The options for transitioning fire trucks and fire suppression systems from using traditional aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) that contain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to using newer fluorine-free foams (F3) is a topic of interest to many fire and public safety professionals these days. Progressive regulatory measures such as the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act to phase out the purchase and usage of AFFF, the lack of readily available AFFF, and public opinion drive the need to transition to F3. However, truck and system downtime, cost, worker exposure to PFAS, and transportation of waste off-site are just a few of the potential hurdles to making the transition. One additional consideration is the level of truck and systems cleanliness after decon. If a truck and systems are not cleaned thoroughly during the transition, the rebound (or release) of residual PFAS over time from foam tank walls, piping, nozzles, and other truck parts can cross-contaminate new F3 that is used in the truck or systems. Release of the PFAS-contaminated foam into soil, surface water, and groundwater in the area of the fire is then a potential environmental compliance issue. Using the PFASigator as a tool for firetruck and fire system decontamination has multiple advantages related to these challenges.
PFASigator® Advantages
- Simultaneous decontamination of PFAS-impacted systems parts and destruction of PFAS in the rinse water on-site
- Uses a minimum volume of water
- No PFAS is disposed of off-site
- No PFAS waste is left on site
- Minimizes rebound potential by removing and destroying 20 times more PFAS than removed by a single rinse
- Minimizes system downtime
Ready to transition your firetruck or fire suppression system from AFFF to F3? Contact us today!