SIST ISO 8873-2:2015

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 8873-2
First edition
2007-05-01
Rigid cellular plastics — Spray-applied
polyurethane foam for thermal
insulation —
Part 2:
Application
Plastiques alvéolaires rigides — Mousse de polyuréthanne projetée
pour l'isolation thermique —
Partie 2: Application
Reference number
©
ISO 2007
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©  ISO 2007
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ii © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Requirements . 3
4.1 Manufacturer . 3
4.2 Spray polyurethane foam contractor . 3
4.3 Spray polyurethane foam installer . 4
4.4 Apprentice installer. 6
4.5 Material. 6
4.6 Equipment. 6
4.7 Installation . 6
5 Applications. 8
5.1 General. 8
5.2 Air barrier system application . 8
5.3 Vapour barrier application . 8
5.4 Exterior foundation insulation application. 8
5.5 Interior foundation insulation application. 8
5.6 Cathedral ceilings, flat ceilings and decks over heated spaces. 8
5.7 Attic application, exterior (cavity) and interior wall application . 8
6 Sampling . 8
7 Test methods. 9
7.1 Determination of density. 9
7.2 Cohesion and adhesion test . 10
7.3 Verification of substrate (application surface) preparation. 10
7.4 Reporting requirements . 10
8 Manufacturer's marking. 11
9 Manufacturer’s documentation . 12
10 Limitations . 12
Annex A (normative) Substrate preparation. 13
Annex B (normative) Selection of chemical components (system). 16
Annex C (informative) Climatic factors . 17
Annex D (normative) Job-site set up. 18
Annex E (informative) Trouble shooting and repair. 20
Annex F (normative) Handling and safety precautions. 22
Annex G (normative) Disposal and detoxification of drums. 25
Annex H (informative) Daily work record . 27
Annex I (informative) Example of job site label. 29
Annex J (informative) Outline of licensed installer training programme. 30
Annex K (normative) Minimum equipment for site test kit . 36
Bibliography . 37
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 8873-2 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 10, Cellular
plastics.
This first edition of ISO 8873-2, together with ISO 8873-1 and ISO 8873-3, cancels and replaces
ISO 8873:1987, which has been technically revised.
ISO 8873 consists of the following parts, under the general title Rigid cellular plastics — Spray-applied
polyurethane foam for thermal insulation:
⎯ Part 1: Material specifications
⎯ Part 2: Application
⎯ Part 3: Test methods
iv © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

Introduction
Spray polyurethane foam for thermal insulation is made by combining two liquid components on the project
site to manufacture a product. As the manufactured product is what provides the physical and thermal
properties desired by the user, it only becomes spray polyurethane foam when it is installed. As such, an
International Standard for the application and installation is required.
This part of ISO 8873 outlines the obligations for the installer of the liquid components that produce the actual
material.
ISO 8873-1 outlines obligations for the manufacturers of spray polyurethane foam liquid components.
ISO 8873-3 provides test methods which have not previously been specified in International Standards.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 8873-2:2007(E)

Rigid cellular plastics — Spray-applied polyurethane foam for
thermal insulation —
Part 2:
Application
WARNING — Persons using this document should be familiar with normal laboratory practice, if
applicable. This document does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices and
to ensure compliance with any regulatory requirements.
1 Scope
This part of ISO 8873 outlines requirements for the application of rigid cellular plastic spray polyurethane foam
for thermal insulation. The primary application of the material is for use as thermal insulation. Spray
polyurethane foam can also be used as the air barrier material which forms part of an air barrier assembly in
buildings. Under specific application conditions, the material can be used in vapour barrier applications in a
building assembly (details of the conditions can be obtained from the manufacturer). The application
requirements are for the installation of spray polyurethane foam whether applied on a building site or in a
prefabrication (manufacturing) facility.
This part of ISO 8873 can be used for non-building applications when agreed to by the supplier and the
purchaser.
The requirements include obligations for the manufacturer, the contractor and the installer. The requirements
include the selection of chemical components, application requirements, quality control and documentation of
the application, limitations for the application and requirements for safety and for disposal of associated waste
material and packaging.
Installation of spray polyurethane foam for thermal insulation, according to this part of ISO 8873 requires the
use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous (see Warning).
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 8873-1, Rigid cellular plastics — Spray-applied polyurethane foam for thermal insulation — Part 1:
Material specifications
ISO/IEC 17024, Conformity assessment — General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons
3 Terms and definitions
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
3.1
authority having jurisdiction
officer or officers having authority, under appropriate regulatory instruments, to exercise enforcement
3.2
apprentice installer
individual who applies spray polyurethane foam on the job site, under the direct supervision of a spray
polyurethane installer
3.3
certification organization
impartial body possessing the necessary competence and reliability to operate a certification system in
accordance with ISO/IEC 17024, in which the interests of all parties concerned with the functioning of the
system are represented
3.4
equipment manufacturer
manufacturer of equipment designed for spray-application of rigid polyurethane cellular plastic thermal
insulation
3.5
in-situ thermal insulation
thermal insulation product produced or taking its final form at the site of application and which achieves its
properties after installation
3.6
site quality assurance programme
quality assurance programme (QAP) based upon quality standards, which ties the chemical system
components manufacturer (supplier), the contractor and the installer together for the installation of spray
polyurethane foam
NOTE 1 The QAP should outline the responsibilities and obligations of each of the three parties. The QAP should
outline the training and certification requirements for each of the three parties and should include a site inspection of the
installation of spray polyurethane foam.
NOTE 2 ISO 9001 and ISO 12576-2 are examples of quality standards.
3.7
spray polyurethane foam
rigid cellular plastic material with substantially closed cell structure based on polyurethanes, which is foamed
in situ by the catalysed reaction of polyisocyanates and polyhydroxyl compounds, expanded with blowing
agents
3.8
spray polyurethane foam contractor
individual, organization or corporation who is responsible for all requirements and obligations for the
installation of the product
3.9
spray polyurethane foam installer
individual or worker who applies the chemical components by mixing and spraying them to form the rigid
cellular plastic spray polyurethane foam product
NOTE The installer is responsible for the actual installation and site requirements identified by the manufacturer
and/or this part of ISO 8873 for application of the product. The installer should be trained and qualified as having
2 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

demonstrated the required knowledge for proper application of the product by a certification organization (CO). The
installer should follow the requirements for installation and the obligations for installers identified by the manufacturer and
this part of ISO 8873.
3.10
spray polyurethane foam system manufacturer
manufacturer/supplier of the liquid chemical components, polyisocyanates and polyhydroxyl blends containing
also flame retardants, blowing agent and catalysts (system), which are designed to be mixed and sprayed to
form rigid polyurethane foam insulation material in situ
4 Requirements
4.1 Manufacturer
The manufacturer (supplier)
a) shall produce material that meets the requirements of ISO 8873-1,
b) shall mark and label the shipping containers to declare that the material meets the requiements of
ISO 8773-1,
c) shall declare the certification organization that is responsible for delivering the site quality assurance
programme for their product, and
d) shall ensure that the material is installed by a spray polyurethane foam contractor using a spray
polyurethane foam installer in accordance with this part of ISO 8873 and the instructions given by the
chemical manufacturer.
4.2 Spray polyurethane foam contractor
The spray polyurethane foam contractor
a) shall produce material that meets the requirements of ISO 8873-1 and shall comply with all requirements
of this part of ISO 8873;
b) shall select the material that is appropriate for the installation;
c) shall procure material which complies with ISO 8873-1 from a spray polyurethane foam system
manufacturer;
d) shall verify, through the use of drum labels or other documentation, that the material received complies
with ISO 8873-1;
e) shall have at least one trained and certification organization approved spray polyurethane foam installer
on each job site during the application of the spray polyurethane foam thermal insulation;
f) shall be responsible for all aspects of the installation of the material; all regulations shall be complied with
during the installation of the material; the completed application shall comply with all appropriate
regulations such as building codes;
g) shall ensure that the spray polyurethane foam installer has successfully completed a training course
approved by the manufacturer and the certification organization; the spray polyurethane foam installer
shall successfully complete the training and have obtained certification as a spray polyurethane foam
installer;
h) shall provide the spray polyurethane foam installer with proper equipment to install spray polyurethane
foam; equipment may include, but is not limited to, transfer pumps, a proportioner unit, hoses, hose
heaters, spray guns, compressors and generators;
i) shall provide, or ensure that the spray polyurethane foam installer has, proper personnel protection,
which shall include a positive fresh-air-supplied full-face respirator; other protection includes head
protection, eye protection, ear protection, body protection, hand protection and foot protection;
j) shall provide, on each job site, a test kit meeting the requirements outlined in Annex K for use by the
spray polyurethane foam installer to conduct the testing required for thermal insulation in accordance with
this part of ISO 8873;
k) shall ensure that the spray polyurethane foam installer conducts the daily testing;
l) shall ensure that the installer completes daily work records in accordance with the site quality assurance
programme; this daily work record shall contain
⎯ information on the job site, date and material used,
⎯ name of the installer and certification number,
⎯ application conditions and environmental conditions,
⎯ results of the testing completed on site,
⎯ whether the material complies with ISO 8873-1,
⎯ whether the project required isolation and ventilation, and
⎯ whether the material used has been evaluated by a third party;
m) shall supply the installer with all the forms required; the daily work record shall be completed at the
beginning of each day, each time a material batch is changed, and when the job site is changed within a
given day;
n) shall keep the daily work records for a period of seven years; these records shall be made available upon
request, within a reasonable time, to the manufacturer or the certification organization; the minimum
information required for a daily work record is shown in Annex H;
o) shall provide a job site declaration form containing the minimum information outlined in Annex I to the
customer within 30 days of completion of the project;
p) shall ensure that the spray polyurethane foam installer follows the site quality assurance programme
developed by the certification organization; a copy of the site quality assurance programme shall be made
available upon request;
q) shall maintain the installation equipment in proper working order;
r) where a separate contractor is responsible for the thermal barrier installation and when the authority
having jurisdiction requires a thermal barrier for that application, the spray polyurethane foam contractor
shall notify the building owner or the owner’s representative in writing of the requirement for a thermal
barrier and the flammability hazard, which could exist until such time that the foam is covered.
4.3 Spray polyurethane foam installer
The installer
a) shall produce material that meets the requirements of ISO 8873-1 in accordance with this part of
ISO 8873, the instructions provided by the spray polyurethane foam system manufacturer and the spray
polyurethane foam contractor;
4 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

b) shall confirm, using drum labels or other documentation, that the liquid chemicals to be used on site have
been declared by the manufacturer to comply with ISO 8873-1 before commencing installation;
c) shall be responsible for the on-site installation of the material, safe handling and storage of the material,
proper isolation of the spray area, warning signs when spraying is in progress, site housekeeping, and
their own personal and the crew's health and safety; the spray polyurethane foam installer shall wear
proper personnel protection, which includes head protection, eye protection, a positive fresh-air-supplied
full-face respirator, ear protection, body protection, hand protection and foot protection in compliance with
regulations;
d) shall successfully complete a training course approved by the manufacturer and the designated
certification organization; the installer shall obtain certification from the designated certification
organization as a spray polyurethane foam installer; a recommended training outline is shown in Annex J;
e) shall follow all operating instructions for the equipment provided by the equipment manufacturer; this
equipment may include, but is not limited to, transfer pumps, a proportioner unit, hoses, hose heaters,
guns, compressors and generators; the installer shall follow instructions from the equipment manufacturer
for the operation, maintenance and cleaning of the equipment used for installation; the spray
polyurethane foam installer shall follow all safety procedures required by the equipment manufacturer;
f) shall verify, through a material label, that the material on site has been declared by the manufacturer to
comply with ISO 8873-1;
g) shall verify that the substrate has been properly prepared;
h) shall verify that the environmental conditions are within the range approved by the spray polyurethane
foam system manufacturer;
i) shall set the equipment to the proper operating parameters;
j) shall install the material in accordance with this part of ISO 8873 and the manufacturer’s instructions;
k) shall comply with all requirements of the site quality assurance programme provided by the certification
organization;
l) shall apply the spray polyurethane foam so that the surface is reasonably smooth and of consistent
thickness;
m) shall exercise an ongoing visual and physical quality control check throughout the spray application to
ensure proper adhesion to the substrate and proper quality of the spray polyurethane foam;
n) shall check with a depth gauge (see Figure 1) the thickness of the the applied foam on a continual basis
and shall provide the minimum thickness specified by the owner;
o) shall conduct density, adhesion, cohesion and substrate verification at the beginning of each day, each
time a material batch is changed, and when the job site is changed within a given day;
p) shall complete daily work records in accordance with the site quality assurance programme; this daily
work record shall contain
⎯ information on the job site (see Annex D), date and material used,
⎯ name of the installer and certification number,
⎯ application conditions and environmental conditions,
⎯ results of the testing completed on site,
⎯ whether the material complies with ISO 8873-1,
⎯ whether project required isolation and ventilation, and
⎯ whether the material used has been evaluated by a third party;
q) shall at the end of each working day, remove all waste from the construction site and dispose of it in a
safe and proper manner, in accordance with local, provincial and federal requirements;
r) shall, in cases where an apprentice installer is applying the material, ensure that the apprentice is under
the direct supervision of the spray polyurethane foam installer who has the responsibility for the
application.
The daily work record shall be completed at the beginning of each day, each time a material batch is changed,
and when the job site is changed within a given day; the minimum information required for a daily work record
is shown in Annex H.
4.4 Apprentice installer
The apprentice installer
a) shall only install spray polyurethane foam thermal insulation under the direct and constant supervision of
a spray polyurethane foam installer,
b) shall be required to meet all the same requirements as a spray polyurethane foam installer when
installing spray polyurethane foam, and
c) shall wear proper personnel protection, which includes head protection, eye protection, a positive fresh-
air-supplied full-face respirator, ear protection, body protection, hand protection and foot protection in
compliance with regulations.
4.5 Material
The spray polyurethane foam system, when stored in accordance with the chemical manufacturer’s
instructions, properly mixed and spray applied as required in 4.3, and within the shelf life of the chemicals as
declared by the manufacturer, shall produce a finished product that meets the requirements of the ISO 8873-1.
Application requirements, which will affect the performance of the finished product, shall be considered when
choosing the chemical components (see Annex B).
When installed as given in 4.3, the spray polyurethane foam shall not present a health hazard to the potential
occupants, nor shall the cured insulation have any residual odour.
4.6 Equipment
The chemical components shall be mixed and sprayed with a commercially available spray gun and a fixed-
ratio, positive-displacement proportioning unit, specially designed for the application of spray polyurethane
foam. The manufacturer shall recommend appropriate equipment to be used.
Operation, maintenance, safety and cleaning procedures detailed in the equipment manufacturer’s manual
shall be strictly followed.
4.7 Installation
Special applications which require properties in addition to those specified in this part of ISO 8873 shall be
agreed upon by the interested parties prior to commencement of the installation.
Prior to application, a test shall be run to ensure that proper equipment settings have been selected.
Consideration shall be given to reactivity, spray pattern, adhesion to substrate and the appearance of the
spray polyurethane foam to ensure that each of these properties meets the requirements specified by the
6 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

spray polyurethane foam system manufacturer. The spray polyurethane foam installer shall confirm that the
density of the installed material meets the minimum density declared by the spray polyurethane foam system
manufacturer.
The spray polyurethane foam system shall be applied in passes to a clean, dry and sound substrate, prepared
in accordance with Annex A. The thickness of the insulation shall be ascertained by using a thickness gauge
as shown in Figure 1. Successive passes shall overlap to ensure a smooth surface, free of ridges.
Each pass should not be less than 15 mm thick because of the possibility of reduced foaming, which
adversely affects the adhesion to the substrate. Each pass should not be more than 50 mm thick to avoid
elongated cell formation and to minimize the possibility of stress cracking. When several passes are required,
allow for cooling of the foam to prevent scorching.
In any interior building installations, where required by the authority having jurisdiction, a thermal barrier shall
cover the interior side of spray polyurethane foam for fire protection.
In permanently exposed exterior installations, coatings or coverings are necessary for protection from
ultraviolet degradation. Coatings or coverings shall meet the requirements as specified by the application.
Adverse ambient environmental conditions can produce condensation on the substrate. If necessary, the
spray polyurethane foam installer shall confirm this through dew point temperatures. Additional climatic factors
which affect the installation of spray polyurethane foam are outlined in Annex C.
Dimension in millimetres
Key
1 transparent plastic disc and sleeve weighing 10 g ± 0,1 g; disc approx. 2 mm thick
2 stainless-steel pin, of 3 mm diameter, minimum length 100 mm, tapered to a sharp point
Figure 1 — Depth gauge
5 Applications
5.1 General
When installed as a specific application, spray-applied polyurethane foam shall meet the requirements of that
application.
5.2 Air barrier system application
When using spray-applied rigid polyurethane, medium density, foam material in an air barrier assembly
application, the installation of the spray polyurethane foam shall conform to the standard for the installation of
air barriers assemblies.
5.3 Vapour barrier application
Spray-applied rigid polyurethane foam can provide the properties required for a vapour barrier application
under specific thickness, based on the substrate and other installation requirements. The spray polyurethane
foam contractor shall contact the spray polyurethane foam system manufacturer to obtain all such
requirements and limitations for this application.
5.4 Exterior foundation insulation application
The spray-applied polyurethane foam shall be contoured at the wall/footing interface to allow for positive water
drainage.
The exposed spray-applied polyurethane foam shall be protected from ultraviolet degradation and mechanical
damage. Protective covering shall be installed on all exposed spray polyurethane foam and to a depth of
0,3 m (minimum) below ground level.
5.5 Interior foundation insulation application
Application of spray polyurethane foam acting as the sole insulation applied directly to a foundation wall does
not require an additional material to be installed as a vapour barrier.
Spray polyurethane foam can be applied directly to the foundation wall above ground level as there is no air
space between the spray polyurethane foam and the foundation wall.
When spray-applied polyurethane foam is installed in the interior of occupied buildings, all requirements of D.7
shall be met.
5.6 Cathedral ceilings, flat ceilings and decks over heated spaces
There are no additional requirements for these applications.
5.7 Attic application, exterior (cavity) and interior wall application
There are no additional requirements for these applications.
6 Sampling
Unless otherwise specified, randomly choose an area that represents the average application. Obtain one
specimen from the surface area where spray polyurethane foam insulation is being installed. In case of
dispute, three equally spaced specimens shall be obtained from a 3 m by 3 m area chosen by the inspector.
8 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

The specimens shall be taken from the installation site and removed from the substrate. Remove any loose or
compacted spray polyurethane foam material from the specimens. Remove the top and bottom skin from the
specimen by cutting a 6 mm slice from the top and bottom. Record the number of passes within the specimen
in the daily work record.
7 Test methods
7.1 Determination of density
7.1.1 General
The density of the specimen prepared according to Clause 6 and determined in accordance with this test
method shall be equal to or higher than the density declared by the spray polyurethane foam system
manufacturer.
7.1.2 Principle
After determination of the mass of the specimens, the volume shall be determined by water displacement. The
density shall be calculated based on the values determined above.
7.1.3 Apparatus
7.1.3.1 Analytical balance, accurate to 0,01 g.
7.1.3.2 Knife, with a blade of at least 180 mm, or a coring tool capable of cutting a sample.
7.1.3.3 Graduated cylinder, of minimum size 1 000 ml, with 10 ml maximum graduation.
7.1.4 Procedure
Cut and remove three specimens (approximately 70 mm in diameter and 50 mm to 100 mm long) through the
full thickness of the spray polyurethane foam from the middle of the test area (see Clause 6).
Perform the following operations for the specimen.
⎯ A Without wetting the specimen, make sure that they are of the correct size to fit into the graduated
cylinder. Cut into pieces or trim if necessary. Gently shake off loose particles.
⎯ B Weigh the specimen and record its mass (in grams), ensuring that the minimum mass is 5,5 g.
⎯ C Fill graduated cylinder with the required volume of water and record the volume (in millilitres).
⎯ D Submerge the specimen completely using a thin-wall plastic tube, wire or other thin instrument, and
record the new volume (in millilitres) within 1 min.
⎯ E Calculate the water (in millilitres) displaced by subtracting the volume recorded in A from the volume
recorded in C.
⎯ F Divide the specimen mass (in grams) by the water displacement volume calculated in E (in millilitres).
Convert the results from grams per litre to kilograms per cubic metre.
In case of dispute, the samples shall be submitted to an accredited laboratory for the density testing.
7.2 Cohesion and adhesion test
7.2.1 General
The cohesive and adhesive strengths of the spray polyurethane foam shall be determined as outlined below.
The test specimens shall not show delamination or separation. The adhesion and cohesion tests should be
performed on site with the specimen attached to the substrate.
7.2.2 Principle
A circular plywood disc equipped with a hook, is bonded with an adhesive to the surface of the insulation to be
tested. The spray polyurethane foam insulation is cut 70 mm in diameter through the full thickness of the
insulation. A specified load is attached to the hook perpendicular to the surface, and any rupture is observed.
7.2.3 Apparatus
7.2.3.1 Round plywood discs, of diameter 70 mm, thickness 20 mm.
7.2.3.2 Two-component epoxy glue, or a shot of spray polyurethane.
7.2.3.3 Tool, made from thin-wall tempered pipe to make 70 mm cylindrical cuts in the insulation.
7.2.3.4 Wires with two hooks (to be attached to the plywood discs), wire length 600 mm.
7.2.3.5 Support frame for the test, as given in Figure 2.
7.2.3.6 Weight, of mass 1 kg.
7.2.4 Test procedure
Select a location in the middle of the sampling area (see Clause 6) and make a cylindrical cut through the
entire thickness of the insulation.
Bond the discs with hooks and wire to the test specimen using two-component epoxy glue or spray
polyurethane foam.
Pass each of the other ends of the wire through a support and attach to a 1 kg weight. The attachment shall
be made without placing any tension on the specimen.
Lower the weight very slowly to avoid impact loading of the specimen (see Figure 2).
Observe for any rupture (delamination) at the interface between the spray polyurethane foam and the
substrate for adhesion. Observe for any rupture (delamination) between the passes of the spray polyurethane
foam for cohesion. Any rupture constitutes a failure of the foam system.
Any material that does not pass the adhesion/cohesion test shall be removed, the substrate properly prepared
and new material installed.
7.3 Verification of substrate (application surface) preparation
When required by the quality assurance site auditor or the authority having jurisdiction, the preparation of the
actual application surface shall be visually verified in three places in the same manner as given in 7.2.4. The
cylindrical cuts shall be made at least 200 mm apart. After the test, the holes shall be cleaned and refilled with
the spray polyurethane foam (see requirements of Annex A).
7.4 Reporting requirements
The results of all on-site testing shall be recorded on the daily work record.
10 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

Key
1 foam cut out 5 hook
2 substrate 6 test frame, of 4 mm diameter steel, tapered to a sharp point
3 foam 7 wire
4 plywood plug (glued to foam cut) 8 weight of mass 1 kg
Figure 2 — Apparatus for adhesion/cohesion strength test
8 Manufacturer's marking
The spray polyurethane foam contractor/spray polyurethane foam installer shall obtain information from the
manufacturer about what means the manufacturer is using to identify easily and uniquely, on the job site,
products which the spray polyurethane foam system manufacturer declares complies with ISO 8873-1.
NOTE Examples of a manufacturer’s marking are a distinct ink colour added, or a material added to their system,
which could be identified at the installation site.
The installer shall identify, verify and record how the material was marked on the daily work record.
9 Manufacturer’s documentation
The spray polyurethane foam contractor shall obtain from the spray polyurethane foam system manufacturer,
and provide to the spray polyurethane foam installer, information on the material which should include, as a
minimum, the following:
a) description of the chemical components including their properties;
b) material safety data sheet for both the resin and the isocyanate;
c) instructions for safe handling, use and disposal of the chemical components;
d) recommendations for suitable types of proportioning spray equipment, safety and operating parameters;
e) ambient temperature, substrate temperature and relative humidity limitations at application;
f) type of substrate and its preparation;
g) physical properties of the spray polyurethane foam, as well as toxicity, flammability/combustibility and
reactivity data;
h) limitations for use of the spray-applied polyurethane foam;
i) expiry date of the components;
j) method used by the manufacturer to identify the installed spray polyurethane foam insulation on site that
the manufacturer declares complies with ISO 8873-1.
10 Limitations
Because spray polyurethane foam is combustible, it shall not be used at a continuous service temperature in
excess of +80 °C (such as in contact with chimneys, heater vents, steam pipes). Where applications require a
continuous service temperature in excess of +80 °C, the spray polyurethane foam system manufacturer shall
be contacted and a foam specifically formulated for the application shall be obtained.
Spray polyurethane foam shall not be
a) used on or in the vicinity of heat-emitting devices (such as recessed lighting fixtures) at a distance less
than 75 mm, or as specified by the authority having jurisdiction, nor
b) used inside electrical outlets or junction boxes, nor
c) left exposed to continuous ultraviolet light.
12 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

Annex A
(normative)
Substrate preparation
A.1 General
Spray polyurethane foam can be applied to a wide variety of substrates. Good adhesion between the
substrate and the insulation is extremely important. It can be achieved by proper surface preparation prior to
the application of the insulation. All substrates should therefore be clean, dry and free of grease, oil, loose
scale or rust, solvents and other contaminants that may impair the bond of the foam to the substrate. Each
substrate shall be prepared in accordance with the directions specified by the chemical manufacturer for the
specific application.
A.2 Wood, gypsum board and fibreboard
The moisture content of wood, gypsum or fibreboard should be less than 19 %. Special care should be taken
in the case of laminates with surface treatment, because the treatment can adversely affect the adhesion of
the insulation to the substrate.
A.3 Concrete
Concrete shall be dry on surface before applying spray polyurethane foam. Form release shall not be present
on the concrete surface. Proper ageing of the concrete shall be provided for applications involving new
concrete so as not to inhibit the concrete cure. If the adhesion is suspect because of high moisture content of
the concrete, the adhesion test as specified in 7.2 shall be performed.
A.4 Galvanized steel
New galvanized steel shall be primed with a primer containing a high percentage of solvents, or washed with a
mineral spirit, then allowed to dry and finally primed using a thin film etching primer.
A.5 Pre-painted substrates
The strength of adhesion can vary with the type of paint used. When the adhesion is uncertain, the paint
should be mechanically scored or abraded by sand blasting.
A.6 Bare steel
Spray polyurethane foam can usually be sprayed directly onto bare steel after the removal of any loose scale
and rust. However, steel tanks shall be primed before insulation.
A.7 Stainless steel
Stainless steel shall be primed with a primer containing a high percentage of solvents, or washed with a
mineral sprit, allowed to dry and finally primed using a thin film etching primer. In some cases, to achieve
adequate adhesion between the primer and the stainless steel, it may be necessary to abrasive blast.
A.8 Aluminium
Aluminium shall be cleaned with a mineral spirit. Caustic solution shall not be used. Aluminium shall always be
primed prior to the application of the insulation to prevent corrosion of the aluminium. After application, acids
are formed at the surface between the spray polyurethane foam and the aluminium and they can cause
corrosion.
A.9 Glass
Except for cleaning, no special preparation is required for glass. However, when the insulation is applied to
the interior of a window, an ultraviolet-blocking coating should be applied to the glass prior to application to
prevent degradation of the insulation by sunlight.
A.10 Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)
Washing with a mild solvent, such as mineral spirits, is sufficient to prepare the surface of PVC. PVC should
be used as a substrate with caution. If the plasticizer content is high, the plasticizer may migrate to the surface
of the PVC after the application of the spray polyurethane foam, resulting in loss of adhesion. (Plasticizer
content is usually highest in new flexible PVC and is usually lower in rigid PVC and aged PVC membranes.)
A.11 Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
The ABS surface should be cleaned with mineral spirit and primed.
A.12 Polyprop
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