We have all seen the social media posts of these high-expansion foam systems discharging, and we watch in amazement at their efficiency in filling an airplane hanger. Some of these videos are from “system testing,” and some are from accidental discharges. But someone always asks the question: Could someone survive inside the foam? Here is a case where they did not.
At 1:30 p.m. on August 7, 2022, a production supervisor, 55, was in his office when the deluge system alarm was activated. Approximately 30 seconds after the audible alarm was engaged, the foam generators were activated and began to disperse 2.2% high-expansion foam. The employee attempted to exit his office to reach a safe point, but he was trapped in the foam.