So many departments & agencies purchase foam concentrate based either on price alone, or on the slick tactics of the sales person or both.
Often times these products are not actually Class A Foam, or they do not provide adequate foam to do all the necessary jobs of firefighting and protecting structures.
Here are a few tips to aid in chosing the right Class A Foam product:
Step 1 – Make sure you identify the AHJ or use the USFS QPL – if the product is not approved by the AHJ or listed on the QPL – pass on it!
Step 2 – SECURE and READ the SDS. There may be clues here telling you to steer away.
Step 3 – READ the BUCKET LABEL. Again, there may be clues here!
The bucket label and the SDS might have different information that what is presented on the sales literature. Get informed!!!!
Step – Consider conducting your own DIY – PERFORMANCE EVALUATION.
CAUTION – there are products currently being sold for “USE” on Class A Fires where both the SDS and the Bucket Label state “This is Not A Foam!!” Beating a burlap sack on a fire can also be used on Class A Fires and is also “NOT A FOAM”. If you are intending to purchase a CLASS A FOAM, research it carefully. Some products claiming to be useful on Class A Fires might be emulsifiers or encapsulators. These are chemicals different from Class A Foams. These products may not be desirable to spray into a person’s home. Check with the AHJ before purchase.
NOTE – Photos displayed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of the product. Read the SDS, check with the AHJ, and review the QPL before purchasing any product.
