Industrial Foam School firefighting training to begin in May 2025

Industrial Foam School programme opens for industrial and municipal firefighters

Perimeter Solutions has announced the launch of the Industrial Foam School, a new training programme designed for industrial firefighters, hazardous materials teams and municipal firefighters working in or alongside industrial facilities.

According to Perimeter Solutions, the first session will be held at the Delaware State Fire Academy in Dover, Delaware, on 28–29 May 2025.

The two-day course provides technical instruction and practical training focused on the use of fluorine-free firefighting foam products.

Participants will receive instruction on foam application methods, incident preplanning and the handling of foam in industrial fire settings.

Fluorine-free foam products to be used in practical exercises

Participants will use Perimeter Solutions’ fluorine-free foam solutions during hands-on training, where permitted.

These include SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3, SOLBERG VERSAGARD AS-100 and SOLBERG RE-HEALING 3×3 SP-100.

Mark Siem, Chemist and Manager of Business Development at Perimeter Solutions, said: “Firefighting foam plays a critical role in combating fires, helping to reduce the amount of time firefighters spend on scene, which ultimately improves both firefighter and community safety.”

He added: “The Perimeter Solutions Industrial Foam School will equip firefighters with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively use today’s advanced fluorine-free firefighting foams.”

Further sessions scheduled in Canada and the United States

Perimeter Solutions has confirmed two further training sessions in October 2025.

The first will take place at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada on 9–10 October.

The second will be held at The Fire Academy of the South in Jacksonville, Florida, on 28–29 October.

Each session will be limited to 30 participants.

Registration and contact details for interested participants

The cost to attend the Delaware State Fire Academy session is $599 per person.

Perimeter Solutions has stated that additional sessions will be scheduled across the United States and Canada in 2025 and 2026.

Interested participants or departments can contact Mark Siem at info@perimeter-solutions.com to register or request a tailored session at their own facility.

Further information is available at www.perimeter-solutions.com.

Industrial Foam School firefighting training to begin in May 2025: Summary

Perimeter Solutions has announced the launch of the Industrial Foam School, a two-day training course for industrial and municipal firefighters.

The first session will be held at the Delaware State Fire Academy in the United States on 28–29 May 2025.

The course includes both classroom instruction and, where permitted, hands-on experience using fluorine-free firefighting foams.

Products used during the training will include SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3, SOLBERG VERSAGARD AS-100 and SOLBERG RE-HEALING 3×3 SP-100.

Two further sessions are scheduled for October 2025 in Sarnia, Ontario and Jacksonville, Florida.

Each session will be limited to 30 participants.

The cost for the Delaware training is $599 per person.

Firefighters or departments interested in participating or organising a local session can contact Mark Siem at Perimeter Solutions.

Additional sessions are expected to be announced for 2025 and 2026.

New fluorine-free firefighting foam approved for UL and ULC 162 standards

National Foam’s UniversalF3 Green AR-SFFF fluorine-free firefighting foam unveiled

National Foam has announced the launch of its UniversalF3 Green 1%-3% AR-SFFF (Alcohol-Resistant Synthetic Fluorine-Free Foam) concentrate.

According to the company, this firefighting foam is designed for combating fuel-in-depth tank and spill fires and is the first AR-SFFF concentrate to achieve UL and ULC 162 listings for Type II and Type III applications.

The foam meets these standards when used at a 1% solution for hydrocarbon fuel fires and a 3% solution for polar fuel fires.

Additionally, UniversalF3 Green has received high ratings from LASTFIRE for nozzle performance across fresh and saltwater environments.

Reducing foam volume requirements in emergency response

The product has been developed to provide an alternative to traditional Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AR-AFFFs) while also enhancing logistics in firefighting operations.

Bobby Nelson, General Manager at National Foam, explained the advantages of the product: “When fighting large hydrocarbon tank fires, using a 1% solution cuts the required foam volume by two-thirds compared to standard 3%-3% AR-SFFF concentrates, delivering a logistical advantage in emergency response.”

The foam is compatible with fresh, brackish, or seawater and is suited to facilities handling hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuels.

Applications in global industries

The UniversalF3 Green concentrate is manufactured in Angier, North Carolina, and is intended for use in mobile and fixed firefighting systems.

Its target industries include oil, gas, and chemical facilities, as well as aviation fuel operations.

National Foam reports that the product is applicable for use in a range of operational environments, including storage, processing, and transportation facilities worldwide.

Advancing fluorine-free solutions

With this launch, National Foam continues its focus on fluorine-free solutions for firefighting applications.

UniversalF3 Green aligns with industry trends toward reducing environmental impact by eliminating fluorine from foam concentrates.

The product’s availability underscores a shift towards sustainable firefighting practices while maintaining high safety standards in emergency response scenarios.

New fluorine-free firefighting foam approved for UL and ULC 162 standards: Summary

National Foam has introduced the UniversalF3 Green 1%-3% AR-SFFF firefighting foam concentrate.

It is the first fluorine-free foam to achieve UL and ULC 162 listings for Type II and Type III applications.

The product reduces foam requirements by two-thirds in hydrocarbon tank fires, enhancing logistical efficiency.

It is compatible with fresh, brackish, or seawater and is suitable for mobile and fixed systems in industries handling hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuels.

Manufactured in North Carolina, the foam aligns with trends toward environmentally sustainable firefighting solutions while supporting global industrial safety needs.

CheckFire launches 3-litre fluorine-free enviroFoam fire extinguisher in the UK

CheckFire announces compact 3-litre PFAS-free fire extinguisher for versatile protection

CheckFire Ltd has introduced a 3-litre enviroFoam fire extinguisher, adding to its CommanderEDGE fluorine-free extinguisher line.

As reported by CheckFire, this compact unit complements the existing 6-litre and 9-litre models in the range, marking the full completion of the PFAS-free series.

Designed for smaller environments, the 3-litre extinguisher holds a 13A 70B fire rating, ensuring effective protection against various fire risks without the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The enviroFoam range has achieved certification under the BS EN3 Kitemark, recognised internationally for quality and performance.

The 3-litre model aligns with the high standards seen in the other units, offering reliable fire protection suitable for diverse applications, including industrial and manufacturing environments.

Legislative changes drive demand for PFAS-free solutions

The timing of this release aligns with impending legislative measures, including an EU ban on PFAS substances set for 2030.

CheckFire’s enviroFoam range, free of fluorinated compounds, addresses the need for sustainable fire protection alternatives ahead of these changes.

According to CheckFire, this addition is a response to increasing demand for environmentally friendly options in fire safety, particularly as awareness and regulatory measures regarding PFAS grow.

The 6-litre and 9-litre enviroFoam extinguishers in the range already offer notable fire ratings of 27A 144B and 34A 183B, respectively.

The new 3-litre extinguisher upholds these performance standards, providing a compact solution for smaller areas while maintaining consistent, high-quality protection.

Performance-focused PFAS-free fire safety

CheckFire’s new 3-litre extinguisher reflects the company’s commitment to high performance without environmental compromise.

The enviroFoam range is identifiable by the Green Crosshair symbol, signifying its PFAS-free design and focus on sustainable solutions.

The extinguisher’s compact design suits various environments, addressing both small-scale commercial needs and industrial requirements.

The new model reinforces CheckFire’s position in the fire safety industry, particularly as it meets the need for sustainable fire suppression equipment that does not compromise safety standards.

Cameron Robins, managing director of CheckFire, commented on the launch: “The introduction of the 3-litre unit completes our enviroFoam Fluorine-Free Foam Fire Extinguisher range and strengthens our commitment to providing sustainable, PFAS-free fire safety solutions.

“As legislation surrounding PFAS continues to tighten globally, businesses are looking for alternatives that meet both environmental and safety standards.

“Our enviroFoam range is designed to exceed those expectations, offering superior performance and peace of mind.”

Options for diverse fire safety needs

With this addition, CheckFire now provides a range of enviroFoam extinguishers suitable for various applications where Class B fire risks exist.

This product line addresses safety requirements in industrial warehouses, manufacturing sites, laboratories, and other environments where chemical-free fire suppression is increasingly prioritised.

CheckFire’s approach anticipates future environmental regulations, providing businesses with solutions that align with both current standards and forthcoming legislative shifts.

The 3-litre enviroFoam extinguisher serves as a versatile option for those requiring compact fire safety solutions in settings that adhere to sustainable practices.

CheckFire launches 3-litre fluorine-free enviroFoam fire extinguisher in the UK: Summary

CheckFire Ltd has launched a 3-litre enviroFoam fire extinguisher, completing its fluorine-free CommanderEDGE range.

With a 13A 70B fire rating, the compact extinguisher provides effective fire suppression for smaller environments.

The enviroFoam range, certified under the BS EN3 Kitemark, aligns with anticipated EU regulations banning PFAS by 2030.

CheckFire’s director, Cameron Robins, noted the extinguisher supports businesses seeking environmentally responsible fire safety.

The range’s 6-litre and 9-litre models offer higher fire ratings, and the new 3-litre option broadens application suitability for diverse needs, from industrial facilities to commercial spaces.

Angus Fire’s fluorine-free foam guide now available for download

New fluorine-free foam guide released for professional firefighters

Angus Fire Limited has released a new comprehensive fluorine-free foam guide, now available for free download.

As reported by Angus Fire Limited, the guide is tailored for professional firefighters and outlines various types of firefighting foams, application hardware, and techniques.

It aims to enhance understanding of the advantages and limitations of the diverse range of firefighting foam concentrates and hardware available, aiding informed decision-making during emergency responses.

Transitioning to fluorine-free foams: A three-step process

Angus Fire has introduced a three-step process to assist businesses in transitioning to fluorine-free foam concentrates.

This initiative aligns with new legislation and regulations concerning the use of fluorinated chemicals.

The first step, ‘Discover’, involves a pre-planning phase where Angus Fire collaborates with clients to understand their goals, budgets, and key considerations.

This includes evaluating site-specific needs such as fuel types, foam choice, equipment considerations, and Environmental, Social, or Governance policies.

Assessing current systems for compliance

The second step, ‘Assess’, entails a comprehensive review of firefighting systems.

This can be done remotely or on-site and involves auditing existing systems to ensure compliance with new environmental and regulatory standards.

Angus Fire will present a detailed report of their findings, including recommendations on supporting the transition to fluorine-free foams.

The assessment process includes evaluating hardware, operating parameters, and stored fuels to determine necessary measures for compliance when changing foam concentrates.

Implementation and support for the transition

The final step, ‘Deliver’, focuses on the implementation of the transition plan based on the assessment findings.

Angus Fire will work with clients to prioritize action points, modify existing equipment, and provide full support throughout the transition process.

Additionally, all relevant documentation will be provided to obtain approval from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

CTIF calls for 10-year extension for fluorine-free foam transition

The International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF) has called on the EU to give a 10-year extension for the transition period to fluorine-free firefighting foams.

In order to give European firefighters a chance to safely and economically transition away from traditional foams, the CTIF HazMat Commission has asked for a 10 year transition time, instead of the proposed 18 month transition,  for fire services to completely end the use of fluorine foams in firefighting. 

CTIF pointed out that For European fire brigades to completely end the use of fluorinated firefighting foams in 18 months could become very expensive for many communities, particularly as fire stations already have large stocks of foam and the cost for replacing equipment could become even more costly since tests have shown fluorine free foams react differently to fluorinated foams. 

Due to the different properties of fluorine free foams, the Hazardous Materials Commission said in their letter to the EU that there is also a need for fire brigades to assess new equipment, to train and conduct practical exercises with the new proposed foams.  

In the conclusion to its letter, CTIF Hazmat Commission proposed to introduce a smooth and natural transition from PFAS-containing foams to fluorine-free foams, with both types of foams to coexist for the next 8-10 years.

The Commission also recommended to ECHA more detailed description of sectors or type of use to avoid misunderstanding.

Read the letter in full here.