ISO 8873-2:2007

Overview

ISO 8873-2:2007 - Rigid cellular plastics: Spray-applied polyurethane foam for thermal insulation - Part 2: Application defines requirements for the application and installation of spray-applied rigid polyurethane foam (SPF) used primarily as thermal insulation. It covers on-site and prefabrication (manufacturing) installations, and may be applied to non-building uses if agreed between supplier and purchaser. The standard addresses responsibilities for the manufacturer, contractor and installer, and sets expectations for material selection, equipment, quality control, safety and disposal.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: SPF as thermal insulation, possible use as an air barrier and, under specific manufacturer-defined conditions, as a vapour barrier within building assemblies.
• Roles & obligations:
  • Manufacturer/supplier: supply materials that meet ISO 8873-1, label shipments, declare the certification organization and ensure installation by approved contractors/installers.
  • Contractor: select compliant systems, verify material documentation, provide trained/certified installers, equipment, PPE and site test kits, and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Installer: trained and certified (per an approved programme) to mix and spray liquid components, follow manufacturer and ISO 8873-2 application rules, and conduct on-site testing and records.
• Material and system selection: selection of compatible chemical components (polyisocyanates and polyhydroxyl blends) and system documentation (see normative Annex B).
• Equipment & site setup: requirements for proportioners, hoses, spray guns, heaters and minimum site test-kit components (Annex D, Annex K).
• Quality assurance & testing: site quality assurance programmes (QAP), daily work records, sampling and test methods for density, adhesion/cohesion and substrate preparedness (see ISO 8873-3 for additional test methods).
• Safety, handling & disposal: mandatory PPE (including fresh-air-supplied respirators), handling precautions, drum detoxification and waste disposal requirements (Annexes F and G).
• Documentation & labeling: manufacturer marking, job-site labels and required records for traceability and compliance.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

ISO 8873-2:2007 is used by:

• SPF manufacturers and formulators to define installation requirements and to support product documentation.
• Spray polyurethane foam contractors and installers for job-site procedures, certification and compliance.
• Building designers, specifiers and code officials who need to understand the application limits for thermal, air- and vapour-barrier performance.
• Prefabrication facilities applying SPF in manufactured components. Practical benefits include consistent installation quality, improved thermal performance, clear safety and waste-management practices, and auditable records for regulatory compliance.

Related standards

• ISO 8873-1 - Material specifications for spray-applied polyurethane foam
• ISO 8873-3 - Test methods for spray-applied polyurethane foam
• ISO/IEC 17024 - Conformity assessment (referenced for certification organizations)

Keywords: ISO 8873-2:2007, spray polyurethane foam, SPF, thermal insulation, air barrier, vapour barrier, installer certification, site quality assurance, safety, disposal.