Why Firefighting Foam Must Be Tested — Compliance, Performance & Environmental Responsibility

Firefighting foam is a mission critical safety product. It degrades over time, can becomecontaminated, and may no longer meet the performance requirements set out in Australian Standards and international best practice. For this reason, testing is not optional — it is a mandated requirement under AS 1851: Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment and is now reinforced by new environmental regulations governing PFAS containing foams.

FireFoam C.T.S provides independent, accredited laboratory testing to ensure your foamis compliant, effective, and safe to keep in service.

AS 1851 Requirements — What the Standard Mandates

AS 1851 sets out strict requirements for the ongoing maintenance of firefighting foam systems. Two key obligations apply to all asset owners:

1. Annual Foam Sample Testing (Mandatory — Not Optional)

AS 1851 requires that every foam concentrate in service must be sampled andlaboratorytested annually to verify that it still meets the manufacturer’s specifications andremains fit for purpose.

This annual testing is compulsory and includes:

  • Chemical and physical property testing
  • Concentration verification
  • Performance testing (expansion, drainage, stability)
  • Contamination assessment

If foam fails any part of the annual test, it must be replaced — continued use is noncompliant and exposes the site to significant risk.

2. FiveYearly Foam Proportioning System Testing

In addition to annual sample testing, AS 1851 requires full proportioning system testing at least once every five years.

This 5 yearly test confirms:

  • The system is delivering the correct induction rate
  • Flow and pressure conditions are correct
  • No blockages, corrosion, or mechanical faults exist
  • The foam and system hardware are compatible

This is a critical compliance milestone for high risk facilities such as aviation, fuel terminals, defence, mining, and industrial processing plants.

What FireFoam C.T.S Tests — And Why It Matters

Below is a clear breakdown of the testing we perform and the purpose behind eachcomponent.

1. Concentration & Proportioning AccuracyWhat we test

  • Refractive Index (RI)
  • Conductivity
  • Density
  • Manufacturer specification comparison
  • Proportioning performance (lab or onsite)

Why it matters

Correct concentration is essential for foam to work. Incorrect proportioning leads to:

  • Poor fire performance
  • System failure
  • Noncompliance with AS 1851, NFPA 11/25, ISO 7206, EN 1568

This is the most critical factor in determining whether your foam will extinguish a fire.

2. Physical & Chemical Property Testing

What we test

  • pH
  • Viscosity
  • Density
  • Surface tension
  • Sediment, separation, or deterioration
  • Chemical stability

Why it matters

Foam degrades with age, heat, cold, and contamination. Changes in physical propertiesindicate:

  • Loss of effectiveness
  • Potential system blockages
  • Early signs of product failure

These tests confirm whether the foam is still within manufacturer tolerances.

3. Foam Quality & Performance Testing

What we test

  • Expansion ratio
  • ¼ drain time
  • Foam stability
  • Alcohol resistance (AR foams)
  • Burnback resistance (where applicable)

Why it matters

This is the realworld performance test — it verifies:

  • Fire suppression capability
  • Foam blanket stability
  • Resistance to fuel contamination

If foam fails these tests, it will not perform in an emergency.

4. Contamination & Degradation Assessment

What we test

  • Water contamination
  • Fuel contamination
  • Microbial growth
  • Crossmixing with other foam types
  • Breakdown products

Why it matters

Contamination is one of the most common causes of foam failure. Even small amounts can:

  • Destroy foam structure
  • Reduce expansion
  • Cause corrosion
  • Lead to catastrophic system failure

Identifying contamination early prevents costly downtime and system damage.

PFAS Transition Requirements — ICHEMS Class 7 Compliance

Australia is now transitioning away from PFAScontaining firefighting foams under the ICHEMS (Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard) framework.

Under ICHEMS, PFAScontaining firefighting foams are classified as Class 7 chemicals,which imposes strict controls on:

  • Storage
  • Handling
  • Use
  • Disposal
  • Environmental release

What this means for asset owners

  • PFAS foams are being phased out nationally.
  • Continued use is heavily restricted and, in many cases, no longer permitted.
  • Sites must identify, test, and remove PFAScontaining foams from service.
  • Transition to fluorinefree (F3) alternatives is now required.
  • Legacy PFAS foams must be disposed of through approved hazardous waste channels.

How FireFoam C.T.S supports compliance

  • PFAS screening and identification
  • Legacy foam audits
  • Transition planning
  • Verification of F3 foam performance
  • Documentation for regulators, insurers, and environmental auditors

This ensures your organisation meets environmental obligations while maintaining operational readiness.

What You Receive

Every test conducted by FireFoam C.T.S includes a detailed, auditready report outlining:

  • Test results
  • Compliance status (AS 1851, ICHEMS, manufacturer specs)
  • Pass/fail outcomes
  • PFAS classification
  • Recommendations and corrective actions

Our reports are accepted by insurers, regulators, auditors, and fire protection serviceproviders across Australia and the Southern Hemisphere.

The Bottom Line

Testing firefighting foam is not optional — it is a legal, environmental, and operationalrequirement. AS 1851 mandates annual sample testing and 5yearly proportioning testing,while ICHEMS Class 7 regulations require the removal of PFAS foams from service.

FireFoam C.T.S provides the independent verification and compliance support needed toensure your foam is safe, effective, and legally compliant.