The handbook describes basic types of foams that may be used to control vapor hazards from spilled volatile chemicals. It provides a table to be used by spill response personnel to choose an appropriate foam based on the type of chemical spill. Six general types of foams, surfactant (syndet) foams, aqueous film forming foams (AFFF), alcohol type or polar solvent type foams (ATF), and special foams such as Hazmat NF no. 1 which was developed especially for alkaline spills. The handbook provides the basis for spill responders to evaluate and select a foam for vapor control by using the test methods presented or by considering manufacturers specifications for foam expansion ratios and quarter drainage times. The responder is encouraged to maximize the effectiveness of a foam by trying different nozzles, distances of applications, and thicknesses of the foam layers.

Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche. "July 1986." "Funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under Contract no. 68-03-3113 to Science Applications International Corporation"--Page ii. Includes bibliographical references (pages 23-25).