What are the applicable safety regulatory requirements when changing foam?
Answer
ADR.OPS.B.010 requires that aerodrome operators ensure that adequate fire extinguishing agents are available. For this purpose, AMC4 ADR.OPS.B.010(a)(2) defines that:
(b) The foam (used as principal extinguishing agent) is meeting a minimum level of performance A, B or C;
(d)Minimum usable amounts of water are available for foam production (see table 1);
(j) A reserve supply of foam concentrate (200%) is maintained on the aerodrome (…);
(p) Arrangements are in place to manage extinguishing agents in terms of selection, storage, maintenance and testing.
As with any change of AFFF foam, the airport operator should ensure compliance with these provisions paying particular attention to those concerning the performance level.
In addition, it would be advisable to ensure that arrangements previously in place for selection, storage, maintenance and testing of AFFF are adapted to the characteristics and performance of new types of foam such as Fluorine-free foams, also with regard to the specifications of RFFS vehicles in use.