Use of almost anything in the fire service will at some point encounter the phrase "Refer to the manufacturer's specifications". Foam products and tools are no exception. Firefighters should know what the foam buckets look like by reading logos & labels. Those ordering foam should pay close attention to assure they are getting the product needed.
Using or restocking the wrong foam concentrate can adversely affect operations, safety of personnel, the budget, the environment or cause damage to foam system equipment.

Factors we use to choose foam product:

Intended Use - Is it the right foam for the type fire we will fight? Does it meet standards?
Cost - Compare costs to other A/B products, having to stock different types etc.
Environmental impact - Not every foam is safe for the environment. A previous 3M foam stock at SVFD was found to contain a Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic Pollutant (PBT) and had already been banned in Europe. This awareness was part of the move to our current stock.
Container type - We purchase foam concentrate in 5 gallon pails for ease of moving, filling onboard foam tanks and storage. Other products may come in 55 gallon drums or 275 gallon containers….. obviously difficult to move around and store on apparatus. If you receive mutual aid foam in 55 gallon drums or other containers, you will need a method to educt the foam (longer pickup tube for example) and a way to unload containers and move them to the use location.
Versatility - Ability for combination use on Class A or B fires instead of single purpose use.
Storage criteria - Should be stable at expected temperature ranges and not damaged by freezing temperatures.
Viscosity - Basically, the thickness of the concentrate must be compatible with foam pumps.
Compatibility - Does the concentrate contain products that may corrode foam system components?
Shelf life - Our current stock has a shelf life or 25 years (if sealed). Unsealed foam product (in storage tanks) should have a reasonably anticipated frequency of use.
Availability - Can we order product and receive it in a reasonable time frame?

Actually take a moment and read the label!
Read the labels when Mutual aid foam arrives on scene!

If you are not completely familiar
with your foam product, you are not completely familiar
with firefighting operations!

Only for
Class A materials or
Class B Hydrocarbon   fires/spills

Only for
Class  B  
Hydrocarbon or Polar Solvent Fire fires/spills

Our current foam supplier is US Foam Technologies.
Call direct to Phone : 800.595.3626 Fax : 877.873.6261