HomeMy WebLinkAboutSOG 602.01 NEW 12-2013_M&T Foam Systemsf i �
602.01 — Maintenance & Testing of Foam Systems
Effective. 12/5/2o 13
Revised:
Replaces:
I. Guiding Philosophy
Within our level of capabilities, we strive to operate as safely and effectively as possible.
We commit ourselves to maintaining and being proficient in the use of the apparatus, equipment
and systems provided to help us successfully achieve our mission.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the standards for maintenance and testing of Class
A, Class B, and Compressed Air Foam Systems.
III. Goals
The goal of this policy is to define the responsibilities and guidelines for maintenance and
testing of the department's foam suppression systems.
IV. Definitions
A. Class A Foam — Class A foams were developed in the mid-1980s for fighting
wildfires. Class A foams lower the surface tension of the water, which assists in
the wetting and saturation of Class A fuels with water. This aids fire suppression
and can prevent re -ignition.
B. Class B Foam — Class B foams were designed primarily for flammable liquid
fires. There are two major subtypes:
1. Synthetic — Synthetic foams provide better flow and faster knockdown
of flames, but limited vapor suppression.
2. Protein — Unlike synthetic foams, protein foams are bio -degradable.
They flow and spread slower, but provide a foam blanket that is more
heat -resistant and more durable.
C. Compressed Air Foam (CAFS) — Foam created by mixing air and water in-line
before the nozzle. This process has several advantages over standard Class A
foam, including:
1. Better control over foam composition (drier or wetter foam)
2. Lighter hose lines
3. Lower nozzle pressures
V. Maintenance & Testing Guidelines
A. Responsibilities
1. All Uniformed Personnel: Shall be familiar with and follow these
guidelines.
2. Company Officers: Shall be responsible for maintaining an adequate
level of proficiency in these procedures for their assigned personnel.
3. Chief Officers: Shall ensure adequate training and proficiency in these
procedures.
B. Routine, hands on practice is necessary to maintain proficiency in producing
effective firefighting foam.
C. While flushing pumps on the 2"d and 4th Fridays of the month, the Company
Officer will insure that the crew reviews and follows the foam performance
benchmarks to briefly flow some of the Class B foam from the tank.
D. The test should be brief—keeping in mind that Class B foam is quite expensive.
Flowing foam for just a minute or two will suffice. Benefits include:
1. Maintaining user proficiency in the process.
2. Preventing unused foam from congealing in the tanks and plumbing.
3. Preventing the foam itself from getting stale and hardening by regularly
flowing and replacing a small portion of the supply.
E. While flushing pumps on the 1st, 3rd and 5th (if applicable) Fridays of the month,
Class A foam will be flowed to maintain proficiency and test the system.
Apparatus with CAFS capabilities will flow CAFS.
F. If foam is used in an extended training session, then Class A or training foam
should be used in place of Class B foam due to cost considerations. Exceptions
must be approved in advance by the Operations Section Chief or Fire Chief.
G. Refilling Foam Tanks
� � 111111 � „ 7�� 111 � 1 � IY 111 � II �r� s 11 %
nl �I��ol� � If�47lrr].. �]Ilr�l� �]lu ll�a 7
2. D�iiIIEVI' P III` ��'� ill,^, ill^ ' ���III ill^Ilf ill1�11 1111 21 I�� 'I'll"!..
3. If foam tanks must be left below 3/4 full for maintenance or other specific
reason, the Company Officer will email all personnel with the reason,
level of foam currently in the tank and estimated time before the
apparatus will be returned to full capability.
4. Members should not rely strictly on indicators on the pump panel to
determine foam levels. The Company Officer will insure that levels are
visually inspected weekly on Fridays as a part of flushing pumps.
5. If signs of sludging, hardening or visible deterioration are noted during
the weekly inspection, the Company Officer will complete a work order
in Firehouse and follow up with a phone call to the Fire Maintenance
Shop to perform a more detailed inspection of the foam and system.
SOG 602.01 —Maintenance & Testing of Foam Systems Page 2 of 3
H. Annual Testing
1. In January of each year, foam supplies will be randomly sampled for
testing. Foam that does meet testing standards will be used for training
purposes only.
2. The Logistics Section Chief is responsible for ensuring:
a. Random samples are collected in a timely manner.
b. Samples are sent off for testing.
c. Results of tests are communicated to the Management Team.
d. That foam that does not pass testing standards is taken out of
service for emergency response (used for training purposes only).
SOG 602.01 —Maintenance & Testing of Foam Systems Page 3 of 3