Use of AFFF SOP PDF

Operations Guideline Use of AFFF Effective Date: 07/01/2021 Procedure Number 04-38A Revised Date: Number of Pages 02 1. Overv...

Operations Guideline Use of AFFF Effective Date: 07/01/2021 Procedure Number 04-38A Revised Date: Number of Pages 02 1. Overview This guideline establishes parameters surrounding the discharge of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and provides procedures addressing its safe handling. This guideline exists to limit both frequency and duration of exposure by establishing policy surrounding the use of AFFF and procedures outlining its disposal. 2. Definitions Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) – product which serves in the protection against and extinguishment of Class B Flammable liquid fires. This product contains ingredients such as fluorosurfactants that can negatively impact both the environment and the health of those exposed to it. AFFF contains Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkl substances (PFAS). 3. Guideline AFFF shall only be dispersed to protect against or suppress Class B fuel fires. Under no circumstances shall the product be utilized for any other purpose, to include brush fires, structural fires, or any incident that does not involve a Class B fuel. If it is determined that AFFF shall be utilized as an extinguishing agent or if it is accidentally discharged, efforts to minimize environmental impacts shall be considered and will be implemented in appropriate circumstances. If AFFF is discharged onto the Airport Operations Area (AOA), efforts should be made to contain the product and prevent it from getting into any drains or seeping into the ground. Considerations should be taken for handling uncontained AFFF. If AFFF is discharged off airport property, notifications shall be made, through the chain of command, to inform appropriate environmental agencies that AFFF has been used as an extinguishing agent. Fire personnel should remain on scene until proper mitigation steps have been taken. AFFF shall not be used for training purposes. Until an alternate internal method is approved by the FAA, AFFF shall be discharged annually as directed by the FAA for the purpose of testing ARFF vehicle performance requirements. In these circumstances, AFFF should only be discharged into an appropriate retention pond or other location capable of capturing and containing AFFF. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to include appropriate gloves and eye protection, shall be worn when cleaning a small spill of AFFF concentrate. Additional PPE, such as a proper face mask and protective suit, should be considered when working with larger quantities, such as the filling of foam tanks on ARFF trucks. Proper equipment, to include a mask, eye protection, and gloves, shall be worn when opening the foam hatch on the roof of the ARFF vehicle to check fill level. 4. First Aid Procedures 04-38A Use of AFFF SOP, Page 1 of 2 AFFF (the department’s current agent) is considered hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200. The following first aid procedures shall be initiated immediately upon exposure to AFFF per the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Eye contact: immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Seek further medical attention if irritation persists after washing. Skin contact: wash off with warm water and soap. Seek medical attention if irritation develops and persists. Inhalation: move to fresh air. For breathing difficulties, oxygen may be necessary. Seek medical attention if improvement is not observed. Ingestion: rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting without advice from a poison control center. If swallowed, immediately call a poison control center or physician. If vomiting occurs, keep head low to that stomach contents do not enter the lungs. If any department member is exposed to AFFF, immediately notify a supervisor and comply with directives as outlined in SLCFD Policy 06-36C. 04-38A Use of AFFF SOP, Page 2 of 2