AFFF Ban in the Countries

AFFF Ban in the Countries 

AFFF firefighting foam (aqueous film forming foam), which is mainly used to fight class B fires (fires involving flammable liquids), is currently being phased out and will be banned from 4th July 2025. AFFF is also used to fight and class A fires (flammable solids).

Class B fire is a fire in flammable liquids or flammable gases, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, or alcohols. For example, propane, natural gas, gasoline and kerosene fires are types of Class B fires. The use of lighter fluid on a charcoal grill, for example, creates a Class B fire. Some plastics are also Class B fire materials.

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is being phased out in the United States due to its environmental and health risks. AFFF contains PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are toxic chemicals that can accumulate in the body and cause serious health issues.

AFFF is “BAN” in Switzerland since 2011.

AFFF is “BAN” in South Australia from January 30, 2018

AFFF is “BAN” in South African country from January 30, 2020

AFFF is “BAN” in United States from July 4, 2025

AFFF is “BAN” in across the UK and EU country from July 4, 2025

AFFF is “BAN” in Japan country from October 1, 2025.

AFFF is “BAN” in New Zealand country from December 31, 2025

AFFF is “BAN” in Singapore country from January 1, 2026

US the Department of Defense (DOD) is required to discontinue the use of AFFF at its installations by October 1, 2026

Why is AFFF being banned?

AFFF contains PFOA (C8 AFFF / perfluorooctanoic acid) which belongs to a group of toxic chemicals called PFAS (C6 AFFF / polyfluoroalkyl substances). AFFF may also contain other chemicals that belong to this group.

All PFAS are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they do not easily degrade in nature.

PFAS chemicals quickly dissolve in water and enter the ecosystem through soil, streams, and rivers. This causes environmental damage which can contaminate our drinking water and food supplies. PFAS have been found to accumulate in the bodies of animals and people, increasing in concentration over time. This can cause  a whole host of serious health issues including liver disease, kidney disease, decreased fertility, cardiovascular disorders and certain cancers.

A report by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) states, “there is evidence to suggest exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health effects in humans (by eating or drinking food or water contaminated by PFAS)”.

·        Health risks

PFAS can cause liver disease, kidney disease, decreased fertility, cardiovascular disorders, and certain cancers.

·        Environmental risks

PFAS are "forever chemicals" that don't easily degrade in nature. They can contaminate drinking water and food supplies.

In 2014, Norway became the first country to ban the use of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) in consumer products. This included textiles, carpets, and other coated products.

What are the challenges to phasing out AFFF? 

Phasing out Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) presents several challenges, including finding effective and readily available alternative foams with comparable fire suppression capabilities, managing the disposal of existing AFFF stocks, ensuring adequate training for firefighters on new foam technologies, addressing potential cost implications of switching, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes regarding PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) which are the primary concern with AFFF use.

Key challenges:

·        Performance limitations of alternative foams:

While "fluorine-free" foams (F3) are being developed as replacements, they may not always perform as well as AFFF in certain fire scenarios, particularly for Class B hydrocarbon fires, potentially compromising fire safety in specific situations. 

·        Environmental concerns with alternative foams:

Even if new foams contain no PFAS, there might still be concerns about their potential environmental impacts, requiring thorough testing and evaluation of their breakdown products.

·        Funding requirements: 

The transition to fluorine-free foam may require substantial funding.

·        Cost of transition:

Switching to new foam technologies can involve significant upfront costs for fire departments, including purchasing new foam concentrates, training personnel, and potentially modifying existing equipment.

·        Compatibility issues: 

Fluorine-free foams may not be able to withstand certain temperatures or be mixed with water in advance of use.

·        Disposing of existing AFFF stocks:

Properly managing the disposal of large quantities of existing AFFF, which can be highly contaminated with PFAS, is a complex issue due to limited disposal options and potential environmental regulations. 

·        Regulatory complexities:

Regulations regarding PFAS are constantly evolving, making it challenging to stay compliant while transitioning to new foam technologies. 

·        Training and awareness:

Firefighters need comprehensive training on the new foam technologies, including their proper application and limitations, to ensure effective fire suppression while mitigating potential risks. 

·        Lack of standardized testing protocols:

A lack of standardized testing methods for new foam alternatives can complicate the evaluation and comparison of their performance against AFFF. 

·        Industry adaptation:

Manufacturers and distributors of firefighting foam need to adapt production lines and marketing strategies to accommodate the transition away from AFFF. 

Potential solutions:

A potential solution to the environmental concerns surrounding AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) is to transition to fluorine-free firefighting foams which maintain fire suppression capabilities while eliminating the harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) associated with traditional AFFF formulations; other options include utilizing water sprinklers in appropriate situations, depending on the fire hazard, and exploring alternative fire suppression methods like dry chemical agents depending on the specific application.

·        Continued research and development of alternative foams:

Investing in research to develop highly effective, environmentally friendly foams with comparable performance to AFFF. 

·        Collaboration between stakeholders:

Fostering partnerships between fire departments, foam manufacturers, regulators, and environmental organizations to address challenges and develop effective transition strategies. 

·        Stricter regulations and enforcement:

Implementing clear regulations regarding PFAS content in firefighting foams and enforcing compliance to drive the transition away from AFFF. 

·        Public awareness campaigns:

Educating the public about the environmental concerns related to PFAS in firefighting foam to support policy changes and responsible management practices. 

About AFFF alternatives:

Most of these seven aqueous film forming foam alternatives have been presented to Congress as potential replacements for the fire suppressant. Each has its pros, but it’s equally important to consider their cons (mainly cost). 

Finding the right solution for your business depends entirely on your budget and the types of fires you’ll be expected to put out.

Alternatives to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) include: 

·        Fluorine-free foams (FFFs)

These foams are a more conscious alternative to AFFF. They are made with a combination of phosphate betaine silicone surfactant (PPSS) and hydrocarbon surfactants. 

·        Hi-Ex foam

This High expansion foam is PFAS-free and uses a stable bubble structure to suffocate fires or a large volume of foam is needed to cover a wide area. It can be used with fresh or seawater. 

·        Water Mist Extinguishers

Water mist extinguishers can be used to extinguish class A, B and C fires and fires involving electrical equipment. They are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and easier to clean up than foam extinguishers, reducing the damage caused by firefighting.

·        Carbon dioxide (CO2)

This is an environmentally friendly fire suppressant that can be used against fires involving electrical equipment and flammable liquids. 

·        Clean agents

These are synthetic fire suppressants that can be used against fires involving flammable liquids, gases, and electrical equipment. 

·        Wet chemical

This is a solution that can be used against fires involving cooking oils and fats. 

·        Dry chemical

Dry chemical agents are effective for extinguishing class B fires because they interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire and smother the flames. There are various types of dry chemical agents used for class B fires:

1.   Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃): Sodium bicarbonate-based dry chemical agents work by releasing carbon dioxide gas, which displaces oxygen and suffocates the fire.

2.   Potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃): Similar to sodium bicarbonate agents, they release carbon dioxide to inhibit combustion.

3.   Monoammonium phosphate (NH₄H₂PO₄): Monoammonium phosphate-based agents are versatile and can be used for class B fires. They form a solid barrier over the surface of the flammable liquid, cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply.

4.   Ammonium phosphate (NH₄)₃PO₄: Ammonium phosphate dry chemical agents work by forming a blanket-like barrier on the fuel surface, creating a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen.

5.   Potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃): Potassium carbonate agents are less common but can be used for class B fires. They help to suppress the fire by releasing carbon dioxide and inhibiting combustion.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has been funding the development of F3 products since 2017. The DoD released specifications for F3 in January 2023, which will help transition from AFFF to (MIL-PRF-32725) F3. 

What does the MIL-PRF-32725 specify?

·        The specification requires that no PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are intentionally added to the production of F3 foam 

·        The specification outlines performance-based standards for F3 foam, which is intended for use on class B hydrocarbon liquid fuel fires 

What are the transition plans?

·        The DoD requires military bases to stop purchasing AFFF by October 1, 2023, and to eliminate the use altogether by October 1, 2024 

·        The FAA has also released an Aircraft Firefighting Foam Transition Plan 

Important considerations when selecting an AFFF alternative:

·        Fire hazard assessment:

Carefully evaluate the type of fire risk to choose the most effective firefighting agent. 

·        Application compatibility:

Ensure the chosen alternative is compatible with existing firefighting equipment and infrastructure. 

·        Training and safety protocols:

Proper training for firefighters is crucial when transitioning to new firefighting foam technologies. 

On about INDIA

While there isn't a specific, nationwide "ban" on AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) in India, there is growing concern and regulatory movement towards phasing out its use due to its harmful PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) content, similar to trends seen in other countries; meaning manufacturers and users are increasingly looking for alternative firefighting foams with lower environmental impact. 

Key points about AFFF in India:

·        PFAS Concerns:

Like globally, the primary concern with AFFF in India is its potential to contaminate water sources due to the presence of PFAS chemicals, which are considered persistent and toxic. 

·        Regulatory Developments:

While no outright ban exists, Indian environmental agencies are actively monitoring and discussing regulations to limit the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams, including AFFF.

·        Alternative Foams:

Companies are increasingly developing and promoting "fluorine-free" firefighting foams as a safer alternative to AFFF. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has removed the requirement for AFFF containing PFAS from their Standard on Aircraft Hangars. The NFPA has also added chapters to help users determine if AFFF containing PFAS is needed at their facility.

Fire safety legislation changes periodically, and it can be difficult for a busy organisation to stay up to date and compliant. Our highly experienced fire safety consultants offer you peace of mind by ensuring your organisation meets current fire safety regulations to keep people safe. We are always happy to advise you and answer any questions you may have.

Reference:

1.        https://usafefire.com/understanding-pfas-in-firefighting-foam/

2.        Robert H. Hill, Jr. & David C. Finster, Laboratory Safety for Chemistry Students (2d ed.: John Wiley & Sons, 2016).

3.        Fire Inspector: Principles and Practice (Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2012), pp. 204-06.

4.        https://ecology.wa.gov/Waste-Toxics/Reducing-toxic-chemicals/Addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/PFAS/AFFF

5.        https://www.hwhenvironmental.com/afff-alternatives/#:~:text=Rather%20than%20foam%20or%20water,released%20via%20nozzles%20and%20piping.

Portable Fire Extinguishers: Maintenance, Use, Placement and Testing

Portable Fire Extinguishers: Maintenance, Use, Placement and Testing 

Qualified, well trained, and experienced professionals only should carry out inspection and maintenance of fire Extinguisher. Please check professionals valid experience details (Like: Appreciation Letter, PO copy’s including End user details..etc.) and qualification before assign job.

Fire Extinguisher inspection and maintenance done by Qualified, well trained, and experienced professionals will give you the reliability in quality inspection and maintenance.

Where Should a Fire Extinguisher Be Located?

OSHA requires employers to select and distribute fire extinguishers based on the classes of anticipated workplace fires and also on the size and degree of the hazard, which would affect their use. The following chart contains the OSHA-specified maximum travel distances to an extinguisher by fire class.

Fire Class	Travel Distance
Class A	75 feet
Class B	50 feet
Class C	Based on appropriate  A or B Hazard
Class D	75 feet

According to NFPA 10, the travel distance to a Class K fire extinguisher must not exceed 30 feet.

Maintenance, Inspection and Testing
Employers must inspect, maintain and test all portable fire extinguishers in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.157(e) and (f).

How Do You Inspect a Fire Extinguisher? OSHA Regulations for Visual Inspection

Portable fire extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly per 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2). This helps ensure that:
·       The extinguishers are in their assigned location
·       No damage has occurred
·       No obstructions are blocking the extinguishers from view or easy access
·       Extinguishers are fully charged and operational
·       Pressure gauges show adequate pressure
·       Pin and seals are in place
·       Nozzles are free of blockage

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Requirements

A thorough examination of a Fire Extinguisher internally and externally that includes checking of extinguishing agents, gas cartridges, repair and replacement of damaged components, and carrying out oiling, greasing, and wiping wherever required of a fire extinguisher is known as Fire Extinguisher maintenance.

The maintenance requirements depend on the type of portable fire extinguisher:

·       Stored pressure or dry chemical type extinguishers do not require an internal examination
·       Water or steam type fire extinguishers should be discharged, disassembled and inspected annually (NFPA 10, 4-4.1.1)
·       Dry chemical extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test are required to be emptied and subjected to applicable maintenance procedures every six years.
·       Non-refillable, disposable dry chemical extinguishers are exempt from this requirement (29 CFR 1910.157(e)(4))

For additional fire extinguisher maintenance, follow the manufacturers’ suggested maintenance procedure.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Procedure:

Frequency: Frequency for maintenance of Indian Fire Extinguishers and American Fire Extinguishers are as below:

Quarterly For Indian Fire Extinguishers (Once in every 3 months)

Annually For American Fire Extinguishers (Once in every 12 months)

Responsibility: Owner/ Employer/ Appointed Agency/Appointed Occupant of the property.

While performing maintenance of Fire Extinguishers, please consider maintaining mechanical parts, extinguishing agents, expelling media, and physical condition of Fire Extinguishers.

 

Follow the steps given below for maintaining Fire Extinguishers:

      ·       Clean the Fire extinguisher properly.
·       Polish the exteriors of Fire Extinguisher.
·       Wash the plastic components of Fire Extinguishers with soap water.
·       Check the porthole, vent hole, and nozzle of the extinguishers are clear. If holes are jammed, clear it.
·       Check for the free movement of the plunger.
·       Ensure that the cap washer and discharge tube washers are intact.
·       Grease the threads of the cap, plunger, and wipe clean.
·       Check the pressure gauge is showing the correct pressure of the store pressure Fire Extinguisher.
·       Examine the cap assembly, valve assembly, discharge hose, siphon tube, and clean it.
·       Don’t open stored pressure Fire Extinguisher your own, the opening may injure you due to high pressure inside it. It is recommended to get the stored pressure Fire Extinguisher servicing done through only professional agencies.
·       Open DCP Fire Extinguisher (only cartridge type) in dry weather only and avoid moisture contact with the powder. Contacting moisture with powder causes cake formation.
·       Check for cake formation in DCP powder. If caking is there, replace the powder.
·       Never mix different types of DCP Powders (ABC/BC/TEC). Mixing different types of powders may cause a chemical reaction that results in a dangerous pressure build-up inside the Fire Extinguisher.
·       Shake DCP fire extinguishers well to change the position of the powder to maintain its free-flowing properties and avoid caking formation.
·       Weigh the CO2 Gas cartridge, if gas weight loss is more than 10%, replace the CO2 gas cartridge with a filled one. Send the less weight CO2 gas cartridge for recharging.
·       Weigh the CO2 Fire Extinguisher, if the gas loss is more than 10%, replace the Fire Extinguisher with a filled one. Send the less weight Fire Extinguisher for recharging.
·       Check the pressure gauge of stored pressure Fire Extinguisher, if it shows pressure loss of more than 10%, refer to the manufacturer’s instruction for further action.
·       Weigh the stored pressure Fire Extinguisher or use alternate means to check that it contains the correct mass of extinguishing agent.
·       Clear the discharge hose by blowing air inside it.
·       Ensure that the maintenance tag is available, update the maintenance date, signature on the maintenance tag.
·       Record the status of checks in the checklist and rectify the actionable items.

Fire Extinguisher Discharge/Performance Test Procedure:

Frequency: Annually (Once in every 12 Months)

Responsibility: Owner/ Employer/ Appointed Agency/Appointed Occupant of the property.

 

Follow the steps given below for Annual Performance Test/ Discharge Test of  Fire Extinguishers:

• · Check the Fire Extinguisher internally and externally to find out any physical damage or corrosion formations.
• · Check the painting condition of Fire Extinguisher.
• · Check the quality of extinguishing agents.
• · Check the tightness of all joints of Fire Extinguisher.
• · check the condition of the information label.
• · Check the jet length of Fire Extinguishers against the given parameters.
• · Check the discharge duration of Fire Extinguishers as per the given parameters
• · Check the discharged quantity in the percentage of Fire Extinguishers as per the given parameters.
• · Record the date, signature, and status of the performance test in the checklist. Rectify the actionable items.

Hydrostatic Fire Extinguisher Testing
Hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers is done to help protect against unexpected in-service failure. This can be caused by internal corrosion, external corrosion and damage from abuse, etc. Hydrostatic testing must be performed by trained personnel with proper test equipment and facilities. OSHA requires hydrostatic testing according to the following schedule:

Type of Extinguisher	Test Interval (Years)
Soda acid (stainless steel shell)	05
Cartridge operated water and/or antifreeze	05
Stored pressure water and/or antifreeze	05
Wetting agent	05
Foam (stainless steel shell)	05
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)	05
Loaded stream	05
Dry chemical with stainless steel	05
Carbon dioxide	05
Dry chemical, stored pressure, with mild steel, brazed brass or aluminum shells	12
Dry chemical, cartridge or cylinder operated, with mild steel shells	12
Dry powder, cartridge or cylinder operated with mild steel shells	12

For each extinguisher that is hydrostatically tested, the employer must keep a record that includes:
·       The name of the person or agency who performed the last hydrostatic test, and the test date.
·       The signature of the person who performed the test.
·       The serial number or other identifier of the fire extinguisher that was tested.

This information should also be securely affixed to the tested extinguisher. These records must be kept until the extinguisher is hydrostatically re-tested or until the extinguisher is taken out of service, whichever comes first.

Indian Standard IS 2190-2010 indicate Fire Extinguishers Selection, Installation and Maintenance.

PESO Approval To Recharge and HPT Testing of High-Pressure Fire Extinguishers:

Fire Extinguishers which refill and HPT pressure is more than 35 kgf/cm2, recharging and the HPT test is required to be done through those agencies which are having valid PESO (Petroleum And Explosive Safety Organisation ) license.
Obtaining these certificates means the organization is the complaint with the requirements of PESO.
PESO was known as CCOE (Chief Controller of Explosives) before 2010.
In 2010 CCOE name was transformed into PESO. The CCOE head office is in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

 

Certificates to be taken from the Servicing/testing Agency:

When you are sending your fire extinguishers for refilling, maintenance, and testing to any external agency, do you know what important things that you need to collect from the agency?

Collect the following things from the Agency:

·       Collect a copy of the PESO certificate.

·       Collect Refilling Certificate in the case of Refilling Services.

·       Collect Hydro Pressure Testing Certificate in case of HPT Services.

·       Collect maintenance certificate in case of maintenance services.

·       Collect a valid calibration certificate of weighing machine from which weighment of Fire Extinguishers has been done.

·       Ask to emboss/ paint HPT done date and due date on the body of the Fire Extinguisher.

Spares/ Refills To Be Kept In Stock:

It is important to keep 10%  each type of refills reserve in the stock to replace the empty Fire Extinguishers immediately at the site so that, you get enough time to recharge empty Fire Extinguisher without hampering the services.

Weigh Scale For Fire Extinguisher:
It is important to keep a suitable size of weighing scales separate for weighment of CO2 gas cartridge and for Fire Extinguishers to get accuracy.
Weighing scale required for carrying out quarterly maintenance of Fire Extinguishers.
Fire Extinguisher shall be calibrated in a timely manner to get accurate weight and calibration certificate to be kept in a file safely to show in audits.

 

When To Replace Fire Extinguishers:

Fire Extinguishers should be replaced in the following conditions:
·       If there is any physical damage or rusting found on the body of Fire Extinguisher.
·       If Fire Extinguisher weight loss is more than 10%.
·       If Fire Extinguisher body is leaking.
·       If Fire Extinguisher pressure gauge needle is in the red zone (low-pressure side).
·       If Fire Extinguisher is overpressure, the pressure gauge needle is in the red zone (high-pressure side).

Condition To Reject A Fire Extinguisher:

Fire Extinguisher that are failed in HPT,  body damaged, lifetime is over, etc. are required to reject immediately.
If observed, such Fire Extinguishers shall be immediately removed from the site for rejection immediately and suitable replacement in terms of type and capacity shall be provided from Fire Extinguishers kept in stock.

 

How To Scrap A Fire Extinguisher?

Rejected Fire Extinguishers shall be cut centrally across the body and will be made unusable before its disposal to prevent its subsequent use.
The date of rejection and mode of disposal should be recorded in the Fire Extinguisher register to keep proper tracking of Fire Extinguishers.

Note: Before cutting the Fire Extinguisher, ensure there is no pressure remain inside it to avoid any injury due to pressure.

So ensure zero pressure inside it and keep the valve open to release the residual pressure of Fire Extinguisher while cutting it.

The benefit of keeping the valve open of Fire Extinguisher while cutting, it releases the pressure that is build-up whilst cutting process.