Note Taking Guide
Protective Envelope
and Foam
Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute
University of Maryland
Steven T. Edwards
Fall 2011
Copyright© 2011 by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. All rights reserved. No part of this book may by copied or reproduced in any form
or by any means without written permission of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the
University of Maryland is the State’s comprehensive training and education system for all
emergency services.
The Institute plans, researches, develops, and
delivers quality programs to enhance the ability
of emergency service providers to protect life,
the environment, and property.
Protective Envelope and Foam
Lesson 11-1
Survival Skills Awareness—
Awareness—Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE)
Student Performance Objective
Given NFPANFPA-compliant structural firefighting
protective clothing, PASS device, accountability
tag, SCBA, and instructions, the student will be
able
ab
e to
o desc
describe
be what
a co
constitutes
s u es p
protective
o ec e
equipment, don and doff personal protective
clothing, and identify the hazards and longlongterm diseases that occur by not wearing SCBA.
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.1
Overview
Firefighter Deaths and Injuries
Personal Protective Equipment Requirements
and Standards
Level of Protection According to Incident Type
Protective Clothing and Related Equipment
Care and Maintenance of PPE
Donning Personal Protective Equipment (Turnout
Gear)
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.2
Firefighter Deaths and Injuries
According to the U.S. Firefighter Injuries for
2009,, published by the NFPA, there were a total
2009
of 78,150 injuries to firefighters in 2009.
Most of these injuries could have been easily
prevented with proper use of PPE
Following Standard Operating Guidelines and
using appropriate levels of PPE for each situation
can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.3
Firefighter Deaths and Injuries
According to NIOSH the most common
causes of injuries are:
–
Failure to establish an accountability system
–
Freelancing
–
Poor fireground communication
–
Failure to use Personal Alert Safety System
(PASS) devices
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.4
Firefighter Deaths and Injuries
According to NIOSH the most common
causes of injuries are (continued)
– Poor physical health or conditioning
– Poor planning
– Improper or lack of aggressive ventilation
– Resistance to change
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.5
Firefighter Deaths and Injuries
Some other causes for injuries not mentioned
by NIOSH are:
– Peer pressure
– Glorifying traditions or “old school” ways
– Compromising equipment so it looks worn out
(melting helmets in the oven)
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.6
Personal Protective Equipment
Requirements and Standards
NFPA 1971—
1971—Standard on Protective Ensembles
for Structural Firefighting and Proximity
Firefighting
NFPA 1851—
1851—Standard for Selection, Care and
Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for
Structural and Proximity Firefighting
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.7
Level of Protection According to
Incident Type
Different situations will require different types
of protection. Some of these situations are
– Structural Firefighting:
g
g Requires
q
full turnout g
gear
and SCBA
– Wildland Firefighting: Requires protective
equipment that is lighter and allows for more
mobility
– Medical Emergency Responses: May not require
full turnout gear and/or SCBA
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.8
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
PPE has limitations. Make sure the right PPE is
used in the right situation and within its
limitations.
According to the NFPA, personal protective
equipment includes
– Helmets
– Protective hoods
– Protective coats and trousers (with liners)
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.9
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
According to the NFPA, personal protective
equipment includes (continued)
–
Station/work uniforms
–
Hand and foot protection
–
Eye and hearing protection
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.10
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
According to the NFPA, personal protective
equipment includes (continued)
–
Personal Alert Safety System (PASS)
–
Personnel Accountability Tag (PAT Tag)
–
Self
Self--Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.11
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
In order to comply with NFPA 1971, protective clothing
and related equipment must have the appropriate labels
containing the following information:
–
Manufacturer
Manufacturer’s
s name
–
Manufacturer’s address
–
Model and serial number
–
Date of manufacture
–
Size of garment (and width for footwear)
–
Material the garment is made of
–
Cleaning instructions
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.12
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
The helmet
– Protects the firefighter
from heat, cold, water,
and falling debris
– Must
M t have
h
an inner
i
shell
h ll
to provide impact
protection
– Must have face or eye
protection
– Must have an inner lining, ear protection and a
chin strap
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.13
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
The protective hood
– Is to be worn under the
helmet and over the
p
SCBA facepiece
– Must be made of fire
retardant material
– Must meet NFPA
standards
– Must be donned
BEFORE the turnout coat
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.14
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
Protective Coat and
Trousers (Turnout Gear)
– Are also referred to as
gear or bunker p
pants
turnout g
and coat
– Must have an inner and
outer shell
– Must meet NFPA 1971
standards
– Should be fitted a bit loosely
to avoid pressure points
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.15
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
Station/Work Uniforms
– Clothes worn under turnout
gear should be 100% cotton
– Synthetic materials such as
polyester (Under Armour or
Nike DryFit
DryFit)) should be
avoided
– Long sleeves and pants are
recommended
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.16
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
Hand and Foot Protection
– Firefighting gloves and boots
must be rated for structural
firefighting
– Boots must have steel or
composite toe protection,
shin guard, and a metal
shank sole
– Boots and gloves must be
labeled as compliant with
NFPA 1971
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.17
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
Eye and Hearing Protection
– Hearing protection should be
worn while riding the
apparatus
t to
t preventt longlong
l
term hearing damage from
sirens and horns
– Eye protection should be
worn at all times to prevent
injuries or infection through
bloodborne pathogens
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.18
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
The Personal Alert Safety
System (PASS) Device
– Is used to locate downed
firefighters
– Is built into SCBA and
activates as soon as airflow
is started
– Can be activated by lack of
movement or manually by
the firefighter
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.19
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
The Personnel Accountability Tag (PAT Tag)
– Contains information to
identify the firefighter
– Is used for accountability
on any scene
– Helps command staff
track individual or team
locations on large
incidents
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.20
Protective Clothing and
Related Equipment
Self--Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Self
– Allows firefighters to
work in hazardous
atmospheres
– Has a limited supply of
air
– Protects from
immediate harm and
long--term diseases
long
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.21
Care and Maintenance of PPE
Always follow manufacturers’ recommendations
Understand that wornworn-out gear is not a badge of
honor—
honor
—it is a safetyy hazard
Inspect gear regularly and before each use
Store turnout gear away from direct sunlight
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.22
Care and Maintenance of PPE
Keep helmets clean and inspect for damage
Have repairs performed by a factoryfactory-authorized
repair facility
Keep the bottom and surface areas of boots
clean and free of debris
Store boots in a cool, dry place
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.23
Donning Personal Protective
Equipment (Turnout Gear)
Don your hood.
Don your boots and pull up turnout pants,
close fasteners and p
put suspenders
p
and/or
straps in place (if available).
Don coat, close all fasteners or zip up coat
completely, close neck collar protector.
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.24
Donning Personal Protective
Equipment (Turnout Gear)
Don helmet, making sure ear flaps are down
and chin strap is fastened. DO NOT keep the
chin strap fastened and only pull under your
chin—
chin
hi —this
thi is
i considered
id d cheating
h ti and
d will
ill nott
work once you use SCBA.
Don gloves and check for wrist overlaps.
Have PAT tag ready to hand to your officer or
instructor.
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.25
Exercise 11 - 1- 1
Donning PPE (Turnout Gear)
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.26
Student Performance Objective
Given NFPANFPA-compliant structural firefighting
protective clothing, PASS device, accountability
tag, SCBA, and instructions, the student will be
able to describe what constitutes protective
equipment, don and doff personal protective
clothing, and identify the hazards and longlong-term
diseases that occur by not wearing SCBA.
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.27
Review
Firefighter Deaths and Injuries
Personal Protective Equipment Requirements and
Standards
Level of Protection According to Incident Type
Protective Clothing and Related Equipment
Care and Maintenance of PPE
Donning Personal Protective Equipment (Turnout
Gear)
FIRE 102-PPT-1-1.28
Protective Envelope and Foam
Lesson 22-1
Survival Skills Awareness—
Awareness—
Introduction to SelfSelf-Contained
Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Student Performance Objective
Given PPE, SCBA, a facepiece, and instructions for
donning, the student will be able to identify the
different types of breathing apparatus, the
components of breathing apparatus, and how to
perform maintenance on breathing apparatus
apparatus. The
student will demonstrate donning SCBA and a
facepiece, check the facepiece for seal consistent
with approved procedures, demonstrate knowledge
of all safety features on the SCBA unit, and carry out
any assigned tasks in a controlled teaching
environment.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.1
Overview
The Purpose of SCBA
Hazardous Atmospheres
Limitations of SCBA
Types of SCBA
Components of SCBA
Maintenance of SCBA
Donning and Doffing
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.2
Overview
Replacing the Cylinder
Refilling an Air Cylinder
Emergency Procedures and Survival
Techniques
Controlled Breathing Techniques
The Twelve Operational Rules for Using
SCBA
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.3
The Purpose of SCBA
SCBA
– Is vital for performing fire and rescue
operations
– Protects users from environments considered
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health
(IDLH)
– Protects users from possible long
long--term
illnesses such as COPD and lung cancer
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.4
Hazardous Atmospheres
Oxygen Deficiency
– There are many reasons why an atmosphere may
be oxygen deficient:
Fire conditions consume oxygen
Toxic fumes may displace oxygen
Lack of air circulation can cause oxygen deficiency
Chemical spills can displace oxygen
High levels of carbon monoxide in lowlow-lying areas
can create oxygenoxygen-deficient atmospheres
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.5
Hazardous Atmospheres
Elevated Temperatures
– Elevated temperatures
can create
superheated gases
– Exposure to elevated
temperatures can
affect the respiratory
system
– If the air you are breathing from your SCBA starts
feeling warm, exit the environment immediately
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.6
Hazardous Atmospheres
Smoke--filled atmospheres
Smoke
– Smoke
Smoke--filled conditions will be accompanied by
the two items discussed above: heated gasses
and oxygen deficiency
– Smoke can contain carbon, tar, or other harmful
particles
– Different materials can produce different harmful
chemicals such as arsenic when on fire
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.7
Hazardous Atmospheres
Toxic atmospheres related to fire
– In a fire the atmosphere may contain
Toxic Fumes
Carbon Monoxide
Other hazardous materials
–
Dumpster fires can create particularly toxic
atmospheres due to the combination of items
that may be in the dumpster interacting with
each other
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.8
Hazardous Atmospheres
Toxic atmospheres not related to fire may exist
–
–
–
–
–
In vehicles carrying hazardous materials
At chemical plants
In warehouses
In confined spaces
In homemade drug labs (meth labs)
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.9
Limitations of SCBA
Limitations of the Wearer
– Physical Condition: The firefighters’ physical
condition will affect the amount of air they consume.
Medical conditions such as asthma may also place
limitations on individuals
individuals.
– Mental Condition: Some users may experience
claustrophobia when wearing a facepiece.
– Users must learn to remain calm and collected when
facing any unexpected situation while wearing
SCBA.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.10
Limitations of SCBA
Limitations of the Equipment
– SCBA will limit mobility
– SCBA can make verbal communication
difficult
– SCBA adds weight to gear and will increase
exertion
– Like any other piece of equipment SCBA is
susceptible to breakdowns, leaks, or
malfunctions
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.11
Limitations of SCBA
Limited Air Supply
– Limited air supply is the biggest limitation of
SCBA.
– Bottles are rated byy air time.
– Air time is not set in stone. Air consumption
depends on the user, amount of exertion, and
even the method used to refill the bottles.
– Check your air supply regularly and allow
yourself enough air to exit the area safely.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.12
Types of SCBA
There are two main types of breathing
apparatus:
– Open Circuit SCBA—
SCBA—Type most commonly
p
used byy fire departments
– Closed Circuit SCBA—
SCBA—Also known as re
re-breathers
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.13
Types of SCBA
Open Circuit SCBA is comprised of:
– Backpack assembly with harness
– Waistband and buckle
– Emergency air line hose (whip line)
– Regulator
– Air cylinder
– Facepiece
– Gauges and PASS device
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.14
Components of SCBA
Backpack, harness,
and waist buckle:
–
Inspect backpack,
harness, and buckle to
make sure they are in
good working condition
–
Ensure all straps are in
the loose position to
allow for easy donning
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.15
Components of SCBA
Backpack, harness,
and waist buckle:
–
Check hoselines for
leaks, breaks or
abrasions
–
Verify the buckle
locks and releases
properly
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.16
Components of SCBA
Emergency hose line
(whip line):
line):
–
Pull the emergency
hose line out and
extend it
–
Visually inspect the
hose and connector for
breaks, cracks or
abrasions
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.17
Components of SCBA
Regulator:
– Visually inspect the regulator
and connector
– Ensure there is no debris
that may affect air flow
– Ensure bypass valve is in the
closed position
– Turn SCBA on to allow air
flow and attach regulator to
facepiece to verify air is
flowing and there are no
leaks
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.18
Components of SCBA
Air Cylinder:
–
Verify there are no dents of
physical damage to the
cylinder
–
Inspect threads for debris or
damage
–
Verify that the last hydrostatic
test date is within DOT
regulations (5 years for steel
or carbon fiber cylinders, 3
years for fiberglass and Kevlar
cylinders)
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.19
Components of SCBA
Facepiece:
–
Check for cracks, punctures,
breaks or burns on the facepiece
–
Determine if head straps are in
good condition
–
Check seal for cracks, punctures
or breaks
–
Determine if connection area for
the regulator is clean
–
Turn air supply on, ensure airflow
and test for good seal
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.20
Components of SCBA
Gauge and PASS
device:
–
Turn on the SCBA to
allow the flow of air
–
Check for airflow and
activated gauge and
PASS device
–
Press alarm button to
ensure alarm activates
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.21
Maintenance of SCBA
Inspect and maintain SCBA on a regular basis. The
user can make daily inspections but testing and
maintenance must be done by certified technicians.
Check all breathing apparatus during morning
equipment
i
t checks
h k or upon your arrival
i l att th
the
station.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.22
Donning and Doffing
Donning SCBA
1. Lay out SCBA with cylinder on the ground and
open the air valve.
your dominant hand on the opposite
pp
2. Place y
shoulder strap.
3. Lift SCBA and swing it over your dominant
shoulder. Place arm through strap.
4. Slide your other arm under the corresponding
shoulder strap.
5. Tighten shoulder straps.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.23
Donning and Doffing
Donning SCBA
6.
Attach the waist belt and buckle.
7.
Don your facepiece.
–
Fully extend the straps of the facepiece
facepiece.
–
Place chin on the chin pocket.
–
Fit the facepiece to your face, bringing straps
and/or webbing over your head.
–
Tighten the lower straps.
–
Tighten the top straps.
–
Check for proper seal
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.24
Donning and Doffing
Donning SCBA
8.
Pull your protective hood over your head so it
protects any exposed skin.
9.
p
Don yyour helmet and secure the chinstrap.
10. Place regulator to your facepiece and ensure
it is locked in.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.25
Donning and Doffing
Doffing SCBA
– Exit the contaminated or hazardous area
– Stop airflow from regulator to facepiece by
disconnecting regulator
– Disconnect low pressure hose from regulator
– Remove the facepiece
– Remove the backpack assembly while protecting
the regulator
– Close the Cylinder Valve
– Relieve pressure from regulator
– Extend all straps
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.26
Replacing the Cylinder
Place SCBA on the floor or a bench.
Turn off cylinder air valve.
Open the purge valve and bleed the remaining air
from the system.
Disconnect the high pressure supply hose.
Release the cylinder from backpack (different
methods depending on manufacturer).
Slide empty cylinder out.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.27
Replacing the Cylinder
Slide full cylinder into backpack, aligning the
supply hose with the air valve intake.
Lock cylinder into backpack.
Check hose connector to make sure the “O” ring is
present and check for debris in the cylinder
connection.
Connect high pressure hose to cylinder.
Open air valve and check air pressure reading.
– This can be done when the SCBA is still on a firefighter’s
back, with the assistance of another firefighter.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.28
Refilling an Air Cylinder
Ensure cylinder is safe to fill by checking date of
manufacture and last hydrostatic test.
Check cylinder for any damage.
Place cylinder in a fragmentfragment-proof fill station.
C
Connect
t the
th fill hose
h
to
t the
th air
i valve
l on th
the cylinder.
li d
Open the SCBA air valve.
Shut off flow.
Close cylinder.
Bleed remaining air.
Remove from fill station.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.29
Emergency Procedures and
Survival Techniques
If you encounter an emergency there are
some general rules you should follow:
– DO NOT PANIC.
– NEVER REMOVE YOUR FACEPIECE WHILE
INSIDE THE IDLH.
– Control your breathing.
– Alert your crew leader or other members of your
crew.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.30
Emergency Procedures and
Survival Techniques
If you encounter an emergency there are
some general rules you should follow:
– Attempt to leave the IDLH atmosphere in a safe
manner using
g any
y means of egress
g
available.
– Remember that hose couplings indicate
direction; female couplings are always facing
toward the outside.
– Break a window or breach a wall to escape if
possible.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.31
Emergency Procedures and
Survival Techniques
If you are unable to leave the IDLH atmosphere
because you are disoriented or trapped, follow
these steps:
–
DO NOT PANIC.
–
NEVER REMOVE YOUR FACEPIECE WHILE
INSIDE THE IDLH.
–
Use your portable radio to declare a mayday.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.32
Emergency Procedures and
Survival Techniques
If you are unable to leave the IDLH atmosphere
because you are disoriented or trapped, follow
these steps:
– When g
giving
g information remember to use the
acronym LUNAR: Location, Unit, Name,
Assignment, Resources Needed
– Activate your pass device.
– Turn on your flashlight and place it so the light is
facing the ceiling.
– Control your breathing to conserve air.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.33
Controlled Breathing Techniques
SCBA is equipped with a bypass valve.
The valve is located adjacent to the regulator.
The valve allows the user to breathe small amounts
of air at a time in case of a free-flowing regulator
emergency
emergency.
The bypass valve must be opened and closed
every time you take a breath (on some models).
If you encounter a situation where you need to use
this breathing method, advise your crew of the
problem and EXIT THE AREA IMMEDIATELY.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.34
The Twelve Operational Rules
For Using SCBA
1.
Use only when you are in good health and top
physical condition.
2.
DO NOT use when you are overexerted or if you are
g from smoke inhalation.
alreadyy suffering
3.
Check operation of apparatus before entering the fire
area.
4.
Work in pairs—service on apparatus can malfunction.
Two firefighters are more than twice as effective as
one.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.35
The Twelve Operational Rules
For Using SCBA
5.
When possible, stay in contact with hose line or
use a lifeline to speed escape if necessary. If
disoriented, locate a wall and follow it to a window
or door. Feel the floor for cracks between
floorboards or tiles to avoid crawling in circles.
6.
Conserve air
air—
—make every movement count.
7.
Be familiar with apparatus used, through training
and practice.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.36
The Twelve Operational Rules
For Using SCBA
8.
Be able to work using touch and hearing only.
9.
Know the limitations of breathing apparatus—
apparatus—what
it can and cannot do.
10 Know
10.
K
your own limitations.
li it ti
DO NOT exceed
d th
them.
11. Allow enough time for exit when the low pressure
alarm sounds. You may have to move quickly
since you have consumed more than 1/2 the air in
the cylinder.
12. Always extend all straps fully when removing the
breathing apparatus.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.37
Student Performance Objective
Given PPE, SCBA, a facepiece, and instructions for
donning, the student will be able to identify the
different types of breathing apparatus, the
components of breathing apparatus, and how to
perform maintenance on breathing apparatus. The
student
t d t will
ill demonstrate
d
t t donning
d
i SCBA and
da
facepiece, check the facepiece for seal consistent
with approved procedures, demonstrate knowledge
of all safety features on the SCBA unit, and carry out
any assigned tasks in a controlled teaching
environment.
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.38
Review
The Purpose of SCBA
Hazardous Atmospheres
Limitations of SCBA
Types of SCBA
Components of SCBA
Maintenance of SCBA
Donning and Doffing
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.39
Review
Replacing the Cylinder
Refilling an Air Cylinder
Emergency Procedures and Survival
T h i
Techniques
Controlled Breathing Techniques
The Twelve Operational Rules for Using
SCBA
FIRE 102-PPT-2-1.40
Protective Envelope and Foam
Lesson 33-1
Hoselines and Foam
Student Performance Objective
Given a team assignment, a task and procedures to
follow, and applicable equipment such as hose, nozzles
and other foam appliances, the student will describe the
procedures for nozzle operations, hoseline
y
, and foam application
pp
so
advancement,, water dynamics,
that water flows and foam application methods are
applied for fire suppression.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.1
Overview
Hose and Appliances
Foam Basics
Types of Foam
Foam Application Techniques
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.2
Hose and Appliances
Before talking about foam and its uses we must first
define a few items.
Fire Engine or Pumper:
Pumper: This is a piece of apparatus
with a water pump.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.3
Hose and Appliances
Supply Lines:
Lines: These are large diameter 3” to 5” hoses
that supply water from the water source to the fire engine
or pumper.
Attack Lines:
Lines: These hoses you will use to apply water
or foam. They range in diameter from 13⁄4” to 2”. These
will be prepre-connected to the fire engine or pumper.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.4
Hose and Appliances
Nozzle: There are may types of nozzles that can be
used for fire suppression. Below are the main parts of
a nozzle
– Coupling
Coupling:: The coupling is
the area which attaches to
the attack line
line.
– Bail or Handle:
Handle: The bail or
handle allows you to open
and close the nozzle.
– Fog Tip:
Tip: The fog tip is the
front part of the nozzle which
can be rotated to select a
stream pattern.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.5
Foam Basics
Foam is an extinguishing agent that helps
suppress flammable vapors by cooling the
surface of the fuel and surrounding areas. It can
also separate the fuel from the heat source.
– Is used in fires involving hydrocarbon fuels such as
crude oil, gasoline, kerosene, and jet fuel
– Also works on polar solvent fuels such as acetone,
thinner, and alcohols
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.6
Foam Basics
Foam Definitions:
– Foam Concentrate:
Concentrate: Raw foam liquid as it is
before the introduction of water, air, or
mechanical agitation.
– Foam Proportioner:
Proportioner: A device that introduces
the foam concentrate into a water stream to
create the foam solution.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.7
Foam Basics
Foam Definitions:
– Foam Solution:
Solution: A mix of water and foam
concentrate before it is introduced to air.
– Foam
Foam:: The final product of the combination of foam
concentrate,
t t water,
t and
d air.
i
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.8
Foam Basics
Foam comes in a concentrate form which
needs to be mixed with water and air in order to
create what we use as firefighting foam.
The four elements of foam are:
– Foam Concentrate
– Water
– Air
– Mechanical Agitation
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.9
Foam Basics
Mechanical agitation comes in the form of water
flowing from the pump through the nozzle.
The effectiveness of the foam used will depend
greatly on the correct mixture of water and air
air.
Too much water may render the foam
ineffective and too much concentrate may make
the foam too heavy to be useful.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.10
Types of Foam
Class A Foam
– Designed specifically to be used on Class A
materials or ordinary combustibles such as wood,
paper, plastics and in general most household
items
– Commonly used for wildland firefighting operations
as most of the fuels burning in those fires are wood
(a class A material)
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.11
Types of Foam
Class A Foam
– Is the most common type of foam found in
apparatus
– Is easy to use and can be delivered through a
fog nozzle
– Does not require special equipment to be used
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.12
Types of Foam
Class B Foam
– Is used for extinguishment of flammable and
combustible liquids.
– Can also be used to supress
p
the fumes of these
materials from expanding even if there has not
been an ignition yet.
– Is not usually delivered by a regular fog nozzle. In
most situations it must be flowed through a fixed or
apparatus--mounted system or by a hand
apparatus
proportioning system.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.13
Foam Application Techniques
Roll--On Method
Roll
– Direct the stream of foam near the front edge of the
burning fuel.
– Apply
pp y foam until the foam spreads
p
over the surface
of the burning liquid and the fire is out. Depending on
the size of the fire, it may be necessary that you
change positions or work together with another team
on a foam line.
– Use this method only on open ground.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.14
Foam Application Techniques
Roll--On Method
Roll
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.15
Foam Application Techniques
Bank Down Method
– This method can be used if you have a vertical or
elevated object you can bounce the foam from in
order to get to the ignited or unun-ignited fuel.
– Aim the foam stream at the vertical object above
the fuel and allow the foam to slide down into it.
This works especially well for situations where the
fuel has been diked such as in the case of
overturned vehicles or spills emanating from
buildings.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.16
Foam Application Techniques
Bank Down Method
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.17
Foam Application Techniques
Rain Down Method
– Should only be used in situations where there is
no possibility of applying the other two methods
due to the size of the spill or affected area.
– Should be performed by aiming the stream into
the air above the affected area until the whole
area is covered
– Allows you to cover a large area but may not be
as effective.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.18
Foam Application Techniques
Rain Down Method
– For large fires, multiple streams may be
necessary. If there is no capability for multiple
streams, the rain down method should be applied
to one area until fully covered before moving to
the next.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.19
Foam Application Techniques
Rain Down Method
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.20
Student Performance Objective
Given a team assignment, a task and procedures to
follow, and applicable equipment such as hose, nozzles
and other foam appliances, the student will describe the
procedures for nozzle operations, hoseline
advancement,, water dynamics
y
and foam application
pp
so
that water flows and foam application methods are
applied for fire suppression.
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.21
Review
Hose and Appliances
Foam Basics
Types of Foam
Foam Application Techniques
FIRE 102-PPT-3-1.22