How we supported the transition to fluorine-free foam in fire suppression

Brief

Sector/Industry: Industrial Logistics & Warehousing

Location:UK

Services Delivered: Regulatory Consultation, TOP Assay Testing, System Flushing, Stakeholder Collaboration, Ethical Foam Disposal
Project Lead: Alpine Fire (Engineering lead: Stephen Ogden)

Background
With the UK’s ban on the use of C8 Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) in fire suppression systems coming into force from 4th July 2025, Alpine Fire launched a proactive education campaign to help businesses transition their fire suppression systems.

The goal was simple: inform and support key clients in identifying PFAS use in their systems, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and facilitating a safe, practical switch to fluorine-free alternatives.

One of the businesses contacted as part of this outreach was a large-scale logistics operation managed in partnership with a global property and facilities group. The client operates multiple UK sites with extensive sprinkler systems and high-risk areas, making fire suppression a critical operational component.

Challenge
Although the business was aware of upcoming regulatory changes, there was limited understanding of how deeply PFAS-based foam had migrated into its suppression systems.

Given the scale and complexity of its operations, a practical and low-risk plan was needed to assess system contamination, ensure legal compliance, and transition to fluorine-free alternatives before the July 4th deadline arrived.

Solution

Alpine’s approach
We began speaking with the client in October 2024, helping to ensure the business had enough time to understand the regulatory implications and take steps to ensure their systems were compliant.

In collaboration with the client’s facilities management partner, our engineers conducted a TOP Assay water sampling test to measure the extent of foam migration and detect the presence of banned C8 compounds. The sampling was carried out during a dedicated site visit by three of our experienced fire suppression engineers. The results confirmed that C8 had migrated into the main suppression system, triggering the need for urgent remediation.

To ensure a streamlined process, Alpine coordinated multi-stakeholder meetings with the client and their facilities management provider. Together, we mapped out the necessary actions, timelines, and responsibilities. The client agreed to move forward with a full system flush - an essential step to eliminate PFAS contamination from within pipework and components.

Alpine Fire carried out a two-stage system flush, which included complete drainage of water and residual foam concentrate; preparation and use of fluorine-free flushing agents; and the collection of all displaced water and foam waste. This stage was meticulously planned to prevent further contamination and to prepare the system for re-use or upgrade.

Working closely with the facilities group, the waste materials were sent for ethical incineration via a certified disposal partner. This ensured compliance with UK environmental regulations and avoided further harm to the environment.

Following the flush, a second TOP Assay test was planned to confirm the complete removal of C8 from the system. This data will inform any further steps, such as partial pipework replacement, if residual PFAS compounds remain. Ongoing analysis is being overseen by our engineering lead.

Key outcomes
Through a clear plan of action and close stakeholder collaboration, Alpine Fire helped the client:
Identify PFAS risk within their fire suppression system.
Get ahead of regulatory deadlines.
Implement a flushing and disposal process aligned with UK environmental best practice.
Lay the groundwork for a fully compliant, fluorine-free system.
Final retesting is underway, and additional system modifications will be made if required to eliminate all traces of C8.

Looking ahead
This case shows how expert support and proactive action can help organisations comply with changing regulations. But not everyone has transitioned towards fluorine-free fire suppression so smoothly.

Despite the ban on C8 foam coming into force, many UK businesses are still struggling to comply with changing regulations. If you’re navigating similar challenges, we can help. Download our free guide on going fluorine-free or speak to one of our specialists today.