2. 2
Flammable Liquids Manual
This powerpoint program was developed by
Battalion Chief Joel Hedelman and Captain
Richard Miller of the Fairfax City Fire
Department for NOVA Manual Training.
Slides pertaining to the administration and
operations of the City of Fairfax Fire
Department have been eliminated to meet
the needs of Prince William County.
3. RGM 3
Objectives of the Flammable Liquids
Manual
To describe those flammable liquids storage
and transmission structures and transport
vehicles that are prevalent in the NOVA area.
To identify the construction and fire protection
features in flammable liquids storage and
transmission structures with regard to
protecting life and extinguishing fires.
To describe the hazards associated with these
types of structures and vehicles and to
recommend actions that should be taken to
mitigate the incident
To reduce the loss of life and
property and improve firefighter
safety by establishing a standard
method of operation for departments
responding to flammable liquid
emergency events.
4. RGM 4
Objectives
Explain the principle purpose of foam
Define the “Enemy”
Understand basic foam terminology
List the various types & characteristics of
foam used in the fire service today
Describe the basic guidelines for using
foam
Discuss and review various application
techniques
6. RGM 6
What is Foam and Why Use It?
Fire-fighting foam is an aggregate of air-filled bubbles formed
from aqueous solutions and is lower in density than flammable
liquids.
It is used principally to form a cohesive floating blanket on
flammable and combustible liquids and prevents or
extinguishes fire by excluding air and cooling the fuel.
It also prevents ignition or re-ignition by suppressing formation
of flammable vapors.
It has the property of adhering to surfaces, which provides a
degree of exposure protection from adjacent fires, and provides
post security for emergency responders.
8. RGM 8
Protein Foam
Long lasting foam blanket, provides
excellent burnback resistance.
Slow knockdown.
Highly resistive to the effects of
heat. Post fire security.
Compatible with air aspirating foam
making equipment.
Suitable for use with foam
compatible dry chemical
extinguishing agent, not suitable for
subsurface application with fixed
tank systems.
Not suitable for use on polar
solvents.
9. RGM 9
Fluoroprotein Foam
Long lasting foam blanket,
provides excellent burnback
resistance.
Highly resistant to fuel
contamination (Oleophobic)
Highly resistive to the effects
of heat. Post fire security.
Compatible with air aspirating
foam making equipment.
10. RGM 10
Fluoroprotein Foam
Not suitable for use on polar solvents.
Fluorochemical surfactant additives are combined
with the protein base to increase fluidity with excellent
fuel tolerance, enabling it to seal around obstructions
for quicker and more effective knockdown than
conventional protein foam
Suitable for use with foam
compatible dry chemical
extinguishing agent
Suitable for subsurface application
with fixed tank systems.
12. RGM 12
Aqueous Film Forming Foam
(AFFF)
Fluidity allows finished foam to
quickly flow around obstacles,
wreckage, and debris
Dry powder compatible
May be used through non- aspirating
nozzles, but for optimum
performance, aspirating nozzles
should be used.
Fluorochemical surfactant reduces
the surface tension allowing the
drained solution to be supported on
the surface of the hydrocarbon.
Quick drainage = poor heat
resistance
14. RGM 14
Alcohol Resistive - AFFF
Extremely versatile
Good burnback resistance,
knockdown, and high fuel tolerance
for both hydrocarbons and alcohol
fires.
Acts as regular AFFF on
hydrocarbons
Combined with the synthetic
detergents & fluorochemicals are
Polysaccharide Polymers.
15. RGM 15
Alcohol Resistive - AFFF
When used on polar solvents (or water miscible
fuels), the Polysaccharide Polymer drains from
the bubble and forms a tough membrane which
separates the foam from the fuel.
This action prevents the destruction of the foam
blanket.
18. RGM 18
Do not mix your concentrates
Foam compatibility, finished foam can be
mixed, but be mindful of the ¼ life of the
finished foams that are being used
Do not mix foam concentrates
19. RGM 19
Foam Is Not Effective On:
Class “C” Energized Electrical
Fires
Danger: Foam is an excellent conductor
of electricity and should not be
used on class “C” fires.
20. RGM 20
Foam Is Not Effective On:
Three Dimensional Fires
Extinguish three dimensional
fires with dry chemical
Extinguish ground fires with
foam
21. RGM 21
Foam Is Not Effective On:
Pressurized gases
Propane
Vinyl Chloride
Butane
Natural Gas
26. RGM 26
Heat Resistance/Cooling
Foam’s ability to withstand exposure
to heat
BURNING FUEL
(surface)
FOAM
BLANKET
Hot metal tank wall Cooled by
water draining from bubbles!
Direct flame impingement
27. RGM 27
Fuel Tolerance
Ability of foam bubbles to pass
through and shed the fuel as they
resurface (oleophobic)
Fuel
Fuel
Foam bubbles re-surfacing
28. RGM 28
Fuel
Foam Bubbles Re-surfacing
Vapor Suppression
Ability of the foam blanket to prohibit fuel
vapors from migrating through the finished
foam blanket
Fuel Vapors
Finished Foam Blanket
Combustible vs Flammable !!
29. RGM 29
Property Protein
Fluoro-
protein
AFFF AR-AFFF
1. Knockdown Fair Good Excellent Excellent
2. Heat
Resistance
Excellent Excellent Fair Good
3. Fuel Tolerance Fair Excellent Moderate Good
4. Vapor
Suppression
Excellent Excellent Good Good
5. Alcohol
Tolerance
None None None excellent
Foam Properties
30. RGM 30
Foam Quality - Measured by
25% Drainage Time or
Quarter Life
Expansion Ratio
Fire Performance
Burn back resistance
Nozzle type required
Measurement
Fluoroprotein
Foam
AFFF
AR-AFFF
Drain time Good Rapid
Expansion 10 – 1 5 / 7 – 1
Fire performance Slower Fast
Burnback resistance Good Poor
Nozzle type required Air-aspirated Either Type
32. RGM 32
Defining the Enemy
Gasoline Diesel Fuel #2 Ethanol
Flash Point, Vapor Pressures and Solubility
FP closed cup
-45 F 165 F 55 F
Vapor Pres
8 – 15 PSI 0.2 2.3
Water Solubility
Negligible negligible 100%
33. RGM 33
Classification of Fuels
Hydrocarbons
Products Of Crude Oil Float On
Water
Gasoline
Diesel
Jet Fuel
Kerosene
34. RGM 34
Classification of Fuels
Polar Solvents
Products Of Distillation, Have an
Aggressive Desire to Mix With
Water
Ketones
Esters
Alcohol & Ethanol
35. RGM 36
Blended Fuels
“RFG” & Oxygenated Fuels
E10 and E85 (Ethanol) Fuels
“Reformulated Gasoline
and Oxygenated Fuels
– Do they still exist?
E10/E85 Ethanol Fuels
Intended to reduce carbon monoxide levels
36. RGM 37
Ethanol Blended Fuels
E10, sometimes called gasohol, is a fuel mixture
of approximately 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline
that can be used in the internal combustion
engines of most modern automobiles
E85 is a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15%
gasoline and other additives, and is generally the
highest ethanol fuel mixture used in the United
States
The E10 requires no modification to current
internal combustion motors to be used as fuel
Very limited number of E85 gas stations in NOVA
region and modifications to engines are required.
Handout from DOT
37. RGM 38
E85 Refueling Locations
These stations are distributing E85
Navy Annex Citgo Station
801 S. Joyce St.
Arlington ,
Bolling Air Force Base
Bolling Air Force Base
Washington , DC 20032 VA 22204
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Quantico , VA 22134
Zeek’s ?
16640 Crabbs Branch Way
Rockville , MD 20855
Goddard Space Flight Center
Bldg 27 Soil Conservation Rd
Greenbelt , MD 20771
Quik-Mart Citgo Parole
2042 West St.
Annapolis , MD 21401
Baltimore State Office Center
300 W Preston St.
Baltimore , MD 21201
Tom's
2905 E Prospect Rd.
York , PA 17402
H.C. Rineer & Sons
902 Strasburg Pike
Strasburg , PA 17579
What do you know
about your response
area?
38. RGM 39
What is the Difference
RFG all year long
Both change the
flammable
characteristics of
gasoline
E10 gasoline sold year
round
E85 still not common
as commuter fuel in
NOVA
Vapor Pressure is
higher
39. RGM 40
What does this mean to us?
NFPA 11 (Foam Standard) recommends using polar
solvent application rates formula (.2 gal/sq ft min @ higher
%) when oxygenated additive exceeds 10 %
A single engine response is no longer set up with enough
concentrate to handle small events (moving from a lower
concentration application rate to much higher rate such as
6% at .2 gal/sq ft and higher!)
Recognize the need for special assistance early in an
event and call for it (modify current dispatch sequences to
included sufficient resources to overwhelm the fire
I rather have them and not need them than need them
and not have them……
– Show Ethanol test video
40. RGM 41
Response Tactics for
Ethanol Products
Good Tactics — New Fuel Problem
The NOVA Foam Manual recommends the
tactic to deploy ARFF (Aircraft Rescue Fire
Fighting) Vehicles in response to tanker
truck incidents in the metropolitan region
because this type of apparatus is self
sufficient with agent (foam and water) at
the scene.
This has truly been a stop-gap measure to
attempt to control and mitigate tanker
truck rollovers.
41. RGM 42
Applying the NFPA 11 formula at the
application rate required for Hydrocarbons,
Example:
– ARFF Units carry 1,500 - 3,000 gallons of water.
Considering an foam flow of 1,200 to 1500 GPM
in a best case scenario, would only provide
enough water/foam solution for a 1.5 to 2
minutes of application.
This is not sufficient to meet the 15 minute
flow duration required by NFPA 11.
Considering the higher application rate
required for Ethanol and E-85, this response
method starts off with insufficient resources.
42. RGM 43
–The NOVA region receives about 65
tanker loads of Ethanol delivered to
Newington and Fairfax terminals
every day. Over 400 tankers leave
the Fairfax Tank farm each day
–We have to treat every tanker
incident as if it contains a potential
ethanol product until proper product
identification is made
43. RGM 44
The right response for these incidents is
critical for success of the operation.
The current special foam unit
recommendation for foam units required to
respond to a transportation incident is:
2 ARFF Unit
1 Industrial Foam Unit
Response to over the road
incidents:
44. RGM 45
The Right Foam
With the change to Ethanol in the region, the
recommendation is to deploy two ARFF
Units, with one carrying AR-AFFF foam
concentrate. And one industrial foam unit
with AR-AFF foam concentrate.
This would provide two (2) units for the
incident with AR-AFFF foam concentrate and
one (1) foam unit with AFFF foam
concentrate
45. RGM 46
The Right Foam
Foam Task Force consisting of: 3 foam units
total
One ARFF Unit with AR-AFFF
– (Foam 426)
If Foam 426 is not available a second AR-
AFFF Industrial Unit shall be dispatched
One ARFF Unit with AFFF (Airports, and
Military Airports)
One Industrial Unit with AR-AFFF (Foam 437
or Foam 403)
46. RGM 47
Tactical Considerations:
Establishing a water supply is always a serious
challenge for transportation incidents, but critical
for a successful outcome.
Pre-fire planning can be difficult for tanker truck
incidents. Using both ARFF and Industrial Foam
Units will provide the necessary resources for
these incidents.
The NOVA regional fire departments have
developed water supply and foam storage
strategies to control and mitigate flammable and
combustible liquid over the road and bulk storage
emergencies.
47. RGM 48
This banking method will better protect the polymeric
barrier of the foam blanket. Plunging will disturb the
polymeric barrier of the foam, which allows the water
content of the finished foam to mix with the polar
solvent and dissolve into the product
Flammable and combustible liquid incidents involving
storage tanks are more complex. Outage or space
inside the tank of approximately 7’ to 8’ allows foam
application by hitting the back wall of the tank, or by
utilizing the inner wall to deflect the foam stream
creating a swirling motion for a gentle application.
Tactical Considerations:
48. RGM 49
TACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF
AR-AFFF AND AFFF
These foams are extremely effective at lower
expansion ratios, they can be used with non
air-aspirating nozzles.
49. RGM 50
TACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF
AR-AFFF and AFFF
Non air-aspirating nozzles produce lower-expansion
foam that contains less air and more foam solution.
With more foam solution, the foam can travel in a tight
stream and penetrate updrafts.
50. RGM 51
TACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF
AR-AFFF and AFFF
Lower-expansion foam is much more fluid, and
can extinguish fires more quickly.
51. RGM 52
TACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF
AR-AFFF and AFFF
Because lower-expansion foams can be thrown much
farther, firefighters can work from safer distances.
52. RGM 53
Lessons Learned
Because of the testing done in February 2007 by
IAFC and the Ethanol Emergency Response
Coalition (EERC), we now have hard and fast
data that AR-AFFF foam concentrates is the best
choice for controlling and mitigating ethanol
emergencies.
The best formula for success with incidents
involving ethanol and ethanol blends is utilizing
AR-AFFF, adequate resources, good pre-fire
planning, and proper education of emergency
responders.
53. RGM 54
Ethanol Fire Test Results
February 2007 Report
Only AR-AFFF and AR-FFFP were capable of
extinguishing any of the top side fire tests.
Only Type II fires were successfully extinguished
with the two AR type products. The AR-FFFP
required a higher application rate to extinguish the
fire.
Of the two agents that were capable of passing
the extinguishment requirements, only the AR-
AFFF was capable of also passing the burn back
resistance portion of the test.
Only the AR-AFFF was capable of passing all of
the top side fire test requirements.
Only the AR-AFFF was capable of passing the
sprinkler test with non-aspirating sprinkler heads.
54. RGM 55
General Observations
Denatured ethyl alcohol fires can only be extinguished with
AR type foams.
ALL OTHER TYPES OF FOAM OR WATER ADDITIVES ARE
INEFFECTIVE AS THE FOAM BLANKET IS DESTROYED
WHEN IT STRIKES THE FUEL SURFACE.
AR type foams must be applied to ethyl alcohol fires using
gentle application techniques.
For emergency responders this will mean directing the foam
stream onto a vertical surface and allowing it to run down
onto the fuel.
Direct application of the foam to the fuel surface will likely be
ineffective unless the fuel is ¼ inch or less in depth.
55. RGM 56
General Observations
Gasohol fires may be extinguished using conventional
AFFF and AR-AFFF but increased application rates may
be necessary especially for prolonged burn back
resistance.
A direct type III application with these foams onto the fuel
surface may be used with gasohol.
Non-aspirating sprinkler head systems may be used with
AR-AFFF for ethyl alcohol fuel fires and for gasohol fires
such as in loading rack installations. All other foams
proved ineffective at the application rates tested.
Use of regular fluoroprotein foam through air-aspirated
sprinkler systems at standard design rates proved to be
effective in gasohol (<10% ethanol) fires but not on
denatured ethyl alcohol.
Note that E10 products contain 9 – 11% ethanol
AR-AFFF proved to be the most effective and most
versatile agent tested. It was the only agent that was
successful in all fire test scenarios.
56. RGM 57
The Ethanol Lessons
Because of the testing done by IAFC and the
Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC),
we now have hard and fast data that AR-AFFF
foam concentrate is the best choice for dealing
with ethanol emergencies.
As stated earlier, the best formula for success in
addition to a good AR-AFFF is first doing your
homework by pre-fire planning as much as
possible, and by educating firefighters on how to
calculate the water and foam needs per NFPA 11
for tanker, rail, marine and storage tanks.
58. RGM 59
Type II Application Techniques
For Aboveground Storage Tank Fire
Protection Systems
Fixed and Semi fixed foam outlets,
either subsurface or topside, designed to-
deliver finished foam to surface of
burning liquid with restricted agitation
Pre-plans of Fixed Storage facilities
provide the best info for identifying type II
foam systems and resource needs
59. RGM 60
Type III Application Technique
The best method for Type III applications would be an
indirect method or “banking”. This method directs the foam
stream toward any structure or object that is adjacent to
the burning fuel to create a “splash” or cascading foam
application introducing the foam to the burning surface
more gently than directly plunging the foam. This banking
method will better protect the polymeric barrier of the foam
blanket. (Roll-on, banking and raindrop)
Most important with Type III applications on a tanker fire —
plunging or direct applications are not recommended.
Plunging will disturb the polymeric barrier of the foam,
which prevents the water content of the foam from mixing
with the polar solvent
* It must be noted — any finished foam that plunges
below the fuel surface will be consumed by the fuel.
60. RGM 61
Type III Application Technique
When dealing with storage tanks the operation becomes
quite a bit more complex. Outage — or space inside the
tank — of approximately 7’ to 8’ allows the finished foam to
be applied Type III by hitting the back wall of the tank, or
by utilizing the inner wall to deflect the foam stream
creating a swirling motion to gently apply the foam.
If low foam expansion tubes (that will not reduce the reach
of the foam stream) are available, it is recommended to
attach them to the nozzles for Ethanol fires, and for non-
fire situations for additional foam expansion
30 degree fog pattern in the foam tube will ensure proper
expansion ration
61. RGM 62
Application Method
The best method for ARFF attack and Type III
applications for ethanol is the indirect method or
“banking”.
This method directs the foam stream toward any
structure or object that is adjacent to the burning
fuel to create a “splash” or cascading foam
application introducing the foam to the burning
surface more gently than directly plunging the
foam.
63. RGM 65
Application Rate
Application rate is defined as a measure of
the quantity of foam, applied per unit of time,
per unit of total area.
Usually identified as GPM/FT2
66. RGM 68
APPLICATION RATES
NFPA minimum application
rates for Hydrocarbons:
Type II. - 0.10 GPM/Ft2
Type III.- 0.16 GPM/Ft2
Adjustment to application rate based on product
67. RGM 69
Type I -Moeller Tube
Not in use in this area.
0.10 GPM/Ft2
72. RGM 74
Williams’ Recommended Type III
Application Rates For
Hydrocarbon Storage Tanks
0’ - 150’ - 0.16 GPM/Ft2
151’ - 200’ - 0.18 GPM/Ft2
200’ – 250’ - 0.20 GPM/Ft2
250’ – 300’ - 0.22 GPM/Ft2
300’+ - 0.25 GPM/Ft2
Largest tank in the NOVA region is 210’ in diameter
73. RGM 75
DETERMINING WATER/FOAM
REQUIREMENTS
Sq Ft X Application Rate = GPM Water/Foam Sol.
GPM Water/Foam Sol. X % Con.= GPM Foam Con.
GPM Foam Con. X Recommended Duration
= Gallons of Foam concentrate needed on-site
74. RGM 76
DETERMINING WATER/FOAM
REQUIREMENTS
Example: 150’ diameter gasoline tank fully involved
3.1416 X 752 = 17,671 Ft2
.7854 X 1502 = 17,671 Ft2
17,671 Ft2 X 0.16 GPM/ Ft2 = 2,827 GPM Foam Sol.
2,827 GPM Foam Sol X .03 = 85 GPM Foam Con.
85 GPM Foam Con. X 65 min. = 5,525 Gal. Con.
75. RGM 77
Application Rate
NFPA 11 recommends a minimum 0.16 gpm/ft2 for
type III.
Although 0.16 is a minimum much of industry
uses this application rate as a standard.
As the tank diameter increases or product type
changes to polar solvents, consider increasing the
application rate.
77. RGM 79
Application Density
Application Density: Defined as a measure
of the quantity of foam applied per unit of
time per unit of area in which it lands.
Example: 150’ diameter tank
The foam lands in an area of 4,000 ft2
The application density would be 0.70 gpm/ ft2.
78. RGM 80
Application Density
In the past the “Surround and Drown”
methodology was the tactic for many
failed tank fires.
Mainly due to the inability to deliver
enough finished foam to a given area to
establish “Flame Collapse.”
79. RGM 81
Application Density
“Mass Stream” Technology assures
maximum flame collapse by focusing the
majority of the finished foam in a
concentrated area.
81. RGM 83
NFPA 11
“Tests have shown that foam may
travel effectively across at least 100
feet (30 m) of burning liquid surface”
“Sometimes”
82. RGM 85
Footprint Concepts
When considering the variables for a
foam attack on a storage tank fire, several
factors are often overlooked in industry:
A proven technology that has successfully
extinguished a tank fire.
Application rates that are applicable to the tank
involved.
High application densities in the landing zone
The distance a foam blanket has to travel across
a burning fuel.
87. RGM 90
Application Rates Calculated
Identify Product
Estimate square footage of hazard area
Choose Appropriate Application Rate
Rate x Area = GPM of Foam Solution
Solution GPM x % Used = Concentrate
GPM
Concentrate GPM x Time = Total
Concentrate
Spills - 15 Minutes Flow Time
With Knowledge of Foam Nozzles, Flow Rates Will Give a
Measurement of What Nozzles or Combination of Nozzles Will Be
Required . . . . .
88. RGM 91
75’
40’
3000 sq. ft
.16 GPM
480 GPM of Solution
14.4 GPM Con.
216 gals needed
Gasoline Spill
Determine Area of Hazard =
Application Rate =
Rate x Area =
480 GPM x 3% Used =
14.4 x 15 mins =
NFPA Says We Can Use .1 Application Rate for
Film Forming Foams . . Calculate for That Rate ??
Application Rates
Calculated
89. RGM 92
Application Rates Calculated
After Size up:
Marshal Your Resources Before You
Attempt To Extinguish The Fire.
Any applications of foam prior to having the
required foam concentrate, water and
hardware may serve to protect life or
exposures, but can Not be counted as part
of the application when resources are
gathered.
90. RGM 93
Post Fire Security
Preservation of Foam Blanket -
Degradation Why?
Weather - Wind & Rain
Heat
Fire
Product Itself
Time
Firefighters
Utilize vapor detectors to validate foam
blanket integrity
Polymeric membrane on AR-AFFF is not
self healing
Ooops
!
91. RGM 94
First Arriving Engine Actions
Engine officer perform initial size-up, identify obvious life safety
concerns and give preliminary “on-scene” radio report to include water
supply needs and/or initial staging area.
Make contact with facility representatives, determine current situation
and any actions taken prior to FD arrival.
Establish action plan based on life safety priorities providing a situation
report and command statement via the radio.
If rescue measures not required, recon is required. 2 in/2 out applies!
Note visual indicators of hazards such as smoke, vapor clouds, active
leaks or odors and product type.
Active leak? Flow rate? Leak controllable?
Quantity spilled? Surface area of spill? Potential ignition sources?
Spill or fire contained? Where is spill migrating to?
What are the primary and secondary exposures?
Is the perimeter secure?
Report findings to IC, suggest operational mode and hot zone
perimeters.
92. RGM 95
First Arriving Battalion Chief
Obtain situation report from initial IC or company officer.
Assume command, working from a strategic location.
Assemble essential staff and facility reps to support unified
command. (Stake holders notifications – VA DEQ, Water Control
Board, State/Local Police, State Highway Department, Transport
Carrier Co., etc.)
Key role for first arriving BC is to perform risk assessment for FD
personnel, review life safety issues and potential exposures.
IS THIS GOING TO BE A CAMPAIGN EVENT?
Based on above info, consider additional and/or specialized resource
needs early. (tankers, foam units, foam supplies, water supplies
needs, EMS and REHAB support)
Identify and vocalize current mode of operation, offensive, defensive,
non-intervention.
Non-intervention – isolating the area until the risk of intervention in
reduced to an acceptable level. This mode may be used when
assembling resources to commence an offensive attack.
Incident scene and CP security are critical
Develop IAP for a multi operational periods
93. RGM 105
NOVA Flammable Liquids Manual
Guide Sheet Review
Located in the back of the manual
