Euralarm has released a comprehensive guideline titled "Guideline on Disposal of Fire-Fighting Foam Media (UK & Europe)" offering a detailed framework for the safe, compliant, and environmentally friendly disposal of fire-fighting foam media. This document addresses the swiftly changing regulations concerning firefighting foams containing PFAS and assists organizations in implementing best practices throughout the disposal process.
The guidance is tailored for a wide audience including manufacturers, service providers, installers, maintenance teams, end users, and waste management experts who interact with fire-fighting foams. It encompasses both fluorinated and non-fluorinated foams such as AFFF, FFFP, fluorine-free foams (F3), Class A, and Class F foams, in addition to wetting agents and water additives.
Focus on Waste Management
In response to tightening environmental laws across Europe, the document elucidates the relevant standards and legislation regulating foam disposal. This includes European fire protection standards and current restrictions on PFAS substances. It lays out practical methods for handling, storage, transportation, and disposal to help organizations reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring compliance.
This includes European fire protection standards and current restrictions on PFAS substances
The core message of the publication is a precautionary principle: all fire-fighting foam should be deemed potentially hazardous unless proven otherwise. It underscores the importance of avoiding uncontrolled discharge into land, drains, or water bodies, recommending that disposal be conducted exclusively through authorized hazardous waste channels. For PFAS-containing foams, incineration at licensed high-temperature facilities is the recommended and often obligatory method of disposal.
Recommendations for Fixed Suppression Systems
The document also includes best practices for service and maintenance tasks, covering aspects like foam containment during testing, suitable storage and transportation protocols, and the retrieval of waste foam from both portable extinguishers and fixed suppression systems. It advocates for shifting to fluorine-free foams wherever feasible and phasing out old PFAS inventories. Implementing closed-loop recovery systems to contain environmental leaks is also recommended.
The guidelines end with a fundamental rule: all fire-fighting foams should be entirely contained, treated as potentially hazardous, and disposed of via certified hazardous waste procedures in alignment with European standards and environmental regulations.
