Foam

Water has traditionally been used to fight fires because it is readily available and has great heat-absorbing capability. However, Class B fires, fires which involve flammable or combustible liquids, cannot be extinguished by water alone. To cope with Class B fires, fire protection professionals have developed special firefighting foams. Foam can be used to extinguish fire, prevent ignition at flammable or combustible liquid spills, control vapors at hazardous materials spills,l and fight Class A fires. To be effective, it is important that foam be prepared and applied correctly. The purpose of this film is to objectively teach emergency responders what they need to know to select, prepare and apply foam to a Class B fire or hazardous materials spill.

The program emphasizes the value of pre-incident planning, and tells how to analyze a site to determine what type and quantity of foam concentrates to keep available and what other factors should be considered in planning an emergency response. Specific information is provided on preparing foam, including proportioning to achieve the right mix of water and concentrate and equipment necessary to mix and deliver finished foam. Foam vehicles, specially designed equipment to bring foam to the incident, are discussed. Responders are taught to apply the foam gently and from a distance, extinguishing one small area and moving progressively to secure the rest.

Moxie Training.Com, P.O. Box 10203, New Orleans, LA 70181. Tel: 504-733-6907; Fax: 504-733-9493.