Use Of Foam - Task Force Tips MASTER FOAM Instructions For Safe Operation And Maintenance

3.5 USE OF FOAM

Refer to fi re service training for the proper use of foam.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
3.5.1 CLASS A FOAM
It is recommend that the Class A foam used meets USDA Forest Service 5100-307A "Specifi cation for Fire Suppressant Foam for
Wildland Firefi ghting (Class A Foam)", NFPA 298 "Fire Fighting Foam Chemicals for Class A Fuels in Rural, Suburban, and Vegetated
Areas", or NFPA 1150 "Foam Chemicals for Fires in Class A Fuels".
Apply with low expansion nozzle for:
Apply with medium expansion nozzle for:
©Copyright Task Force Tips, Inc. 2003 - 2011
For Class B fi res, lack of foam or interruption in the foam stream can cause a break in the
foam blanket and greatly increase the risk of injury or death. Foam pickup in the 90° wide fog
position is not guaranteed to function. Make sure that:
• Application
recommendations).
• Enough concentrate is on hand to complete the task (see NFPA for minimum duration
time requirements).
• Foam logistics have been carefully planned. Allow for such things as:
• Storage of foam in a location not exposed to the hazard it protects.
• Personnel, equipment and technique to deliver adequate foam.
• Removal of empty foam containers.
• Keeping clear path to deliver foam as hoses, other equipment and
vehicles are deployed
Improper use of foam can result in injury or damage to the environment. Follow foam
manufacturer's instructions and fi re service training to avoid:
• Using wrong type of foam on a fi re, i.e. Class A foam on a Class B fi re.
• Mishandling of concentrates, some of which are fl ammable.
• Plunging foam into pools of burning liquid fuels.
• Causing environmental damage.
• Directing stream at personnel.
There are a wide variety of foam concentrates. Each user is responsible for verifying that any
foam concentrate chosen is suitable for the purpose intended.
SOLID FUEL - CLASS A
MOP UP & OVERHAUL
OPERATIONS
- soaking and penetration of fuel
- greater stream reach
- greater coverage
- longer lasting
- insulating
rate is suffi cient (see
CLASS A FOAM
WILDLAND &
EXPOSURE PROTECTION
Apply as needed for penetration, isolation,
cooling, and smothering.
straight stream nozzle
low expansion nozzle
piercing nozzle
medium expansion nozzle
5
NFPA 11 or foam manufacturer's
LIZ-030 September 27, 2011 Rev07