The spray foam industry is highly regulated and adheres to a rigorous system of checks and balances. The misconception that the industry operates without oversight likely stems from a misunderstanding of the certification and compliance processes that manufacturers must follow to sell their products.

Spray foam manufacturers are subject to multiple levels of regulation, from internal quality control to third-party oversight, ensuring that their products and the installers who apply them meet stringent standards. Let’s take a closer look at what it takes for a manufacturer to maintain its accreditation with a third-party certification body.

Step 1: Installer Approval Scheme

For every spray foam product certificate issued, the manufacturer must have an installer approval scheme in place. This is a formal process that requires manufacturers to register and train the installers who will be applying the product. The manufacturer is responsible for keeping detailed records, which include:

• Documentation of the training provided to installers.
• Reports from site visits where the manufacturer inspects the installer’s work.
• Any follow-up reports after the site visit, including recommendations for remedial actions if needed.

This means that manufacturers cannot sell their products to anyone who has not been properly trained and approved. The installation of spray foam is a specialised task, and this system ensures that only qualified individuals are authorised to handle it.

Step 2: Continuous monitoring and assessment

The process of installer approval is not a one-time event – it involves continuous monitoring throughout the year. Manufacturers are expected to regularly assess their approved installers through follow-up site visits and “toolbox” talks. These informal but crucial meetings allow manufacturers to address issues directly with installers, reinforce best practices and document any areas of non-conformity. If an issue is identified, it must be discussed with the installer, documented, and rectified.

This continual assessment ensures that any deviations from the approved procedures are swiftly addressed thus maintaining a high standard of product.

Step 3: Third-party certification oversight

In addition to the manufacturer’s internal checks, the company responsible for granting third-party certification (BBA or KIWA) performs passive and active oversight. These certifying bodies conduct routine inspections, reviewing whether the raw materials used by the manufacturer align with the product certificate and ensuring that all quality control checks are in place.

The certification body also has the authority to request additional information at any time. This can include reviewing records of how much product the manufacturer has sold and to whom and conducting spot checks on paperwork related to specific installers. During these spot checks, the certifying body might ask for details such as the last site visit to a particular installer, what the outcome was, and whether any follow-up actions were taken.

Conclusion

Far from being unregulated, the spray foam industry is subject to strict and ongoing oversight. From initial installer training to continuous assessment and third-party certification checks, manufacturers must meet rigorous standards to retain their accreditation. This ensures not only the quality of the product but also the competency of those installing it. The level of scrutiny applied in the spray foam industry means that customers can trust that the products they use are safe, effective, and properly installed.

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