Key Issues

Building Codes Benefit from CPI Participation
CPI is making its presence known through a variety of activities within the building code arena. For instance, CPI, along with the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, and the Extruded Polystyrene Foam Association continues to work under the Foam Sheathing Coalition to address foam sheathing issues in building codes. A report has been prepared detailing the proper installation and use of foam sheathing for energy-efficient housing in relation to the International Residential Code. The report, which is intended to be a primer to code officials and builders, is being used to demonstrate the viable use of foam sheathing from the building code standpoint.

CPI also participates in national building code development by sponsoring code changes that clarify the safe use of polyurethanes.

CPI Committed to Fire Prevention Education
In 2005, the CPI completed a three-year commitment to the National Fire Protection Association’s Risk Watch, a very successful program at the Nash-Rocky Mount school district in North Carolina. The program teaches children in grades kindergarten through eight about safety in eight different risk areas, including fire prevention. Literature reviews indicate injuries sustained from fires are high for this age group in comparison to other age groups and other causes of death for children.

Overall, teachers have reported satisfaction with the teacher training and curriculum and have reported observed behavioral and environmental changes among their students. Additionally, test scores have shown improvements in the way students currently assess risk.

Educating Bill Sponsor on Polyurethane Use
CPI, along with the American Chemistry Council (ACC), worked towards educating the sponsor of MA House Bill 2728 about the features and benefits of polyurethane use in construction and the application of fire resistant acoustic materials. After a thorough briefing, the sponsor communicated with the Public Health Committee with a request to cease any further action on his bill. Armed with background from CPI, the ACC testified at a public hearing of the Public Health Committee and provided the committee with the same information as the sponsor. Now, the bill has been placed into a study order, which in essence, discontinues any further review of the legislation.

CPI Helps Address Issues with CPSC
CPI, in conjunction with other industry groups, has worked at evaluating flammability test protocols for furniture. Results of the work are shared with interested stakeholders, and have been submitted as formal comments to the CPSC as they develop their new rules. CPI was a leader in helping to develop a small open flame test method based on weight loss for upholstered furniture. The basic weight loss method has been adopted by CPSC as a draft standard.

In May 2005, the CPSC released a revised draft weight loss standard to address the risk to the public of residential fires involving ignitions of upholstered furniture by smoldering cigarettes and small open flame sources such as lighters, matches and candles. CPI is currently working with other industry group partners to evaluate these test methods for their scientific reliability.

Safety Precautions Outlined Through Educational Tools
When the truck bed liner industry was identified as a business in need of additional educational tools and support, CPI leaped into action by publishing a worker safety brochure. Since initial publication, CPI has provided technical assistance on this issue to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, formed an alliance with OSHA Region 5 and Region 6, and most recently organized a training seminar in Region 6 and developed a website for the truck bed lining industry.

The alliances with OSHA have brought together industry experts to address important worker safety issues such as the proper use of personal protective equipment and respirators, and proper maintenance of equipment and ventilation booths. The alliance has three goals: outreach and communications, education and training, and workplace safety and health.

CPI End-Use Survey Addresses PU Consumption in the NAFTA Region
Every two years, CPI focuses its efforts on compiling polyurethanes consumption information for key end-use markets in the United States, Canada and Mexico through its End-Use Survey. By compiling this information in partnership with consultants that are familiar with the industry, CPI can provide members and users added value through greater focus on growth markets and better detail within key industries. For example, the study identifies items such as total production by end-use for each of the major markets within each country, historic industry trends and issues, process technology and raw material statistics. The 2004 End-Use Survey provides detailed polyurethane material analysis related to polyurethane consumption in 2004 for at least 20 key end-use markets in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In addition, the survey has now expanded its focus on growth markets such as viscoelastic foams, coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. The study also will help increase the reader’s understanding of the fast growing industry in Mexico and provide better detail on key industries in the NAFTA region.

CPI Develops Programs for Polyurethane Users
CPI has worked with industry experts and consultants on developing programs that cover a variety of topics for users of polyurethanes. The CPI Professional Development Program was developed to cover a wide range and level of polyurethane-related topics. Basic chemistry and technology and an overview of markets and applications, as well as testing, specifications and performance, are among the subjects. This comprehensive program includes seminars covering topics such as:

  • Polyurethane Markets and Applications;
  • Introduction to Polyurethane Chemistry and Technology;
  • Polyurethane Foams (Flexible and Rigid);
  • Polyurethane CASE (Coating, Adhesive, Sealant and Elastomer);
  • Testing, Specifications and Performance: The Myth and the Magic; and
  • Building Code Introduction and Overview of U.S. Model Building Code Fire Performance Requirements.
  • EHS Issues of Aromatic Diisocyanates Relative to Polyurethanes
  • Physical Testing of Polyurethane Foams

Also developed is a program that discusses building code requirements for foam plastics.
Entitled “Learn Not to Burn,” this program focuses on building code fire test requirements for the appropriate and safe use of foam plastics, structural considerations when using foam plastic sheathing and the re-write of Section 314 Foam Plastics for the 2006 International Residential Code.

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