Influence of fire extinguishing foam on static ropes Tendon

Fire-fighting activities are frequently connected with the use of fire extinguishing foam, but sometimes also static ropes are used in fire fighting which can be contaminated by the fire extinguishing foam.

We tested the influence of the fire extinguishing foam on ropes contaminated with it for sixty days – we wanted to know especially whether ropes contaminated in this way lose their strength.

We took the frequently used ropes Static 11.0, Speleo Special 10.5, Full Aramid 10 and Aramid 11 for testing. As shown in the table below, except for the Speleo Special 10.5 rope the contamination with the fire extinguishing foam has no essential influence on strength of the ropes.

The Speleo Special 10.5 rope will be subjected to additional testing.

FIRE EXTINGUISHING FOAM STHAMEX F-15

SOLUTION: 3%

Description

A synthetic foam-forming extinguishing means on the basis of surface-confined, actively-acting substances. The foaming agent may be used for production of heavy, medium or lightweight foam or as a wetting agent. The foaming agent meets the requirements of ČSN EN 1568, is physiologically harmless and biologically degradable.

Use

Suppression of fires of classes A and B, hydrocarbons and non-polar liquids.

Composition

1,2-ethanediol < 25%, Xn, R22; 2-butoxyethanol < 25%, Xn, R20/21/22, R36/38; synthetic tensides < 20%, Xi R36/38, R38;

foam stabilizer < 5%, N 50