Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which action of fire fighting foam creates a barrier between the fuel and the fire?
Which action of fire fighting foam creates a barrier between the fuel and the fire?
Foam lowers the surface tension of water, allowing it to ___ fires in Class A materials.
Foam lowers the surface tension of water, allowing it to ___ fires in Class A materials.
Class A foam extinguishes and/or prevents ignition by:
Class A foam extinguishes and/or prevents ignition by:
Which of the following statements about fire fighting foams is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about fire fighting foams is MOST accurate?
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When applied to solid fuels, Class A foam blankets the fuel, controls flames, then:
When applied to solid fuels, Class A foam blankets the fuel, controls flames, then:
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Class B foams are especially effective on:
Class B foams are especially effective on:
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Which of the following statements about fire fighting foams is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about fire fighting foams is MOST accurate?
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The degree of foam expansion depends on the type of foam concentrate, accurate proportioning, quality of the foam concentrate and:
The degree of foam expansion depends on the type of foam concentrate, accurate proportioning, quality of the foam concentrate and:
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Which classification of foam is used to suppress vapors from hazardous materials spills?
Which classification of foam is used to suppress vapors from hazardous materials spills?
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High-expansion foam is typically used for:
High-expansion foam is typically used for:
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Which of the following statements about Class A foam concentrates is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about Class A foam concentrates is MOST accurate?
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Flammable liquids that mix readily with water are:
Flammable liquids that mix readily with water are:
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Which Class B foams are made from a mixture of fluorosurfactants?
Which Class B foams are made from a mixture of fluorosurfactants?
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Which foams are required to extinguish fires of ethanol or ethanol-based fuels?
Which foams are required to extinguish fires of ethanol or ethanol-based fuels?
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Which of the following statements about foam concentrates is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about foam concentrates is MOST accurate?
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Why are specialized foams designed solely for use on unignited spills of hazardous liquids?
Why are specialized foams designed solely for use on unignited spills of hazardous liquids?
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Most foam concentrates are intended to be mixed with what percent of water?
Most foam concentrates are intended to be mixed with what percent of water?
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Which of the following statements about foam proportioning is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about foam proportioning is MOST accurate?
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Multipurpose Class B foams are normally mixed at a 6 percent rate when:
Multipurpose Class B foams are normally mixed at a 6 percent rate when:
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Factors to consider in selecting a foam proportioner include solution flow requirements, intended use, and:
Factors to consider in selecting a foam proportioner include solution flow requirements, intended use, and:
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Which of the following proportioning methods depends on the Venturi Principle to draw foam through a hose connected to the foam concentrate container and into the water stream?
Which of the following proportioning methods depends on the Venturi Principle to draw foam through a hose connected to the foam concentrate container and into the water stream?
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The proportioning method which uses an external pump or head pressure to force foam concentrate into the fire stream is:
The proportioning method which uses an external pump or head pressure to force foam concentrate into the fire stream is:
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Which of the following proportioning methods makes it difficult to refill an apparatus water tank due to excessive bubbling from residual foam solution?
Which of the following proportioning methods makes it difficult to refill an apparatus water tank due to excessive bubbling from residual foam solution?
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Because the foam solution goes through the pump, the proportioning method may cause the pump to require additional maintenance.
Because the foam solution goes through the pump, the proportioning method may cause the pump to require additional maintenance.
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Which of the following statements about foam proportioners and delivery systems is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about foam proportioners and delivery systems is MOST accurate?
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Which of the following foam proportioners may compromise firefighter safety since it is difficult to quickly relocate the components?
Which of the following foam proportioners may compromise firefighter safety since it is difficult to quickly relocate the components?
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When using an in-line eductor, which of the following might cause foam concentrations to be too lean?
When using an in-line eductor, which of the following might cause foam concentrations to be too lean?
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Installed in-line eductors, around-the-pump proportioners, and balanced pressure proportioners are examples of:
Installed in-line eductors, around-the-pump proportioners, and balanced pressure proportioners are examples of:
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Which of the following statements about compressed air foam systems (CAFS) is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about compressed air foam systems (CAFS) is MOST accurate?
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Which of the following statements about foam delivery devices is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about foam delivery devices is MOST accurate?
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Which of the following foam generators produces foam by pumping foam solution through the nozzle in a fine spray?
Which of the following foam generators produces foam by pumping foam solution through the nozzle in a fine spray?
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Air-aspirating nozzles must be used with:
Air-aspirating nozzles must be used with:
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Which of the following foam generators is typically associated with total-flooding applications?
Which of the following foam generators is typically associated with total-flooding applications?
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Poor-quality foam may result from:
Poor-quality foam may result from:
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A common reason for generating poor-quality foam is:
A common reason for generating poor-quality foam is:
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In which application method does the operator direct the foam stream onto an elevated object, allowing the foam to run down and onto the surface of the fuel?
In which application method does the operator direct the foam stream onto an elevated object, allowing the foam to run down and onto the surface of the fuel?
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Which of the following is used only on a pool of ignited or unignited fuel on the ground?
Which of the following is used only on a pool of ignited or unignited fuel on the ground?
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Which of the following is the primary application technique used on aboveground storage tank fires?
Which of the following is the primary application technique used on aboveground storage tank fires?
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Which of the following statements about foam hazards is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about foam hazards is MOST accurate?
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Which of the following statements about finished foam in the environment is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about finished foam in the environment is MOST accurate?
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Study Notes
Fire Fighting Foam Fundamentals
- Separation by fire fighting foam creates a barrier between fuel and fire, inhibiting combustion.
- Foam lowers water's surface tension, enabling it to penetrate Class A fire materials.
Class A Foam Characteristics
- Class A foam allows water to effectively penetrate fuels, extinguishing or preventing ignition.
- It forms a protective blanket, controlling flames and enabling cooling by breaking down over the fuel.
Class B Foam Usage
- Class B foams are particularly effective on hydrocarbon fuels and polar solvents.
- Multipurpose Class B foams are typically mixed at a 6 percent rate when applied to polar solvents.
Foam Expansion and Aeration
- The degree of foam expansion is influenced by the type of foam concentrate and the method of aeration.
- Proper aeration produces bubbles of varying sizes, crucial for foam effectiveness.
Foam Application Techniques
- High-expansion foam is primarily used in confined spaces like mines and shipboard compartments.
- Banking down method involves directing foam onto elevated objects for effective coverage of ignited fuels.
Foam Proportioning Methods
- Eduction depends on the Venturi Principle, drawing foam through a hose into the water stream.
- Injection uses an external pump to force foam concentrate into the fire stream.
Safety Considerations
- Some foam concentrates and their vapors can be harmful if inhaled, necessitating safety precautions.
- It's important to flush exposed skin with water to avoid irritation from foam concentrates.
Environmental Impact
- Decomposing foam in water bodies can decrease oxygen levels, affecting aquatic life.
- Regulations often require Class A foams to be approved for environmental safety by agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Quality and Maintenance
- Poor-quality foam may result from air leaks in fittings or mixing incompatible foam concentrates.
- Foam proportioners and delivery systems must be compatible to ensure effective foam production.
Application Methods
- The roll-on method is designed for pools of ignited or unignited fuel.
- The bank-down method is essential for aboveground storage tank fires, providing controlled foam coverage.
Foam Concentrate Types
- Alcohol-resistant foams are needed for extinguishing ethanol or ethanol-based fuels.
- Synthetic foams contain mixtures of fluorosurfactants, enhancing performance against flammable liquids.
Important Foam Metrics
- Most foam concentrates are designed to mix with 94 to 99.9 percent water.
- Class A foam can become thick and dry if mixed at higher than recommended percentages, affecting efficacy.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the properties and actions of fire fighting foam with this flashcard quiz. Each card covers important definitions and concepts to help reinforce your understanding of fire suppression techniques. Perfect for anyone studying fire safety and prevention.
