What Is the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance?
Definition: The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) is the U.S. trade association representing the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) industry, including contractors, chemical manufacturers, equipment suppliers, distributors, and consultants. SPFA promotes industry education, professional certification, technical standards, and safe practices for SPF insulation, roofing, and coatings. A company listed with this qualification is an SPFA member.
Spray polyurethane foam is created on site by mixing two chemical components, which react and expand as they are sprayed. It is used for building insulation, air sealing, roofing, and insulating tanks, cold storage, and industrial equipment. Because SPF is manufactured at the job site, results depend heavily on the applicator's training, equipment setup, and attention to temperature, substrate, and safety conditions.
SPFA's Professional Certification Program is designed to verify the knowledge and field skills of SPF workers, with credentials for roles ranging from assistants and installers to master installers and project managers. SPFA also publishes technical documents and guidance on SPF application, roofing, and safety, including handling of isocyanate chemicals and ventilation. Scaffolding and access are often needed for SPF roofing, tank insulation, and high wall work. Through Scaffold Exchange, you can find SPFA member companies for your project.
What SPFA Membership Connects To
SPFA offers programs and resources for the spray foam industry. Membership connects companies to the following.
Professional Certification Program
Credentials for SPF workers, from assistants and installers to master installers and project managers.
Technical Guidance
Industry documents on SPF application, roofing systems, inspection, and quality practices.
Health & Safety Resources
Guidance on chemical handling, ventilation, personal protective equipment, and re-occupancy.
Codes & Standards Advocacy
Industry representation on building codes, energy codes, and standards affecting SPF.
Education & Events
Training, conferences, and a network of SPF contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers.
When SPFA Membership Matters
SPFA membership is especially relevant on projects such as the following.
Commercial and industrial SPF roofing
Wall and ceiling insulation
Tank and vessel insulation
Cold storage and freezer buildings
Air sealing and building envelope work
Agricultural and metal buildings
Occupied building retrofits
Specifications requiring certified applicators
How SPFA Membership Compares to Other Qualifications
Association membership is one way to evaluate a provider. Here is how SPFA compares to related memberships and qualifications.
Coatings and corrosion association
- Formed from NACE and SSPC
- Coatings standards and certifications
- Contractor accreditation programs
- Best for coatings and corrosion work
Scaffold industry association
- Focused on scaffold and access
- SAIA University training
- Access for SPF crews at height
- Best for scaffold-specific expertise
Spray foam industry association
- Professional Certification Program
- Technical and safety guidance
- Insulation, roofing, and coatings
- Best for spray foam contractors
Merit shop construction association
- Broad construction focus
- STEP safety and craft training
- Merit shop advocacy
- Best for open-shop construction networks
Credentialed scaffold crews
- Crews hold recognized certifications
- Scaffold erection rather than spray foam
- Training and experience documented
- Best for verifying builder skill
Find SPFA Member Companies Near You
Use the Scaffold Exchange map to search by location, filter by qualification, and connect directly with spray foam insulation, roofing, and industrial service companies that are SPFA members.
OSHA Compliance & Safety Standards
Spray polyurethane foam application can expose workers to isocyanates and other chemicals in vapors, aerosols, and mists. OSHA's respiratory protection standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, which also applies to construction through 1926.103, requires a written respiratory protection program, proper respirator selection, medical evaluation, fit testing, and training where respirators are needed. Ventilation, protective clothing, and controlled access to the spray area are also important, and scaffolds used for SPF work must meet OSHA's scaffold standards.
- Written respiratory protection program
- Respirators selected, fit-tested, and maintained
- Spray area ventilated and access controlled
- Skin and eye protection provided
- Applicators trained on chemical hazards
- Scaffolds inspected by a competent person
1910.134
Respiratory Protection — U.S. General Industry and Construction
OSHA Interpretations & Rulings →