The scheduled phaseout of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) owing to health and environmental concerns is causing a major upheaval in the marine sector. It has long been a mainstay aboard ships and in ports for fire suppression, particularly in Class B fires containing flammable liquids.
However, per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in AFFF are said to be persistent in nature. They are also classified as carcinogens for humans. Therefore, regulatory agencies have ordered that AFFF be phased out and are advising shipowners to look for substitutes.
For shipowners, getting ready for this change is essential since the effects go beyond just swapping out a product. It includes reviewing fire safety procedures, making equipment purchases, and making sure that changing rules are followed. The actions shipowners may take to ensure a seamless and successful changeover are described in this article.
The Regulatory Landscape
Shipowners must first be aware of the legal obligations pertaining to the phaseout of the AFFF. Restrictions on AFFF are now being implemented by a number of national, regional, and international organizations.
For example, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is developing regulations to do away with firefighting foams that include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It has already agreed to a ban on the use of perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a type of PFAS substance. Similarly, many other substances, like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are seeing strict restrictions.
Shipowners must keep up with the laws that apply to their particular operating areas. This entails keeping an eye on updates from flag states, port authorities, and the IMO to make sure they are ready for compliance deadlines. If you don’t follow the rules, you risk fines, hiccups in business, or even exclusion from specific ports.
Assessing the Current Inventory
Making a thorough inventory of all the AFFF that is being used or stored onboard boats is a significant first step. This entails determining the different kinds of AFFF, how much of each, and where it is kept. This inventory will assist in estimating the number of replacements that will be needed and developing a plan for gradually discontinuing AFFF.
Shipowners should also confirm the expiration dates of the AFFF supplies they currently have on board. It could make sense to begin substituting ecologically friendly products for stock that has expired or is about to expire. This gradual shift can reduce the impact on operations and spread out the expenditures.
Evaluating Alternatives to AFFF
It is more difficult to replace AFFF than to locate a product with comparable fire-suppression qualities. The substitute foam needs to fulfill the performance criteria needed for marine fire safety. This means that it should put out flames fast, stop them from starting again, and function well under difficult circumstances.
As alternatives to AFFF, a number of fluorine-free foams (F3) are being developed and tested. These foams are made to have equivalent fire suppression effectiveness and don’t contain any PFAS.
It is important to ensure that the foam chosen satisfies the requirements specified by regulatory organizations. However, all the available alternatives are not as effective as AFFF, but the fact that the latter has to go is still not changed. The simple reason is that it can be too dangerous for humans and the environment.
As noted by TorHoerman Law, exposure to AFFF can result in health conditions such as:
- Kidney cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma, etc.
In fact, many firefighters or marine personnel have already developed some health problems and even filed lawsuits for them. You can also file an AFFF foam lawsuit if you were injured by it, either through direct or indirect exposure. Contact an attorney who can help determine if you have a strong case or not. The lawyer will also help you collect the required evidence to strengthen your case.
Upgrading Equipment and Systems
In general, there are two popular ways to replace the conventional AFFF: short-chain fluorinated foam extinguishing agent and fluorine-free foam extinguishing agent. The water layer that forms on the fuel surface can spread and create fluoride-free foams. However, a ScienceDirect study states that it has lower fire-extinguishing efficacy than conventional fluorinated AFFF.
Existing firefighting systems may need to be modified in order to transition from AFFF to an alternate foam. For instance, changes may be necessary because the nozzles and piping used for AFFF may not be entirely compatible with the new foam. Shipowners should thoroughly evaluate their fire suppression systems to ascertain the necessary alterations.
Another important component of this shift is training. The qualities of the new foam, its correct deployment techniques, and modifications to the firefighting protocols must all be understood by the crew members. Shipowners ought to spend money on training courses that emphasize the useful applications of the new technology, such as interactive exercises and role-playing.
Managing the Disposal of AFFF
The outdated stock needs to be disposed of properly and in accordance with environmental laws after AFFF is phased out.
Due to their extreme environmental persistence, PFAS can contaminate soil and water sources if they are not properly disposed of. Hazardous waste management firms with the necessary licenses and equipment to properly handle per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) should handle disposal.
Before using the new foam, shipowners should also make sure that any residues left in the firefighting systems are completely wiped up. This avoids cross-contamination, which can impair the effectiveness of the substitute foam or inadvertently release PFAS into the environment.
Many guidelines and regulations have been created around disposing of AFFF. For example, Washington State has created a program for official departments for fire and marine. The program aims to simplify the process of AFFF disposal. The program not only disposes of AFFF but also covers the costs associated with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the methods of applying firefighting foam?
There are three well-recognized techniques for applying foam: bank-down, roll-on, and rain-down. When the fire or area to be covered is close to a wall or an object, banking down is an excellent technique.
Is AFFF a regulated substance?
Due to its physical dangers, which include irritation of the skin and eyes, AFFF is classified as a hazardous substance by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Clean Water Act also regulates the discharge of wastewater and runoff containing AFFF into surface water bodies.
What is the difference between AFFF and FFF?
Foams that can create a protective layer and are resistant to the effects of alcohol are known as alcohol-resistant aqueous film-forming foams, or AR-AFFF. Fluorine-free foams (FFF, often known as F3) are devoid of fluorosurfactants and mostly based on hydrocarbon surfactants.
For the marine sector, the phaseout of AFFF is a major development that has to be carefully planned and carried out. To ensure a successful transition, shipowners must negotiate a challenging terrain of rules, product assessments, system updates, and stakeholder participation. Shipowners may achieve legal standards and establish themselves as industry leaders in sustainability and safety by adopting a proactive strategy.
