A Clean Approach to Foam-Water System Testing

NFPA 11, 16, 25 and other standards require regular testing of fixed foam-water fire suppression systems. The process of testing these systems most often requires flowing AFFF foam-water solution to test the performance of the systems components in compliance with the codes. If you need assistance performing these tests, you can request an inspection from Ahern today.

Recent awareness of the potential environmental effect of certain chemicals contained in the new C6 AFFF fire-fighting foam concentrates is requiring new behaviors within the industry. Environmental concerns are focused on the fluorine surfactants contained within the current C6 generation of foam concentrates. The primary concerns are toxicity, biodegradability, mobility, and persistence within the environment. All of these are important concerns when fluorine surfactants reach water supplies.

Given these concerns that have arisen, capture and disposal of the foam water solution is a responsible means of dealing with the solutions generated during testing of a foam water sprinkler system. The disposal methods are also changing for waste containing fluorine surfactant chemicals. Thermal incineration, by a qualified incinerator, is one of three EPA-recommended methods of permanent disposal or destruction of PFAS materials. They also recommend deep-well injection or hazardous waste landfill (RCRA Subtitle C) for permanent disposal.

Ahern is taking the initiative to provide an environmentally responsible foam water sprinkler system testing option which allows building owners to remain compliant with NFPA standards without having the risks and disposal costs associated with the discharge of the AFFF foam-water. The alternative method includes the use of a surrogate tank which holds a non-foaming environmentally safe liquid bypassing the need to use the foam concentrate stored in the foam-water fire suppression system.

Ahern is a select company in the Midwest that self-performs the surrogate liquid testing method.

Now that regulatory changes are being implemented across the industry, many facilities have begun the process of converting their fire suppression systems to new alternatives. Marshfield Utilities is one local company that worked with Ahern on their conversion. They eliminated all trace contaminants of PFAS from their fuel-loading canopy site, with Ahern taking care of the design, prefabrication, demolishing, installing, and testing of the new system.

To learn more about this alternative method, contact Ahern today.

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