This guide is intended to aid in the selection of oil spill containment boom for various response conditions. It is not intended to define rigid sets of boom selection standards.

This guide is intended to be used by persons generally familiar with the practical aspects of oil spill cleanup operations including on-scene response coordinators, planners, oil spill management teams, oil spill removal organizations, and plan evaluators.

Minimum requirements for boom dimensions, buoyancy, and tensile strength are specified in Guide F1523. This guide provides additional qualitative information to aid in boom selection.

Seven general types of boom systems are described in this standard. Each description includes a summary of the operating principle and a list of selection considerations.

Definitions relating to boom design, boom types, boom components, boom characteristics, and boom performance can be found in Terminology F818.

Selection considerations are included to help the user on the selection of a particular boom type or category. Users are cautioned that within each category there may be a wide variation in performance among the various booms.

1.1 This guide covers the selection of boom for the containment and recovery of marine oil spills.

1.2 This guide does not address the compatibility of spill-control equipment with spill products. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that any equipment selected is compatible with anticipated products and conditions.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.