Struggling to choose an extinguishing foam? We have the solution!

The choice of the right type of extinguishing foam for the storage of flammable liquids has never been more complicated. Ever more stringent environmental legislation places increasingly heavy demands on companies subject to the BRZO [Dutch Ministerial Decree on the risks related to major accidents]. With a new type of extinguishing foam entering the market seemingly every month, many companies can no longer see the wood for the trees. But why has choosing the right type of extinguishing foam become so complicated? And do the latest developments relating to extinguishing foam perhaps provide a solution? Read all about it in this blog.

Extinguishing foam certification  

When purchasing extinguishing foam, it is important that you select a foam that has the right certification. Foams are approved in accordance with regulatory bodies like EN, ICAO, Mil-F, Lastfire and UL. These approval processes focus on different criteria and give greater priority to certain aspects or performance. For large storage tanks, for instance, a foam with higher heat resistance and post-fire protection is a lot more important than the extinguishing properties valued in the aviation industry. Certification focuses on different risks. So it is important to base your choice on your specific situation.

Why is it so difficult to choose the right extinguishing foam?

Quality marks and certifications not only indicate the quality of the extinguisher foam, but are also user-specific. What's more, there is another important consideration: the consequences for the environment. Because fluorinated extinguisher foam is hazardous to the environment, many manufacturers want fluorine-free extinguisher foam as an alternative. The problem with this type of extinguisher foam is that, in most cases, it is less effective at extinguishing fires. Read our blog: AD article about extinguisher foam. Until recently, manufacturers had not yet managed to produce an extinguisher foam with a high level certification that was also environmentally friendly.

Next generation extinguishing foam!

But that's now a thing of the past! In recent years, foam manufacturers have invested heavily in decreasing the environmental impact of extinguishing foam. And they've succeeded! Two variants of ‘next generation fluor-free foam’ have come to market recently: Respondol and JetFoam. These extinguisher foams meet the same criteria as fluorinated extinguisher foam without having an impact on the environment. And that suddenly makes the selection of the right extinguisher foam much easier. Kenbri Fire Fighting is currently the only supplier of Respondol and JetFoam in the Netherlands. Interested in the possibilities of these extinguisher foams? Then contact us now without obligation.