Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) – Legacy Systems

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has historically been the standard for suppressing Class B flammable liquid fires across Australia. However, due to significant changes in environmental legislation in 2025 and 2026, these units are currently being phased out in favour of fluorine-free alternatives.

Identification

Under AS/NZS 1841.1, AFFF extinguishers are identified by a blue band (Ultramarine) on a Signal Red cylinder.Because they share the same colour coding as the newer SFFF units, users must check the manufacturer’s label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm if the agent contains fluorinated surfactants (PFAS).

Suppression Mechanism

AFFF operates by forming an aqueous film on the surface of the fuel. This film:

  • Rapidly Seals the Surface: It flows ahead of the foam blanket to suppress vapours.
  • Oxygen Exclusion: The foam layer prevents air from reaching the fuel.
  • Thermal Cooling: The water base absorbs heat to prevent re-ignition.

Current Regulatory Status (2026)

As of 1 January 2026, new Australian and international regulations (including amendments to SOLAS) have prohibited the use and storage of firefighting media containing specific PFAS chemicals like PFOS in concentrations above 10 mg/kg.

According to the Fire Protection Association (FPA) Australia, businesses must adhere to the following:

  • Phase-Out Mandates: Many Australian jurisdictions now require the withdrawal of “long-chain” (C8) fluorinated foams from service.
  • Environmental Offence: Discharging AFFF during training or non-emergency scenarios is strictly prohibited by state EPAs due to groundwater contamination risks.
  • Disposal Protocols: AFFF concentrate is classified as hazardous waste. It must be disposed of via licensed facilities that use high-temperature incineration to destroy PFAS molecules.

Maintenance & Compliance (AS 1851)

Existing AFFF units managed by Fireshift remain subject to rigorous servicing until they are decommissioned:

  • Six-Monthly Service: Physical inspection and pressure check.
  • Five-Year Hydrostatic Test: Pressure testing of the cylinder and replacement of the foam concentrate.
  • Transition Requirement: Upon the next scheduled five-year service, most Australian facilities are now required to replace AFFF with Synthetic Fluorine-Free Foam (SFFF).

Technical Summary: AFFF

FeatureTechnical Specification
Australian StandardAS/NZS 1841.4
Agent ChemicalsFluorinated Surfactants (PFAS/PFOS)
Primary RiskClass B (Flammable Liquids)
Regulatory StatusProhibited/Phasing out (2026)
Safety WarningElectrically Conductive (Do not use on Class E)

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Environmental Responsibility

The transition away from AFFF is a critical component of Australian environmental policy. Fireshift assists businesses in identifying legacy stock and implementing a compliant replacement program to meet the 2026 PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP 3.0) standards.