What does AFFF stand for in fire safety?

AFFF stands for Aqueous Film Forming Foam, which is a type of firefighting foam used particularly for extinguishing flammable liquid fires, such as those involving gasoline and oils. This foam is specifically designed to create a barrier between the fuel and the air, effectively smothering the fire while also providing a cooling effect.

The unique property of AFFF is that it spreads rapidly over the surface of the flammable liquid, forming a film that prevents the vapor from escaping and further igniting. This characteristic makes AFFF highly effective in managing large-scale fires in industrial settings, aircraft crash scenes, and marine environments.

In contrast, other options such as "Air foam fire fighting" and "Aerosol fire fighting foam" do not accurately describe AFFF's formulation or function in fire safety. Similarly, "Aqueous fire fighting formula" lacks the specific detail of how AFFF works and its unique properties. Understanding the specific terminology related to firefighting foams is essential for effective fire response and safety practices.