With the 2025 deadline from the Government of Canada approaching, exemptions allowing the continued use of C8 Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for firefighting will end (Environment and Climate Change Canada & Health Canada, 2024, p. 13, Table 1). Although the firefighting industry has long favored AFFF for its heat resistance and oleophobic properties, the significant health, and environmental risks from the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—often called “forever chemicals”—have led to stricter regulations on these substances.
PFAS are active ingredients in Class B firefighting foams (used for flammable fuel fires). These foams, often referred to as AFFF, also include Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film-forming Foam (AR-AFFF), Film-forming Fluoroprotein Foam (FFFP), Alcohol-Resistant Film-forming Fluoroprotein Foam (AR-FFFP), Fluoroprotein Foam (FP), and Alcohol-Resistant Fluoroprotein Foam (FPAR). These are all considered fluorinated foams and typically contain Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOS) or PFAS. Some manufacturers label them as C8-AFFF and C6-AFFF based on their chemical composition. C8-AFFF is set to be phased out in Canada by 2025, while C6-AFFF may follow by 2030. Although C6-AFFF was initially seen as a safer alternative—since it does not contain PFOS, which is known for its environmental persistence and health risks—it still contains PFAS, which has also been linked to environmental harm and contamination of drinking water.
While AFFF may still be considered more effective, the need for safer alternatives has prompted firefighting product manufacturers to shift toward fluorine-free foams. These include Synthetic Fluorine-Free Foam (SFFF or F3) and Synthetic Alcohol-Resistant Fluorine-Free Foam (AR-F3). SFFF does not use fluorosurfactants, reducing the risk of PFAS-related harm. However, it is important to note that SFFF is not a direct replacement for AFFF. The two work differently: AFFF forms a thin aqueous film that spreads across the fuel surface, followed by a layer of bubbles. In contrast, SFFF forms only a barrier of bubbles between the fuel and the atmosphere.
Use of Foam for Firefighting in Tank Farms in the Oil and Petrochemical Industry
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When transitioning manual and automatic AFFF foam firefighting equipment, it is important to properly flush and dispose of the existing AFFF, following hazardous material regulations and obtaining the necessary authority approvals. Converting a fixed AFFF foam fire suppression system to an SFFF-based system involves several key steps. These include assessing the existing hazards, selecting the right foam concentrate, checking the compatibility of existing equipment and its proportioning rates, performing hydraulic calculations, and even reverse engineering if original construction details are not available. Additionally, alternative protection must be set up during the transition, and the new foam system needs to be tested and commissioned. Lastly, users must be trained to understand the new system operation. In the case of manual foam firefighting equipment, the users must be trained on the changes in firefighting strategies as well as determining how much foam concentrate to store for worst-case fire situations based on the new SFFF foam concentrate.
Switching firefighting foam equipment to fluorine-free or “forever chemical”-free alternatives is a challenge many owners and fire departments will need to address soon. Engaging fire protection engineering professionals early in the process will ensure a smooth and successful transition. With over 35 years of experience in foam firefighting systems, PLC Fire Safety Engineering can be your trusted partner in managing your foam transition project, helping to create a safer and more sustainable future for our planet.
Reference Report:
Environment and Climate Change Canada, & Health Canada. (2024, July). Revised risk management scope for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).