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Five Considerations When Switching Firefighting Foams

Let’s explore critical questions to help you prepare for and implement the switch to fluorine-free foam, ensuring both compliance and safety for your firefighting systems.

Craig Redfern, PE, PMP, is a business leader for APTIM’s fire protection engineering division. A registered fire protection engineer since 1994, he builds fire protection engineering capabilities with specialties in US Department of Defense fire protection projects and evaluations.

THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTOR:
Craig Redfern, PE, PMP, Sr. Fire Protection Engineer
APTIM | Engineering
Craig.Redfern@APTIM.com

Craig is a business leader for APTIM’s fire protection engineering division. A registered fire protection engineer since 1994, he builds fire protection engineering capabilities with specialties in US Department of Defense fire protection projects and evaluations.

 

Five Considerations When Switching Firefighting Foams

The environmental and health concerns surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have led to increasing regulatory restrictions, compelling organizations to rethink their firefighting foam strategies. However, making this transition requires strategic planning to address technical, operational, and regulatory challenges. Let’s explore critical questions to help you prepare for and implement the switch to fluorine-free foam, ensuring both compliance and safety for your firefighting systems.

Alternatives to PFAS-Based Firefighting Foams

Fluorine-free foam (F3) is an alternative firefighting suppression option designed to eliminate the use of PFAS chemicals, which are persistent and harmful to both the environment and human health. Unlike traditional aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) that rely on fluorinated compounds for their effectiveness, F3 products use biodegradable components that meet rigorous performance standards while minimizing ecological impact.

Other suppression methods include water mist systems, inert gas suppression, and chemical powders, depending on the type of fire hazard. These alternatives are being increasingly adopted as regulations tighten on PFAS usage and awareness grows about its risks.

The Process of Transitioning Firefighting Foams

Transitioning from PFAS-based foams to alternative suppression solutions poses unique challenges and requires careful planning. This process involves not only identifying suitable replacement products but also upgrading or retrofitting existing equipment to ensure compatibility with new suppression methods.

Additionally, facilities must address the cleanup and disposal of legacy PFAS-containing foam stocks to comply with environmental regulations. Staff must be trained on the use and performance of new systems, adding another layer of complexity. Transitioning also means reassessing operational protocols and ensuring that safety and firefighting efficiency are not compromised because of the switch.

Questions to Ask While Switching Firefighting Foams

It isn’t a matter of if but when you will have to transition away from AFFF to F3 or other suppression. States are increasingly restricting the sale and use of firefighting foams containing PFAS. Here are some questions to consider in the transition:

  1. How much AFFF do you have, and what is it protecting? This will ultimately drive decisions on replacement options, cost, and timing. If you have a significant amount, the first step may be an inventory and condition assessment.
  2. How clean do you want any re-used equipment? From single rinse to triple rinse, from to solvents to large-scale replacement, there is an increasing cost for reducing risk. There is currently little to no regulation for how much residual PFAS may sit in a system in the US. However, if significant amounts of PFAS rebounds into the new F3, it may not be considered fluorine-free anymore.
  3. How will you dispose of your AFFF? With increasing regulation, the disposal options will become more limited and a significant cost for transitioning away from AFFF.
  4. What is your replacement? The newer F3s are pretty good and getting better, but they tend to be fuel-dependent. You may need more concentrate to protect the same hazard. Discharge devices and proportioning equipment may not be compatible with the F3.
  5. Do you really need to hurry? If your systems are stable and your state hasn’t banned the sale or use of AFFF yet, you have time to start a transition plan and take a phased approach.

Transition Firefighting Foams With APTIM

APTIM is uniquely positioned to support clients in transitioning away from PFAS-based foams by offering comprehensive solutions tailored to meet regulatory, operational, and safety needs. Our experts provide guidance on selecting the most effective alternative suppression methods, factoring in your unique risk profile and operational requirements. APTIM also assists with equipment upgrades, legacy foam disposal, and regulatory compliance to streamline the transition process. By leveraging our experience in environmental management and infrastructure support, APTIM empowers organizations to adopt fluorine-free solutions responsibly while maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.

Published in March 2025

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