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Tyco Fire and Security says it has implemented a policy of strategically locating stocks of foam concentrate that are sufficient to meet any eventuality. This is a capability that has already been put to the test, when Tyco recently supplied foam within a matter of hours, for two separate tank farm emergencies in northern Europe.
“It is easy to consider foam to be just a commodity product,” said Andrew Shiner, director of marketing EMEA for Tyco Fire & Security’s Fire suppression group. “The petrochemicals industry’s foam needs are very specialised and, if nothing else, the recent Buncefield fire in the UK illustrated the importance of fast response, continuity of supply, technical support, engineering know-how, manufacturing resources and industry expertise.”
Tyco, a corporate member of JOIFF – the Joint Oil and Industry Fire Forum – explains that it used its oil industry contacts when devising its emergency foam stock plans and deciding on the various locations. “In reality, we relocate these stocks as and when it is necessary, to reflect local supply and availability conditions. We work closely with our customers, particularly when they are updating their risk assessments and contingency plans for each site,” adds Andrew Shiner.