Class "A" Foamlass "A" Foam

1. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose: This policy is to provide uniform procedures for emergency use, re-supply, and storage of Class A foam.

Background: In recent years, advances in foam technology have led to greater efficiency in fire extinguishment. The Huntington Beach Fire Department has assumed a proactive role in the use of these new technologies. In 1998 the department decided to include built-in Class A foam proportioning systems on all newly purchased fire engines.

B. Scope: All uniformed personnel shall be familiar with this policy.

C. Author: The Operations Chief shall be responsible for the origin, review and revision of this Policy.

2. RESPONSIBILITY

A. All Uniformed Personnel: Shall familiarize themselves with this policy.

B. Battalion Chiefs: Shall ensure adequate training in these procedures.

C. Captains: Shall be responsible for maintaining an adequate level of proficiency in these procedures for their assigned personnel.

3. PROCEDURES

1. Use:

1. Personnel shall always check the label before filling engine foam tank to ensure that Monsanto WD 881 foam is in use.
2. Class A foam is not to be added to fixed water systems such as tanks, standpipes, or sprinkler systems. This may cause contamination of portable water supplies and/or corrode the components of these systems.
3. If emergency conditions require the use of another foam product, that product shall be checked for compatibility with Monsanto WD 881. If the new product is not compatible, the engine’s foam tank should be emptied completely prior to the introduction of new products and again prior to refilling with Monsanto WD 881 foam.
4. Class A and Class B foams shall never be mixed.
5. Under no circumstance shall Class B foam be introduced into a Class A system.

1. Deployment:

1. Class A foam shall be used in any situation where plain water had previously been indicated as the extinguishing agent.
2. General application rates for Class A foam.

a. Direct Attack = 0.5%

b. Overhaul = 0.2%

c. Exposure protection = 1.0%

d. Brush (pre-treatment) = 1.0%

3. Water quality will affect bubble production so local conditions must be taken into consideration during foam production. If the system is not producing foam that meets your needs, increase or decrease the percentage as necessary.

 

4. Special Considerations:

1. Interior structural attack:

1. Use standard fog nozzles.
2. Proportion at 0.5%.

1. Overhaul:

1. Any nozzle will give satisfactory results during overhaul.
2. Proportion at 0.2% and not to exceed 0.5%.

1. Exposure Protection/Wildland pre-treatment:

(1) Use Akron 60 GPM aspirating nozzle.

(2) Proportion at 1.0%.