Monaro RFS

3M ceased the production of their foam products in December 2000. The 3M products known as BFFF and AFFF are still available until all of the old stock is replaced by Forexpan S and Niagara foams.

Forexpan S

BFFF (Bush Fire Fighting Foam) has been replaced by Forexpan S.

Forexpan S is a synthetic fire fighting foam concentrate for Class A fires that can be applied to bush and grass fires, structural fires, tyre and paper fires.

Forexpan S can be used for small Class B hydrocarbon fires (1% concentration)

Forexpan S is a multi-purpose foam which can be used on Class A fires including Class B fires up to 80lts, replacing the need, in most cases, to carry foam specifically for the purpose of Class B fires.

Forexpan S is approved for the use in aircraft.

Niagara

Niagara is designed for multi-purpose applications, it can achieve an exceptionally fast knockdown on hydrocarbons and a wide range of polar solvent fuels (Class B)

Why did 3M drop their firefighting foam products?

3M advised that these products have been used effectively for more than 40 years and are safe for continued use. 3M's decision to phase out production of these products is based on their corporate values and environmental principles.

AFFF and ATC firefighting foams contain Perfluorooctanyl sulfonate (PFOS). Testing showed that perfluorooctanyl sulfonate is a persistent compound, which, like other materials in the environment, can be detected broadly at extremely low levels in the environment and in people.

3M stated that all existing scientific knowledge indicates that the presence of these materials at these very low levels does not pose a human health or environmental risk.

3M BFFF used for Class A fires, 3M training foams & 3M high expansion foams are NOT affected, as they do NOT contain perfluorooctanyl sulfonates.

The affected firefighting foams are only the 3M AFFF and 3M ATC foams used for Class B fires.

Control Measures

All agencies are now reviewing their future supplies of AFFF and ATC based foams to ensure the smooth transition to alternative suppliers.  As perfluorooctanyl sulfonate has not been found to cause any harmful affects to health and the environment, the compound may still be present in the alternative products which replace the 3M AFFF and ATC foams.

The main function of perfluorooctanyl chemistry is the "aqueous film forming foam' process which is integral to the effective extinguishment of Class B fires.

AFFF and ATC enables the rapid and effective extinguishment of Class B fires, thus minimising firefighters exposure times and thereby enhancing firefighter health, safety and welfare.

The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (www.nicnas.gov.au) identified that the use of PFOS in Class B firefighting foam products contains between 0.1% and 0.7% of PFOS related substances. This low percentage when mixed with other ingredients in foam solutions and then diluted in water reduces the overall presence of any PFOS.

If any type of firefighting foam makes contact with the skin or eyes the area must be immediately flushed with clean water.

Additional Reading

1. Chubb Firefighting Foam (web page)
2. National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme, Alert No.1 - Perfluorooctanyl sulfonate (pdf document)
3. The Fire Fighting Foam Coalition (not-for-profit trade association web page)

MSDS

The Material Safety Data Sheet for AFFF is available as a download on this website.

There are many electrical hazards that firefighters must be aware of including:

1. Overhead electrical hazards
2. Domestic and industrial electrical supply
3. Electric and hybrid vehicles
4. Solar powered electrical hazards
5. Batteries

This article will focus upon power that is produced from solar photovoltaic cells.

There has been increased interest in the use of solar power and many of our fire sheds use the suns energy to keep our vehicle batteries topped up and to run other electrical systems such as lighting.

Whilst the use of solar energy is favourable, firefighters must become more aware of ALL sources of electrical power. Our basic training includes an electrical awareness content and most firefighters would know how to isolate the electrical power at a domestic switchboard.

Firefighters must always keep in mind that isolation of power at the switchboard does NOT remove all power from that property. With switchboard power isolation the power from the electrical supply authority remains active, only the power circuits beyond the main switch or circuit breaker are isolated.

External sources of power like generators and solar power systems can supply another source of electrical power that if overlooked has the potential to cause serious injury of death.

Safety Information (from a number of sources)

The NSW Fire Brigades issued an Operations Bulletin in 2008 titled "Solar electricity", available from our downloads section. 

Many of our volunteers may have researched solar powered systems for themselves and there has been much debate regarding the hazards associated with solar systems.

I have questioned the voltage and potential for harm that a solar photovoltaic cell creates for a firefighter (on the roof side of the inverter) but having said that I myself have witnessed serious injury caused by an exploding 12volt automotive battery. An awareness of the potential hazards around you are the key to staying safe, always conduct a risk assessment.

Solar Electric Systems

Hazards associated with a power supply (any voltage) may not always be obvious, a surprise shock could cause a fall from a roof or ladder.

• Inverters may have significant capacitors that could hold a charge after the power source is isolated.
• The only way to completely isolate a solar array is removing the fuel source (the sun).
• If needed, you could cover the cells with a cover that blocks sunlight.
• Small amounts of sunlight can produce a voltage potential and shock.
• An electric arc or flash can cause injury.
• Voltages can be present even in very low light conditions.
• Shutting off the main circuit breaker does not affect the potential output from solar photovoltaic cells.
• Isolation of the inverter does not affect the potential output from solar photovoltaic cells.
• Disconnection or switching off any electrical circuit when it is under load can cause an electrical arc or flash.
• The energy from an electrical arc or flash can cause burns.
• The "surprise" factor associated with an electrical arc or flash could cause you to lose balance and fall or trip.

Batteries

Batteries can be dangerous!

• Care should be taken to prevent arcing at or near battery terminals.
• Always open the electrical circuit with a switch if possible.
• Battery banks can store voltages with very high current potential.
• Metal tools and personal jewelry (especially gold) can complete or short a circuit and cause severe burns or battery explosions.
• Remove personal jewelry especially gold rings when working on batteries.
• Wear eye protection when working on batteries.
• Dead batteries are considered hazardous and must be recycled properly.