Bayer MaterialScience Contractor Accreditation Program Emphasizes Safety, Adds Value for Spray Foam Contractor Community

Atlanta, GA, September 26, 2012 --(PR.com)-- As a key supplier to the Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) industry, Bayer MaterialScience LLC recognizes the need to establish consistent standards for contractors who apply this product. For that reason, the company has developed a Contractor Accreditation Program, which aims to help increase safety in the contractor community; drive improvements in the quality and consistency of product application; and establish criteria to evaluate a contractor’s ability to handle and apply SPF in a safe manner.

Complete program elements are detailed in a technical paper: “Creation and Implementation of a Contractor Accreditation Program for Spray Polyurethane Foam,” authored by Bob Creighton, manager, Contractor Accreditation and Warranty Programs; Jim Lambach, head of Technology and Technical Marketing, Spray Polyurethane Insulation and Roofing Materials; and Martha Vandamme, Manager, Applicator Information Program, all of Bayer MaterialScience LLC. They discussed the accreditation program at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25, during the Polyurethanes Technical Conference, sponsored by the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI).

Bayer’s Contractor Accreditation Program for SPF consists of basic accreditation, or bronze level, and additional training tiers beyond those specific to the type of SPF application. The presentation focuses on the bronze level of the program and outlines the requirements to achieve accreditation at this level:

1. Completion, by all contractor employees who handle SPF materials and containers, of CPI’s online health and safety course.

2. Affirmation that the contractor utilizes a respirator program that complies with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.

3. Completion, by at least one employee of the contractor’s company, of Bayer’s Applicator Information Program, or other SPF training program recognized by Bayer.

4. Equipment that meets the minimum requirements for application of two-component high-pressure SPF.

“Bayer’s accreditation program is the best class I’ve been to in a long time,” said Frank Bovio of Bovio Advanced Comfort and Energy Solutions. “I’ve been to quite a few classes, and I found the trainers and training materials provided in Bayer’s class to be spot on.”

To qualify for accreditation, contractors submit an affirmation form and an equipment survey to document that all required program elements have been met successfully.

“The content and accreditation criteria of our program are intended to remain evergreen,” explained Lambach. “This will allow the program to evolve to include consensus training and accreditation standards currently under development by the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance and other leading industry organizations.”

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,800 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2011 sales of 10.8 billion euros. Bayer MaterialScience’s 2011 sales in North America were $2.9 billion. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

Contact:
Sean Kelly, Phone: 412-777-5200
E-mail: sean.kelly@bayer.com

For more information about Bayer MaterialScience LLC's polyurethanes, call 412-777-7454 or visit www.bmsnafta.com.

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