This course is designed to educate emergency response personnel of the principles for handling Ethanol, E85 and E95 fuel emergencies. With the growing national ethanol production, participants must be able to make the correct decision in how to handle assorted ethanol emergencies. In the classroom you will see, discuss and learn about vapor pressure, flash point, upper and lower flammable limits, properties of hydrocarbons and polar solvents (Ethanol, E85 and E95), ethanol plant layout and operation, how foam works and determine foam flow and foam needs for typical incidents, the difference between: Class A foam (wetting agents), AFFF Class B foam for hydrocarbons, alcohol resistant foam (AR-AFFF) for E85, and Emulsifiers. Outside, participants will observe and compare foam longevity from aspirating and fog nozzles; compare regular AFFF and AR-AFFF actions on an E95 fire; compare raindown, backboard and roll-on application techniques for E95; and observe burn back and dry chemical application.

Special requirements

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): The following gear is required to participate: helmet, bunker coat, bunker pants with boots, and gloves that met the NFPA standard 1971 at the time of purchase.
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA): Participants attending should bring their own pressure-demand type self-contained breathing apparatus and one spare cylinder. All air cylinders must be within hydrostatic date or will not be refilled and should be marked with departmental identification. Breathing apparatus must meet NFPA standard 1981. In addition participants must provide a Nomex or PBI protective hood. Individuals with beards, sideburns or other hair styles that interfere with the proper seal of a breathing apparatus face piece will not be allowed to participate in classes requiring SCBA use.
• Note: Protective hoods over beards are not approved.