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:

3M Company recently issued a release stating the company’s intention to exit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) manufacturing and work to discontinue the use of PFAS across its product portfolio by the end of 2025.  This was a business decision by 3M and will include the manufacturing of its 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid - which is 3M’s trademarked-version of the FK-5-1-12 fire suppression agent.

In the release, 3M states that “PFAS can be safely made and used” and its “products are safe for their intended use.” The company commits to facilitating an orderly transition for customers. The announcement does pledge 3M will fulfill its current contractual obligations.

FSSA Ambassador Program

Take advantage of the opportunity to sponsor educational sessions, receptions, giveaways and more to support the FSSA at the 2023 Annual Forum. 

Each of the opportunities will include:

• Company logo and signage during the Annual Forum 
• Acknowledgment by FSSA Leadership and emcee 
• Sponsorship acknowledgment in the on-site program and on the FSSA website.

In order to secure an opportunity:

The FSSA Annual Forum will be held February 23 - 27, 2023 at the Royal Sonesta San Juan in Puerto Rico. Join top special hazard industry professionals for this premier event that offers educational sessions, a partner expo, networking opportunities, and updates on FSSA initiatives including the unveiling of the strategic plan for 2023-2025.

With breathtaking scenery, a tropical climate, and inviting culture, Puerto Rico offers the perfect setting for the FSSA 2023 Annual Forum.  Register today and save $100!  Click here to view information on registration.

The current landscape of the fire suppression industry seems to be changing rapidly with no sign of slowing down in the near future. With the rise of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), shifting guidelines for things like Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM), as well as new industries more closely adopting NFPA guidelines, it has become crucial to stay ahead of the curve in regards to education.

FSSA's Training Program is designed to make it simple and convenient to keep up to date on all-things fire protection at a reasonable cost. Custom courses are based on products, procedures, practices, and systems, and FSSA has teamed with MC LMS to offer training that adapts to your individual learning style. It is a collaborative model that offers:

The Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) is a non-profit trade association that consists of an international community of thought leaders from all corners of the fire suppression industry. Our members include designer/installers, manufacturers, consultants, academics, and suppliers working together to share ideas and strategies to help the greater good.

Joining us as a FSSA member has its benefits:

The Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) is proud to announce the launch of our official blog.

The fast-growing membership and influence of our organization domestically and internationally has resulted in an urgent need for a place to make regular updates. Our hope is that the new FSSA blog will be a place to drive conversation and innovation while also serving to keep our audience at the forefront of the latest industry developments.

The FSSA blog will seek contributions from leading product developers, system engineers, policy makers, and others—all in an effort to be the premier source for all-things fire protection.

Please make sure to subscribe, bookmark, and share www.fssa.net/blog and check back regularly to stay in the loop. We encourage everyone to comment on posts and make requests for content that would benefit you in your particular field.

We are excited to interact with the fire protection industry in a new way and look forward to adding even more community-minded tools in the future.