Foam Components

Reference: 

1110

Request detail: 

Could you please provide information on the following issues regarding the use of fluorinated compounds (i.e. PFAS) in your foams?

  1. Current policy on use – as applicable to a potential road accident.
  2. Controls/restrictions on use (if any).
  3. Any upcoming reviews on use.
  4. Suggestions on any relevant guidance

 

Specifically we are interested to know whether those foams comprising fluorinated compounds are used in the Shrewsbury area.

Response detail: 

Thank you for your Freedom of Information request.  Please see our responses below.

  1. Current policy on use – as applicable to a potential road accident.

Due to incidents being dynamic it is at the discretion of the Officer In Charge to use all equipment available to them to resolve the incident safely and satisfactory taking into account the environment and public safety.

Extract below from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service Environmental Protection Policy

           

  1. Controls/restrictions on use (if any).

If foam is discharged it is communicated to Fire and Control with the Environmental Agency being informed on location and quantity used and of any drains, water sources etc that the foam may enter. All efforts are made to contain foam, so it does not enter the water course using an environmental grab pack which contains a number of different solutions to contain the foam.

  1. Any upcoming reviews on use.

At present we are moving from using Solberg foam and moving to Moussol which is more environmentally friendly. Our foam unit carries 100%  Moussol foam with 5 of our frontline appliances also carrying it. The remaining 23 appliances carry 100 litres of Solberg per appliance and this is being phased out and being replaced with Moussol.

  1. Suggestions on any relevant guidance

There are no further suggestions on any other guidance.

Specifically we are interested to know whether those foams comprising fluorinated compounds are used in the Shrewsbury area.

The appliances in Shrewsbury carry the Moussol foam which are fluorine free. The majority of incidents requiring the use of foam in the Shrewsbury area would use the Moussol foam. 

Please find below the link the Moussol product data sheet.

However, if appliances from a neighbouring station are in the Shrewsbury area, they would use the Solsberg foam. Please find the link to the Solsberg Data Sheet

If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been handled, you can complain or request an internal review of the decision. This must be done within 40 working days of receiving this response. You can do this by writing to the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, St. Michael’s Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 2HJ or email: enquiries@shropshirefire.gov.uk

 

If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request or complaint, you have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner at:   

Information Commissioner's Office   

Wycliffe House   

Water Lane   

Wilmslow   

Cheshire  

SK9 5AF  

Telephone: 0303 123 1113  

Website: www.ico.gov.uk 

Information Released: 

Yes

Received: 

Wednesday, 7 July, 2021

Responded: 

Thursday, 29 July, 2021

Topic: