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Considerations for Selecting an ARFF Foam Test System

 

Firefighter using Eco EFP Measurement System

 

All features used on your aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle must be tested regularly to ensure effectiveness; why should your foam system be any different? Oshkosh’s Eco EFP™ is an ARFF foam testing system created by Oshkosh Airport Products and is approved for use by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Not only does the system meet FAA regulations, Eco EFP foam testing also minimizes negative environmental and health impacts that have been linked to foam testing. Continue reading to see how the Eco EFP foam test system can change the way you test and operate your ARFF foam fire suppression agent.

 

What is an ARFF foam test system and Eco EFP?

Not all FAA-approved foam testing systems are alike. The Eco EFP foam test system is an integrated, onboard solution that uses just water instead of foam to measure the percentage of foam to water ratio your truck’s foam system is proportioning. This system measures both the flow rate of the water through the foam flow meter AND the flow rate of water through the solution (water + foam) meter to find the specific discharge percentage rate. This process gives you the most accurate reading to ensure you are outputting the exact proportions of foam and water that is required by the FAA and NFPA 412 standards.

 

 

Why choose Eco EFP for foam testing?

With all the necessary preventative maintenance and scheduled testing that goes into keeping your ARFF truck mission ready, we want to make sure foam testing is easy, efficient, and effective. With the Eco EFP system, you can test your foam system’s output proportions in 10-15 minutes with only one operator. The Eco EFP foam test system stores all test results on the vehicle storing data from up to three years prior (which is in line with FAA record retention requirements).

The versatility of the Eco EFP foam test system makes it an easy-to-use system that doesn’t require extensive training. Any operator can verify foam percentages and discharge flow rates as frequently as desired. Due to the Eco EFP foam test system being an automated system with a solution flow meter, there is no room for manual timing or calculation error. Your foam solution rate will be provided automatically without the need to calculate each discharge manually.

 

eco efp 2-1

 

How to access an Eco EFP retrofit kit for an existing Oshkosh Striker ARFF?

Oshkosh Airport Products’ Eco EFP (Electric Foam Proportioning) retrofit kits are available as an aftermarket add-on. Prior to installation, our team of engineers will review your vehicle’s specifications to verify an Eco EFP retrofit kit is compatible with your Striker ARFF vehicle. To qualify for an Eco EFP retrofit kit, you must have either a gen 1, 2, or 3 Striker ARFF vehicle with a poppet system or a gen 1, 2, or 3 Striker ARFF vehicle with an Oshkosh EFP system or Foam Boss EFP. Once the truck’s specifications are confirmed, the installation process can begin.

Installation of the system can be done by a qualified dealer or an Oshkosh service technician. However, if your department would like to keep the installation in-house, Oshkosh Airport Products can provide the proper instructions for a successful install.

ARFF foam testing and the environment

The environmental and health concerns surrounding the use of AFFF foam is a significant challenge for airports and fire stations worldwide. Eco EFP eliminates the use of harmful chemicals during testing, limiting the use of foam to only necessary emergency response situations. The FAA has approved input-based foam test systems and the Oshkosh Eco EFP foam test system for operation today at airports in the United States. Eco EFP is a simple and easy-to-use solution from your trusted partner, Oshkosh Airport Products.

Ready to learn more? Contact your sales representative or Oshkosh Airport Products’ customer service line (United States:1-800-222-6635 / International: 1-920-235-9151 x23066).

View the ARFF Vehicle Reference Guide

About Oshkosh Airport Products

Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), is a designer and builder of industry-leading airport firefighting vehicles. Its flagship Striker® Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles are known for their durability and superior performance and sold throughout the world. For more information, visit www.oshkoshairport.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation

At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs approximately 17,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Hinowa, Power Towers, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, Oshkosh® AeroTech™ and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit www.oshkoshcorp.com

®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

Forward Looking Statements

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