PFAS in firefighting foam: What will change starting October 23, 2026? Regulations regarding PFAS-containing firefighting foam are changing. For organizations that use firefighting foam systems, it is important to understand the foam-forming agent being used and to determine in a timely manner what steps are needed to transition to a fluorine-free alternative. Starting October 23, 2026, new requirements under European regulations for PFAS-containing firefighting foam will take effect.
By October 23, 2026, at the latest, companies with one or more fire suppression foam systems must have a management plan in place under the conditions described if these systems contain PFAS-containing fire suppression foam concentrate. This may apply to fixed systems, mobile systems, and portable fire extinguishers.
The management plan must specify, among other things, the locations and quantities of PFAS-containing foam concentrate. It must also include procedures for maintenance and cleaning, as well as a strategy and schedule for transitioning to PFAS-free or fluorine-free alternatives. In addition, starting October 23, 2026, a warning requirement will apply to systems and containers containing PFAS-containing foam concentrate.
The transition to fluorine-free firefighting foam goes beyond simply replacing the foaming agent. According to the fact sheet, the transition requires attention to, among other things:
The applicable phase-out deadlines may vary depending on the type of organization and fire suppression system. It is therefore important to carefully assess your own situation and determine the next steps in a timely manner.
Foam fire suppression systems are used, among other places, in high-risk environments. For example, existing Normec FSS content mentions tank terminals, chemical storage facilities, and aircraft hangars. Factors such as the mixing ratio, supply pressure, and spray pattern are critical to the system’s operation.
Normec Fire Safety & Security conducts independent inspections of fire safety systems. Fire suppression gas, water mist, and foam systems are explicitly mentioned in Normec FSS’s range of inspection services.
Ondernemen.nl has compiled the most important information about PFAS-containing firefighting foam, the management plan, and the transition to fluorine-free alternatives in a comprehensive fact sheet.
Would you like to learn more about independent inspections of foam fire suppression systems? Please contact Normec Fire Safety & Security.
The Center for Crime Prevention and Safety (CCV) has published the new harmonization agreement 2025-01. This agreement concerns the replacement of sprinkler heads during their service life. The agreement provides clarity on situations in which sprinkler heads may remain in place even after their specified service life has expired.
In the German town of Stadtallendorf, a fire station was completely destroyed by a fire. The fire was able to spread unchecked because part of the station—which had only opened in January—did not have a sprinkler system or fire alarm. The damage is estimated at at least 20 million euros.
On Saturday, December 28, at the Vossenberg industrial park in Tilburg, it became clear once again just how essential sprinkler systems are for the safety of people and buildings. A fire broke out in a Tesla battery storage warehouse, but thanks to a properly functioning and certified sprinkler system, it did not escalate into a devastating disaster.
On October 2, 2024, the revised Technical Bulletin TB 64-2024 was published. This bulletin, titled “Foam Concentrate (SVM) Proportioning Systems,” replaces the previous TB 64B. This comprehensive revision marks an important step in clarifying and updating the application of standards regarding FMA dosing systems in all types of fixed fire sprinkler systems (VBB systems).
Euralarm has published a new guideline on the impact of high airflow rates and hot/cold aisle containment on the operation of gaseous fire suppression systems in data centers. The guideline is intended for fire protection system designers, IT managers, and data center operators.
