The atmospheric degradation mechanism of FK-5-1-12 looks like this as a balanced equation C₂F₅(O)CF(CF₃)₂—-->4CO₂+CF₃COOH+9HF. Taniguchi concludes the photolysis of the ketone in the air results in a radical, uh, and also carbonyl fluoride will be incorporated in the air cloud and seawater where it'll undergo hydrolysis to, to give the trifluoroacetic acid. Similarly, the carbonyl fluoride will undergo hydrolysis to give CO₂ and HF. The CO₂, as well as any of these, the other two products that result from reacting with ketone at the concentrations expected in the environment is not considered harmful according to Taniguchi. The concentrations expected from what is going to be emitted into the atmosphere, combined with a short atmospheric lifetime, the global warming potential is negligible.

FSSA Webinar: Going Fluorine Free – Converting a Legacy AFFF System to Fluorine-Free Foam

Thursday, October 5, 2023
12:00 pm Eastern

AFFF foam systems have been the standard for ignitable liquid firefighting for the past 40+ years. While an excellent extinguishing agent, the fluorinated compounds in AFFF have come under scrutiny in the past several years, with restrictions or outright bans on its use in many states. Fluorine-free foams have entered the market as replacements for AFFF, but no drop-in replacements exist. This case study looks at one of the first fluorine-free foam systems in New England to replace an existing legacy AFFF system. Differences in how fluorine-free foams work versus AFFF, which directly impacted the basis of design, along with the site-specific challenges that were overcome, will be discussed; along with the challenges that other fluorine-free replacement projects will face and tips to mitigate them.

The acronym PFAS is short for per or polyfluoroalkyl substance. Depending on the source, there are up to 15,000 products or materials that meet the definition of PFAS. PFAS includes a broad category of materials that can be solids, liquids or gasses. Some fire protection materials, defined as PFAS, that are components in aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) are considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT). Because of this, their use in fire protection and other applications is being phased out globally by the U.S. EPA and other regulatory agencies.

On June 29, the EPA announced its framework for addressing new and new uses of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The framework outlines EPA’s planned approach when reviewing new PFAS and new uses of PFAS to ensure that, before these chemicals are allowed to enter into commerce, EPA will undertake an extensive evaluation to ensure they pose no harm to human health and the environment. Read the news release here.

If you want to learn more about the framework, register for EPA’s upcoming webinar on September 6 at 2:00pm ET.

At the request of FSSA membership, the FSSA PFAS Task Force has published the FSSA Advocacy Statement on Clean Agent Fire Suppressants and PFAS Regulation.

This document supports FSSA’s position that a “total ban” approach to PFAS compounds could impact society’s ability to protect mission critical applications, which keep people safe. Any legislation or regulation that restricts the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, or use of PFAS should exclude Clean Agents when they are used in fire and explosion protection applications. The document outlines the difference between PFAS, clean agents fire suppressants, and clean agents to help clearly define this issue for our members and provide fact-based information and guidance to regulators, AHJs, architects, the consulting design community, and other industry stakeholders. FSSA supports rational science-based efforts to eliminate sources of harm to humans and the environment. Due to the high risk to society in eliminating all PFAS materials due to an unnecessarily broad classification of compounds, we advocate for a scientific approach that distinguishes between Persistent,  Bioaccumulative and Toxic PFAS (PBTs) compounds from those which are not known to be PBT, based upon the best available science.

FSSA and European-based Euralarm have recently signed a memorandum of cooperation together. The reciprocal cooperation will focus on education, research, service, and other related activities in the domain of fire safety. Areas of cooperation may include technical guidance, research and development, thought leadership, and collaboration.

About Euralarm

FSSA Members:

We hope everyone is enjoying the start of summer! The FSSA PFAS Task Force has been continuing to meet weekly to provide updates, resources, and webinars for you. 

The EPA has issued its Fire Suppressant Recycling Under the HFC Allocation Program Questions and Answers Fact Sheet dated May 2023. It provides guidance regarding when a company is considered an HFC Fire Suppressant Recycler, and its reporting obligations under the AIM Act. This guidance was first requested by FSSA in March 2022. A key provision in the fact sheet:

Who qualifies as an HFC fire suppressant recycler?

FSSA Webinar: Differentiating PFAS

Thursday, June 15, 2023
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
Presented by: Paul Rivers, FSSA Honorary Member

Per and polyfluoro alkyl compounds (PFAS) in end use are ubiquitous in society today.  PFAS are essential for modern life to which we are accustomed.  From semiconductors, computers, smart phones, pharmaceuticals, to BESS systems, refrigerants, fire protection foams and clean agents, pipe thread tape, dental floss, our car engines, to even the planes in which we fly, it is hard to imagine life without PFAS.

But, like good and bad cholesterol, there are good and bad PFAS.  Unfortunately, ‘good’ PFAS, comprising the vast majority of the estimated 7,500 to 15,000 materials meeting the PFAS definition depending on the reference, are conflated with the minimal number of ‘bad’ PFAS.  Thus, people mistakenly label the good the same as the bad.  Most notably in the fire suppression industry, ‘bad’ PFAS are the PFOS and PFOA contained in aqueous film forming foam, or AFFF, heretofore in general use.

Join the FSSA PFAS Task Force for a Zoom chat on Tuesday, May 30 at 2:00 pm Eastern. Members of the PFAS task force will be discussing the task force initiatives that have been happening over the past several months. You'll have a chance to ask questions and share comments on what FSSA can do to help you. If you're interested in attending, RSVP today using the link below.

Please note that ALL participants MUST RSVP in order to receive your personalized Zoom credentials. This meeting is for FSSA Members only.

The FSSA Technical Committee meetings are held three times a year and is a great way to learn and share technical information about the special hazards fire suppression industry. There are nine installer members and nine manufacturer members who are part of the committee. FSSA members and guests are invited and encouraged to attend. 

The next technical committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 13 from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Eastern at BFPE International in Baltimore, MD. The committee will be hosting their meeting both in-person and online via zoom.

Scholarship Opportunities Available for Students Studying Fire Protection

Supported by contributions from the fire suppression industry and other business groups and individuals, the FSSA Educational Foundation awards scholarships each year to candidates who are already or will be participating in fire protection programs at their universities to help them meet the ever-rising cost of a college education.

Brenton Harris, 2023-2024 FSSA President

FSSA Members:

FSSA Webinar: NFPA 855 - Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems

Tuesday, April 25, 2023
12:00 pm Eastern

As a Deputy Fire Marshal that has seen the impact of ESS fires and incidents as well as a member of the NFPA 855 committee, Brian will share his perspective on how the code was developed, highlight lessons learned from serious ESS incidents, and how the code should be interpreted and applied.

Presenter:

Brian Scholl, Deputy Fire Marshall, Phoenix Fire Department