Frequently Asked Questions
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Commercial
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WHAT IS NPE-FREE BARRICADE ® II?
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IS NPE-FREE BARRICADE ® II ON THE FOREST SERVICE QUALIFIED PRODUCTS LIST (QPL)?
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WHAT ARE NPEs AND ARE THEY DANGEROUS TO ANIMALS OR HUMANS?
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OTHER BRANDS OF FIRE GELS CLAIM THEY ARE SAFE BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE US FOREST SERVICE. SINCE NPEs ARE TOXIC, WHY ARE THEY APPROVED FOR USE?
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I WAS TOLD THAT THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET(MSDS) IS SUPPOSED TO INFORM US ABOUT DANGEROUS CHEMICALS. ARE THESE DANGERS DISCLOSED ON THE MSDS OF THE OTHER BRANDS OF FIRE GELS?
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HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF NPEs THAT ARE FOUND IN OTHER BRANDS OF FIRE GELS?
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DO YOU HAVE A VIDEO THAT SHOWS HOW TO USE THE QUIKATAK SYSTEM AND THE ATAKPAK SYSTEM?
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HOW DOES THE EDUCTOR NOZZLE WORK?
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WHERE SHOULD I SPRAY THE BARRICADE WHEN A FIRE IS COMING?
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CAN I USE WELL OR RIVER/LAKE WATER?
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IS BARRICADE SAFE FOR FIREFIGHTERS OR CONTRACTORS TO USE? WHAT DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT?
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WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF BARRICADE CONCENTRATE?
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DOES IT HURT THE BARRICADE CONCENTRATE IF IT FREEZES OR GETS TOO HOT DURING STORAGE?
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ONCE I APPLY BARRICADE HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT IT TO LAST?
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HOW THICK SHOULD THE GEL BE APPLIED?
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HOW DO I CLEAN UP AFTER USING BARRICADE?
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WILL THE BARRICADE GEL HURT THE PAINT ON HOMES?
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CAN BARRICADE EXTINGUISH MAGNESIUM FIRES?
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Residential
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WHAT ARE NPEs AND ARE THEY DANGEROUS TO ANIMALS OR HUMANS?
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DO YOU HAVE A VIDEO THAT SHOWS HOW TO USE THE HOME FIRE DEFENSE SYSTEM?
-
HOW DOES THE EDUCTOR NOZZLE WORK?
-
WHERE SHOULD I SPRAY THE BARRICADE WHEN A FIRE IS COMING?
-
HOW MUCH BARRICADE DO I NEED?
-
CAN I USE WELL WATER?
-
IS BARRICADE SAFE? WHAT DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT?
-
WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF BARRICADE CONCENTRATE?
-
DOES IT HURT THE BARRICADE CONCENTRATE IF IT FREEZES OR GETS TOO HOT DURING STORAGE?
-
ONCE I APPLY BARRICADE HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT IT TO LAST?
-
HOW MUCH WATER PRESSURE (PSI) DO I NEED TO USE THE HOME FIRE DEFENSE SYSTEM?
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HOW MUCH REACH DO I HAVE WITH THE NOZZLE ON THE HOME KIT?
-
HOW THICK SHOULD THE GEL BE APPLIED?
-
HOW DO I CLEAN UP AFTER USING BARRICADE?
-
WILL THE BARRICADE GEL HURT THE PAINT ON MY HOUSE?
-
HOW DO I CLEAN MY HOME FIRE DEFENSE SYSTEM AFTER EACH USE?
-
CAN I USE A COMMERCIAL SYSTEM AT MY HOME?
-
CAN I APPLY BARRICADE TO MY BARN? HOW WILL IT AFFECT THE QUALITY OF THE HAY?
Answers:
Q: WHAT IS NPE-FREE BARRICADE ® II?
A: NPE-Free Barricade ® II is the result of 10 years of research and
testing to eliminate nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) and petroleum
distillate from the original Barricade formula. NPE-Free Barricade ® II
has been approved for use by the US Forest Service in a wide range of
firefighting functions including application by large air tankers,
smaller Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), helicopters using buckets as
well as firefighters on the ground using fire engines. Barricade ® II
is the first and only liquid fire gel concentrate that has been
approved for use by the Forest Service that does not contain toxic
chemical additives known as NPEs and petroleum distillate oils.
Environmental organizations have called upon the U.S. Forest Service to
ban the use of other firefighting chemicals that contain NPEs.
Barricade
® II was specifically developed for use by commercial and government
entities where a large quantity of gel is used or there is frequent
contact by firefighters.
Top
Q: IS NPE-FREE BARRICADE ® II ON THE FOREST SERVICE QUALIFIED PRODUCTS LIST (QPL)?
A: Yes. The Forest Service placed Barricade ® II on the QPL in early 2006.
Top
Q: WHAT ARE NPEs AND ARE THEY DANGEROUS TO ANIMALS OR HUMANS?
A:
NPEs (a.ka. Nonylphenol Ethoxylates) are surfactant components found in some other brands of fire gel products. Recent scientific studies have shown that NPEs have negative effects on the reproductive systems of animals and humans in extremely low doses which can cause birth defects in future generations. Barricade is proud to offer the ONLY liquid fire gel that is completely free of toxic NPEs and petroleum distillates. Barricade is the only fire chemical of any kind to be awarded the prestigious "Champion" award from our nation's EPA.
Top
Q: OTHER BRANDS OF FIRE GELS CLAIM THEY ARE SAFE BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE US FOREST SERVICE. SINCE NPEs ARE TOXIC, WHY ARE THEY APPROVED FOR USE?
A: Currently, the US Forest Service testing program that approves chemicals for use in wildland firefighting does not fully examine the potential long-term effects on future generations...it only looks at short-term health hazards. Due to recent research indicating the dangers associated with NPEs, concerned environmental protection groups have formally requested that the Forest Service cease using and rescind approvals on fire chemicals that contain NPEs and other toxic chemicals.
Top
Q: I WAS TOLD THAT THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET(MSDS) IS SUPPOSED TO INFORM US ABOUT DANGEROUS CHEMICALS. ARE THESE DANGERS DISCLOSED ON THE MSDS OF THE OTHER BRANDS OF FIRE GELS?
A: You are correct. The MSDS is supposed to instruct the layperson about the dangerous characteristics of chemical products. Read the MSDS carefully. If you see phrases such as "Proprietary Blend" or "Trade Secret" in the Hazardous Components section, they are probably trying to hide the fact that their product contains toxic chemicals.
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Q: HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF NPEs THAT ARE FOUND IN OTHER BRANDS OF FIRE GELS?
A:
Thankfully, it is quite easy. Simply "Google" the terms "Toxic NPEs"
Top
Q: DO YOU HAVE A VIDEO THAT SHOWS HOW TO USE THE QUIKATAK SYSTEM AND THE ATAKPAK SYSTEM?
A: Yes we have developed an instructional video for those products. The video is included when you place your order.
Top
Q: HOW DOES THE EDUCTOR NOZZLE WORK?
A: Both the QuikAtak and Atak Pak eductors are specifically engineered
to deliver a pre-determined amount of Barricade ® II from the container
into the stream of water. This engineering is designed to create the
optimum mixture for use on structures. (Except for cleanup, never pour
water directly into Barricade ® II Fire Blocking Gel.)
The
Quik Atak eductor nozzle is designed for use with the 1-gallon
container. The Atak Pak eductor nozzle is designed for use with the
Atak Pak™ and has a hand-hold for ease of use. The Atak Pak system also
has a shut off valve between the back pack and the nozzle allowing
water-only feed through the nozzle. This feature also allows the
operator to vary the amount of concentrate passing into the water
stream depending on the type of fire control desired. For example, less
concentrate would be required for broadcast application on landscape
than for structure protection.
Both nozzles are designed for delivery of 15 GPM at 80 psi and are equipped with 1 and 1 ½ inches hose fittings.
Top
Q: WHERE SHOULD I SPRAY THE BARRICADE WHEN A FIRE IS COMING?
A: Barricade can be used on houses, shake roofs, decks, doors, windows,
eaves, fences, outbuildings, sheds, dog houses, log piles, brush,
shrubbery, trees, haystacks, cars, boats, grilles, LP and propane
tanks. Remember, it is not so important to completely encase the home
in gel. The eaves, windows, doors, decks and wood shake roofs are most
important to coat. Asphalt shingles do not need to be coated unless a
tree or some other exposure is nearby.
Personal safety is paramount. Do not put yourself in danger during the approach of wildfire.
Note: Defensible space is very important.
Top
Q: CAN I USE WELL OR RIVER/LAKE WATER?
A: Yes, Barricade can be used with well and natural water.
Top
Q: IS BARRICADE SAFE FOR FIREFIGHTERS OR CONTRACTORS TO USE? WHAT DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT?
A: Barricade is a very safe product. It will not harm you or the environment. If you read the Material Safety Data Sheet, it states that the concentrate can be irritating to the skin and eyes. If it does get on your skin or in your eyes, simply flush with water.
Note: Barricade is very slippery. The potential for slips and falls is significant. Use the utmost care when applying Barricade . If you are applying Barricade to your roof, we recommend that you apply it from the safety of a ladder.
Top
Q: WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF BARRICADE CONCENTRATE?
A: Barricade can be stored safely for a several years. The consistency
of Barricade is very similar to paint as some of the product will
settle to the bottom. We recommend that you shake it every six
months. Barricade should be shaken vigorously for a minimum of two
minutes before use.
The manufacturer's warranty is for three (3) years against defects. The
history of users indicates that with proper storage and handling, and with
periodic agitation, the shelf life is much longer than this. Complete warranty information & Buyer Beware (PDF).
Top
Q: DOES IT HURT THE BARRICADE CONCENTRATE IF IT FREEZES OR GETS TOO HOT DURING STORAGE?
A: We do not recommend allowing the concentrate to freeze or get to
temperatures above 120° Fahrenheit. Repeated exposure to these
temperatures could have a negative effect on our product.
Top
Q: ONCE I APPLY BARRICADE HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT IT TO LAST?
A: Depending on weather conditions such as sunlight, wind and humidity,
Barricade can be expected to last from a minimum of 6-8 hours to a
maximum of 24-36 hours. The thicker you apply the gel the longer it
will last. We recommend that after its initial application, you
lightly mist the gel with water. The applied gel is under-hydrated and
it will continue to swell and offer additional protection.
Note: If the Barricade gel begins to dry out it can be re-hydrated by misting it lightly with water.
Top
Q: HOW THICK SHOULD THE GEL BE APPLIED?
A: We recommend coating the object until it is white. This usually means a coating of about ¼" thick.
Top
Q: HOW DO I CLEAN UP AFTER USING BARRICADE?
A: When the danger has passed, rinse the Barricade gel off with plain
water and a pressure nozzle. It will take a while to rinse off the
Barricade, especially if you have applied a very thick coating.
Basically what you are doing is over hydrating the product until it
breaks down. If the Barricade gel has been left on for an extended
period of time re-wet the gel and let it re-hydrate. This will make it
easier to clean off. In a worst case scenario it may have to be
pressure cleaned.
Once you have finished using either
system, the entire unit should be disassembled. Each component should
be flushed thoroughly with water until all Barricade residue is gone.
NOTE: Soaking the components in warm or hot water will make the
cleanup easier. Please see the Cleanup and Trouble Shooting portion of
our Video.
A special clean-up tool is included with the AtakPak.
Top
Q: WILL THE BARRICADE GEL HURT THE PAINT ON HOMES?
A: On a well maintained home the Barricade gel will not affect the paint.
On a home or object that has not been painted in many years, the
Barricade gel will actually clean the painted surface. This may cause
it to look different from the rest of the painted surface.
Top
Q: CAN BARRICADE EXTINGUISH MAGNESIUM FIRES?
A: Tests of Barricade on burning magnesium alloy have shown that the use
of Barricade can greatly reduce the amount of time and water required to
extinguish a fire involving magnesium. Water alone will not immediately extinguish
burning magnesium; it is immediately dissociated into hydrogen and oxygen,
adding fuel to the fire. The use of firefighting foam is also not effective,
because the air bubbles just add oxygen to the flames. But Barricade Fire
Gel helps to hold the water in suspension, and can smother the fire with cooling
effectiveness. Professionals agree that treating surrounding flammables is
a good first step before attacking the magnesium fire.
Top
Q: WHAT ARE NPEs AND ARE THEY DANGEROUS TO ANIMALS OR HUMANS?
A:
NPEs (a.ka. Nonylphenol Ethoxylates) are surfactant components found in some other brands of fire gel products. Recent scientific studies have shown that NPEs have negative effects on the reproductive systems of animals and humans in extremely low doses which can cause birth defects in future generations. Currently, the US Forest Service testing program that approves chemicals for use in wildland firefighting does not examine the potential effects on future generations...it only looks at the short-term. Environmental groups have requested that the Forest Service cease using and rescind approvals on fire chemicals that contain NPEs. Barricade is proud to offer the ONLY liquid fire gel that is completely free of toxic NPEs and petroleum distillates. Barricade is the only fire chemical of any kind to be awarded the prestigious "Champion" award from our nation's EPA.
Top
Q: DO YOU HAVE A VIDEO THAT SHOWS HOW TO USE THE HOME FIRE DEFENSE SYSTEM?
A: Yes we have developed an instructional video for the system. The video is included when you place your order.
Top
Q: HOW DOES THE EDUCTOR NOZZLE WORK?
A: The eductor is specifically engineered to deliver a pre-determined
amount of Barricade from the container into the stream of water. This
engineering is designed to create the optimum mixture for use on
structures. (Except for cleanup, never pour water directly into
Barricade Fire Blocking Gel.)
Top
Q: WHERE SHOULD I SPRAY THE BARRICADE WHEN A FIRE IS COMING?
A: Barricade can be used on houses, shake roofs, decks, doors, windows,
eaves, fences, outbuildings, sheds, dog houses, log piles, brush,
shrubbery, trees, haystacks, cars, boats, grilles, LP and propane
tanks. Remember, it is not so important to completely encase your home
in gel. The eaves, windows, doors, decks and wood shake roofs are most
important to coat. Asphalt shingles do not need to be coated unless a
tree or some other exposure is nearby.
Personal safety is paramount. Do not put yourself in danger during the approach of wildfire.
Note: Defensible space is very important.
Top
Q: HOW MUCH BARRICADE DO I NEED?
A: This will require a little calculating on your part. Each 1 gallon
container of Barricade concentrate will coat 500-700 square feet of
area. The area you cover depends on how thickly you apply the
product. A ¼ inch covering is recommended. The average home will take
between three and five 1 gallon containers of Barricade concentrate.
Note: When coating brush, trees and plants or creating fire-breaks, the 500-700 square feet of coverage area will not apply.
Top
Q: CAN I USE WELL WATER?
A: Yes, Barricade can be used with well water.
Top
Q: IS BARRICADE SAFE? WHAT DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT?
A: Barricade is a very safe product. It will not harm you or the environment. If you read the Material Safety Data Sheet, it states that the concentrate can be irritating to the skin and eyes. If it does get on your skin or in your eyes, simply flush with water.
Note: Barricade is very slippery. The potential for slips and falls is significant. Use the utmost care when applying Barricade. If you are applying Barricade to your roof, we recommend that you apply it from the safety of a ladder.
Top
Q: WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF BARRICADE CONCENTRATE?
A: Barricade can be stored safely for several years. The consistency
of Barricade is very similar to paint as some of the product will
settle to the bottom. We recommend that you shake it every six
months. Barricade should be shaken vigorously for a minimum of two
minutes before use.
The manufacturer's warranty is for three (3) years against defects.
The
history of users indicates that with proper storage and handling, and with
periodic agitation, the shelf life is much longer than this. Complete warranty information & Buyer Beware (PDF).
Top
Q: DOES IT HURT THE BARRICADE CONCENTRATE IF IT FREEZES OR GETS TOO HOT DURING STORAGE?
A: We do not recommend allowing the concentrate to freeze or get to
temperatures above 120° Fahrenheit. Repeated exposure to these
temperatures could have a negative effect on our product.
Top
Q: ONCE I APPLY BARRICADE HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT IT TO LAST?
A: Depending on weather conditions such as sunlight, wind and humidity,
Barricade can be expected to last from a minimum of 6-8 hours to a
maximum of 24-36 hours. The thicker you apply the gel the longer it
will last. We recommend that after its initial application, you
lightly mist the gel with water. The applied gel is under-hydrated and
it will continue to swell and offer additional protection.
Note: If the Barricade gel begins to dry out it can become re-hydrated by misting it lightly with water.
Top
Q: HOW MUCH WATER PRESSURE (PSI) DO I NEED TO USE THE HOME FIRE DEFENSE SYSTEM?
A: The Barricade Home Fire Defense System requires a minimum of 30 PSI at
the nozzle to operate properly. Homeowners who have a private well
should adjust their pumps to achieve this pressure.
Top
Q: HOW MUCH REACH DO I HAVE WITH THE NOZZLE ON THE HOME KIT?
A: This depends on how much water pressure you have. A pump supplying 30
PSI will give you about ten feet of reach. A pump supplying 50 PSI
will provide 15-20 feet of reach.
Top
Q: HOW THICK SHOULD THE GEL BE APPLIED?
A: We recommend coating the object until it is white. This usually means a coating of about ¼" thick.
Top
Q: HOW DO I CLEAN UP AFTER USING BARRICADE?
A: When the danger has passed, rinse the Barricade gel off with plain
water and a pressure nozzle. It will take a while to rinse off the
Barricade, especially if you have applied a very thick coating.
Basically what you are doing is over hydrating the product until it
breaks down. If the Barricade gel has been left on for an extended
period of time re-wet the gel and let it re-hydrate. This will make it
easier to clean off. In a worst case scenario it may have to be
pressure cleaned.
Top
Q: WILL THE BARRICADE GEL HURT THE PAINT ON MY HOUSE?
A: On a well maintained home the Barricade gel will not affect the paint.
On a home or object that has not been painted in many years, the
Barricade gel will actually clean the painted surface. This may cause
it to look different from the rest of the painted surface.
Top
Q: HOW DO I CLEAN MY HOME FIRE DEFENSE SYSTEM AFTER EACH USE?
A: Once you have completed using the Home Fire Defense System, the entire
unit should be disassembled. Each component should be flushed
thoroughly with water until all Barricade residue is gone. NOTE:
Soaking the components in warm or hot water will make the cleanup
easier. Please see the Cleanup and Trouble-Shooting portion of our
Home System Video.
Top
Q: CAN I USE A COMMERCIAL SYSTEM AT MY HOME?
A: Perhaps. Most homes do not have adequate water pressure and volume to
supply the 15 gpm eductor nozzles used in the commercial systems. Also,
either 1 or 1 ½ inch hose is required. Many homeowners do, in fact,
purchase commercial systems particularly when they have a supplemental
water pumping system that will supply the needed volume and pressure.
Contact us for any additional information you may need to decide on
which system is best for your situation.
Top
Q: CAN I APPLY BARRICADE TO MY BARN? HOW WILL IT AFFECT THE QUALITY OF THE HAY?
A: Testing of Barricade on hay bales has shown that the hay is protected
from burning. The Barricade-water mixture provides an outer coating and
does not penetrate beyond that coating. Thus, instead of completely soaking
the hay with water, as in traditional firefighting, only the outer portion
is affected. Loss of hay to water damage would be greatly reduced.
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