Training Foam

[The Colonel]

Ladies and Gents
Is there a suitable alternative to using normal foam concentrate in fire extinguishers just for training purposes with gas rigs. I have used the occasional foam ext in training but keep hear that the Environment Agency and others are anti and it may not be good. I have heard the one about Fairy liquid but am not clear if that is ok and if so how much to use as a ratio to water.

Any advice would be good, especially if Anthony B is around.

[AnthonyB]

If it's a gas rig you could in theory use plain water as you just shut it off anyway, no point wasting any form of concentrate.

You can get training foam that is fully biodegradable but won't necessarily extinguish jack!

http://www.kidde-fire.com/utcfs/ws-465/Assets/NFC710-TrainingFoam_RevB.pdf

Not widely sold though & you would have to buy in bulk, for smaller quantities the actual real life use bio-foams are easier to obtain.

Training powder exists too, really low grade BC & ABC.

[cbfire999]

Hi Colonel

You are absolutely correct with the environmental issues associated with fire fighting foam.  Infact, it is one of the worst substances if aloud to get in to the water course, but obviously we are talking about large quantities.  However, we should avoid where possible.  This information I gained from a brief given to me by the environmental agency direct during a training session a few years ago.  Why spend money on training foam when fairy does the trick?  You are only trying to demonstrate the blanket effect of the foam, not the burn back properties of the foam in question.  As for quantities, just a good squeeze in to the extinguisher is fine and it works a treat.  Many delegates comment on the 'nice' smell, but it gives you the opportunity to explain the environmental issues associated with the foam!

Hope that this helps?

[The Colonel]

guys thanks for the info, all very useful. Going to have some fun one weekend and try a few with the old fairy liquid.

Cheers

[AnthonyB]

Fairy liquid could be potentially as bad!

However a check of the safety data sheet reveals the following Ecological Information:

"The product is intended for wide dispersive use and is compatible with the down-thedrain
disposal route.
The product is not considered harmful to aquatic organisms nor to cause long-term
adverse effects in the environment.
The surfactants contained in this preparation comply with the biodegradability criteria as
laid down in Regulation EC/648/2004 on detergents"

So Fairy is theoretically OK - but before getting cheaper brand detergents check the data sheet first, they are not all the same!

[nearlythere]

And hands that do dishes can feel soft as your face, with mild green fairy liquid.

[kurnal]

Anyone tried washing the pots with AFFF concentrate? Or putting it in a bottle as bubblebath for the missus at christmas?

[AnthonyB]

AFFF extinguishers are good for cleaning cars......

My late grandad was part of the RAF fire crews during the war in addition to his catering role and reported that in lieu of decent soap the saponin used to make bulk chemical foam solutions would double as bath soap/bubble bath!

[cbfire999]

The old Protein foam used to be good for the garden as well!!  Not any more!

[nearlythere]

The old Protein foam used to be good for the garden as well!!  Not any more!

Roses and tomatoes apparently. Don't like either so can't say how good.

[kurnal]

You should try them regularly-they may grow on you.

[nearlythere]

You should try them regularly-they may grow on you.

What! tomatoes?