day

SPFA participated in first annual Insulation Industry-wide DC Fly-In at the end of March with 82 representatives from all leading insulation technologies. The event boasted two days of briefings, including one from Senator Jeanne Shaheen regarding her proposed S.385 - Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (also known as the Shaheen-Portman Bill), along with Hill visits on both House and Senate sides. SPFA was a co-signer on the Shaheen-Portman legislation support letter, and worked to educate lawmakers upon the economic impact of insulation and jobs, the benefits of continuing Energy Star, and industry/customer benefit from extension of the 25C and 179D energy efficiency tax credits. SPFA was also made aware through these meetings of the new Make It in America Act and the new Bring Jobs Home Act, both emerging from Senator Debbie Stabenow’s Senate office and of likely interest to SPFA members:

The Bring Jobs Home Act is legislation amending US tax laws to support American manufacturers and to create jobs here at home. The bill makes it clear that both companies using contract manufacturers and the contract manufacturers themselves are eligible to claim tax deductions that reward domestic manufacturing activities in the United States. U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) also introduced the legislation. Section 199 is one of the largest tax incentives that benefits domestic manufacturing. It provides companies with a 9% deduction on their income from domestic manufacturing activities, giving those activities a lower effective tax rate and making U.S. manufacturing a more attractive investment.

Regarding the Make It in America Act, "it’s common sense that American tax dollars be used to purchase products made in America, not overseas," said Senator Stabenow. "My Make It in America Act will create more opportunities for American jobs by strengthening our current Buy American law and holding federal agencies accountable. The products needed by our federal agencies, including critical defense systems, are being designed and made by talented Michigan workers and workers across the country. American jobs and American businesses need to be our highest priority." More information on these initiative can be found on her website.

SPFA Tweeted much of the events from the day if you want to visit the Twitter page: https://twitter.com/TheSPFA (and follow us!). Interesting points emerging from the effort:

1. Manufacturing, distribution and installation of insulation generates 400,000 US energy efficiency jobs and spans $20B in payrolls.

2. An $11B industry in 2016, insulation manufacturing in the US employs 33,000 people across 42 states.

3. Insulation manufacturing supports 42,000 jobs through the supply chain including purchasing, raw materials, equipment and services.

4. Economic activity supported by the insulation industry adds $1.1B to state and local governments, and $1.9B in federal tax revenues.

Additionally reported upon at the briefings, Kermit Baker of the Harvard Center for Housing announced the release of the report Improving America’s Housing 2017: Demographic Change and the Remodeling Outlook. Useful information for the SPF contractor, you can download a complimentary copy of the report here.

Each of the attendees broke into small teams to cover the 58 different Hill meetings. The day was widely lauded as a great example of what it could look like if the disparate insulation industries were working together more often. The image accompanying this report is of the team SPFA was part of. Demonstrating the diversity of representation the image from left to right: Kurt Riesenberg, SPFA Executive Director; Dan Lea, Cellulose Industry Association; Joyce Wallace, Chemours; Rene Rockweiler, Rockweiler Insulation; and Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group/SPFA Government Affairs Consultant.

Watch your direct-member emails from SPFA (if you unsubscribe, you don’t get any more info from us – so don’t do it!), and on the SPFA Member-Only section of our website for additional policy and presentation materials that will be posted soon.

SPFA Membership

SPFA Membership News

>> Welcome New SPFA Members
>>2016-17 SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide
>>Interested in Becoming Part of the Team?
>>SPFA Member Benefits

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/spf-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=439757&issueID=51386 to view the full article online.

SPFA Membership Renewal

SPFA 2017 Membership Renewal Invoices have been sent. Members can renew their membership online in the member only section of sprayfoam.org or by clicking the link below. Any questions can be directed to Mickey Riesenberg at michele@sprayfoam.org.

Your membership does so much to help the industry by supporting important initiatives like:
*A growing tech services focus in SPFA
*Research and development that drives the industry forward and opens new doors for you and your company
*Increasing industry awareness and acceptance through more advanced marketing efforts
*Building the infrastructure to support the national Professional Certification Program (PCP) and the recognition our certified professionals have earned
*Developing the solid national network of SPF professionals necessary to drive future growth in the industry

If you're in SPF, you're in SPFA! Join now or renew to discover the opportunities awaiting you as a team-member in this high-performance industry.

Visit http://www.sprayfoam.org/about/contact-us to view the full article online.

Welcome Our New Member Services Coordinator: Katherine Ransom!

Katherine has had two decades of project management experience within both her career and volunteer experience. During the time that she served as the Technical Recruiter III, Trainer III, for one of the leading United States Naval contractors (in support of the AEGIS, Theater Ballistic Missile, COTS Technology, Finance, NAVSea and NAVAir programs) where she lead the company's efforts at the multi-day A.F.C.E.A. (Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association) exposition and job fair. Due to the fact that she found individuals who could hit the ground running in top performance without a ramp-up period, her company received the first 100 percent Award Fee ever granted by the United States Navy six months after she began, and they were given 100 percent Award Fees every six months until her departure.

Katherine also used her project management skills when she was the Administrative Assistant II in support of the President, five Vice Presidents, and twelve Directors. Within the company there had only been a part time Presidential Secretary and a Receptionist working with Katherine for the administrative support. On the volunteer side Katherine has had 20 years volunteering with her local volunteer fire department (including being the Fire Prevention Officer for five years) and six years within Toastmasters International (going up to a record breaking Division Governor year). She has earned many awards for membership; marketing; leadership and being the member of the year. The reason for her success is that she has three mantras that she always follows: always strive for excellence, good old fashioned customer service, and service oriented leadership.

You can reach Katherine at kransom@sprayfoam.org or (703) 222-4268.

SPFA Courses and Certification

Fifth Year of the SPFA PCP: Time to Re-Certify for Those Who Earned Their Certification in 2013!

Time has flown by! For those who first earned their SPFA PCP Certification in 2013 — the time to re-certify is fast approaching. The deadline is December 31, 2017!

The procedure will be very similar to the annual renewal.

1) Completion of Re-Certification Form

2) Verification all requirements are current i.e. CPR, First Aid, CPI (as applicable per certification level)

3) Reporting of CEUs earned (Requirement based on certification level) – SPFA will provide form and the Certified Individual must self-declare using the form (Form will be emailed to PCP Certified individuals who need to re-certify by December 31, 2017. It will also be posted on website.)

Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) – (Please see Certification Handbooks for more details)

For re-certification (5 year), the Certified Individual (CI) is required to earn the following Continuing Educational Units. If the CI has more than one certification, you only need the number of CEUs required at your highest certification level. In other words, someone certified as both a Project Manager and Master Installer will need just 20 CEU to become re-certified.

Assistant – 5 CEU

Installer – 10 CEU

Master Installer – 15 CEU

Project Manager – 20 CEU

Continuing Education is acceptable if it meets the requirement of enhancing your knowledge, skills and abilities for your current level or a higher level. CEUs can be acquired through many industry educational opportunities. For example, CEUs will be available for those attending SPFA’s annual conventions sessions. One CEU is awarded for each breakout session and we accept CEUs from other industry organizations such as BPI, RESNET, RCI, NRCA, supplier training, etc.

SPFA’s Foam–It-Right ® Webinars are also eligible for CEU credit. For each 1 hour webinar, you will earn 1 CEU. SPFA members can access the webinars on the Members Only page of the website. Those enrolled in the PCP should contact Kelly Marcavage at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org for access to webinars. If you attended during live webinar, simply list it on the form – but if you missed the live broadcast of the webinar – these are available 24/7 for FREE!!! It is a great way to enhance your knowledge of SPF as well as earn CEUs!!

NOTE: The misrepresentation of CEU information (dishonest reporting) will result in demerit points per a Category One (1) violation.

If you have questions, please contact Kelly Marcavage at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org.

Spanish Translation of SPFA PCP Material

The SPFA PCP is progressing with the translation of PCP material. Currently the PCP Forms are being updated into a bi-lingual format. Please click here to see a sample document. Our goal is to keep the forms bi-lingual since they layout of the forms is conducive to this format.

The SPFA PCP Certification Agreement will be translated into Spanish and will come in two formats – English and Spanish.

These new documents will be available on our website in the next few weeks and the new bi-lingual forms will be used in the Certification Handbooks.

The Roofing Installer Study Guide is the next project set for translation into Spanish. As the PCP Training Committee updates each section of the Study Guide, the translation will begin on that section. Once the Roofing Installer Study Guide is completely translated, the Insulation Installer Study Guide will follow.

If you have any questions please contact Kelly Marcavage, Certification Director at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/spf-nwl/pdf/Contractor_Company_Accreditation_Form.pdf to view the full article online.

PCP Training Committee Looking for Volunteers

The PCP Training Committee will be reviewing the SPFA PCP Study Guides. Working Groups will be formed for each Study Guide and your expertise would be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in assisting on this project, please email Kelly Marcavage, SPFA Certification Director, at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org.

Are You "Certifiable"?

SPFA PCP frequently gets phone calls from frantic contractors wanting to know "How quickly can I become certified by the SPFA PCP?" This usually happens when the contractor receives a bid requiring the work to be done by SPFA PCP Certified applicators. Our immediate question is, "Are you certifiable?"

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/spf-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=439763&issueID=51386 to view the full article online.

WANTED: Input on the SPFA Certification Process

We are looking at data showing that many folks have successfully completed some of the requirements needed to become SPFA PCP Certified; however, they haven’t submitted all the information needed to earn the distinguished SPFA PCP Certification.

A Working Group is being formed to reach out to those who have begun, but not yet completed certification levels. We’d like to hear from you on what is stopping you from completing the requirements. This same group will also work on retaining and renewing those who are already certified and helping them get to the next level!

We look forward to hearing from you. Please direct comments, concerns and questions to Kelly Marcavage at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/spf-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=439764&issueID=51386 to view the full article online.

Hazard Communications Update Required for Employers

In 2012, OSHA began a program to align the old Hazard Communications Standard (HCS) with the new Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ This new system to be implemented over the next several years, includes updated methods to communicate hazards on product labels and safety data sheets using an international standard.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/spf-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=439765&issueID=51386 to view the full article online.

15% OFF OSHA 10 Hour and 30 Hour Construction Courses

Breaking News! 360Training is offering SPFA Members and PCP Participants a 15% discount off select online OSHA training courses. This is a great benefit for SPFA Members and PCP participants! Please contact Kelly Marcavage at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org to get the unique SPFA discount code. NOTE: this code is in effect for a limited period of time, so take the course soon to receive the discounted fee.

Note:
The 10 Hour OSHA course is required for the SPF Installer and Master Installer Certifications.
The 30 Hour OSHA Construction Course is required for the SPF Project Manager Certification.

If you take the 30 hour course, it fulfills SPFA PCP requirements for the 10 hour course.

For more details on all SPFA PCP requirements – visit our website at www.sprayfoam.org/certification

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/spf-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=439766&issueID=51386 to view the full article online.

PCP Fillable Forms Now Easily Accessible by Certification Level

In our quest to continually improve the SPFA’s Professional Certification Program (PCP) – we’ve put the forms and checklist for each level of certification into a folder for you to easily access from our website. www.sprayfoam.org/certification. These are the same forms that are in each of the handbooks, but we’ve extracted them and made them fillable for you to easily complete. The checklist for each level is also in the folder.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/spf-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=439767&issueID=51386 to view the full article online.

Have Your Company Become SPFA PCP Accredited

An enhanced listing in SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide is just one of the perks of Accreditation!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/spf-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=439768&issueID=51386 to view the full article online.

Complete Your PCP Certification Requirements Before Spraying Season Resumes

Spraying season is resuming for those of you impacted by winter weather! Before you are in full swing again, be sure to complete your certification requirements. You don’t want to be caught ill prepared if an RFP crosses your desk which requires the work be done by an SPFA Certified Spray Foam Professional. If your certification is already in place, you’ll be ready to move ahead and simply respond to the RFP and not be worried about meeting the certification requirements in order to be considered.

If you are already registered and active in the PCP – contact Crystal to check your status at

Crystal Dalgleish | SPFA-PCP Administration Services

admin@spfapcp.org

If you want to learn more about the SPFA PCP – contact Kelly

Kelly Marcavage – SPFA Certification Director

kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org

Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance Announces Growth of Industry’s Professional Certification Program (PCP)

The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), the educational and technical voice of the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) industry, today released statistics for its industry-leading Professional Certification Program (PCP) with numbers indicating growing participation and certification completions across the country.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/spf-nwl/pdf/PCP_Growth_Announcement_FINAL_4_4_171.pdf to view the full article online.