Foam Extinguisher Agent and Recharge Disposal

Dear NAFED member:
 
The intent of this special report is to address the disposal of pre-mixed foam solutions utilized in foam extinguishers.
 
Fluorinated Class B firefighting foam has played an important role in the protection of flammable and combustible liquid risks over many decades. The ability of foam to rapidly extinguish flammable or combustible liquid spill or in-depth fires by separating the vapor from the fuel has effectively led to reduced property loss, lives saved, and minimized pollution that can result from the uncontrolled burning of flammable or combustible liquid fuels.
 
Yet, increased worldwide environmental awareness on the use of fluorinated Class B foam has focused on the potential adverse environmental impact of the foam solution discharge. Of primary concern is persistence in the environment, biodegradability in water and soil, toxicity levels, treatability in waste-water treatment plants, and mobility.

NFPA Requirements

NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers (2022 ed.) details the General Requirements (Chapter 4), Selection of Portable Fire Extinguishers (Chapter 5), and Inspection, Maintenance, and Recharging (Chapter 7), and Hydrostatic Testing (Chapter 8) of foam fire extinguishers both Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and Film-Forming Fluoroprotein (FFFP) types.

Foam Agent Disposal

When disposing of existing premixed agent in liquid charge-type foam extinguishers or unused foam agent charges it is recommended that you consult the manufacturer’s service manual or manufacturer’s instructions for guidance. If no specific guidance/information is provided, contact the manufacturer directly.
 
Please be aware many states and/or provinces have existing laws, rules, and/or regulations pertaining to the disposal of PFAS substances. Please consult your local resource(s) as appropriate.
 
The family of compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in consumer and industrial manufacturing are persistent in the environment and are comprised of over 6,000 compounds. The most widely known compounds in this group are perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFAS registered waste disposal firms are versed in the nomenclature, analysis methods, and treatment of these compounds. These companies can guide customers through the process of testing, treatment, and final deposition and destruction of their specific materials and media. Noted below is a short list of firms in alphabetical order.
 

• Clean Harbors Inc.
• Revive Environmental
• US Ecology
• Veolia North America