Could a Sale and Use ban revolutionize cleaning practices in the Firefighting Sector: A Game-Changing Standard

?The firefighting sector has long been seeking clear guidance on the critical question of "how clean is clean" when it comes to the removal of legacy aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) from fire apparatus and fire protection systems. ?The recent amendment to Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 by the European Union presents a groundbreaking standard that could potentially uncover regrettable cleaning practices that have been prevalent in the industry.

While the amendment is written to address the risks associated with the use of PFHxA, its salts, and PFHxA-related substances, by introducing targeted restrictions, concentration limits, exemptions, and transition periods to ensure compliance and minimize environmental and human health risks. This standard, with its strict limit of 25 ppb for the sum of undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and its salts in firefighting foams, shines a spotlight on the importance of thorough cleaning processes beyond just a water rinse that can contaminate new foams with “rebound” from the difficult to remove permeated layer with supermolecular structure embedded into the wall of tanks and pipe works. ?By setting a clear benchmark for PFAS limits in firefighting foam, cleanliness in firefighting equipment and systems before resupplying fluorine free foam will be a critical component to meeting this future expectation that not only ensures compliance with environmental regulations but also prioritizes the safety and well-being of firefighters and the general public.

The amendment may not overtly highlight equipment cleaning in the text, although implementation of this standard could lead to a paradigm shift in cleaning practices within the firefighting sector, encouraging the adoption of more comprehensive and effective cleaning methods that address the risks associated with contaminating new fluorine-free firefighting foam concentrates.

?Join the conversation on the impact of enforceable cleaning standards in the firefighting sector and stay informed about the latest developments shaping safety protocols and regulations.

#AFFFCleaning #HowCleanIsClean #PFASFree #EnvironmentalRegulations

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https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AL_202402462