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PlanitSafe Foam Testing

Total Group provides PlanitSafe Surrogate Liquid Testing for installed firefighting foam systems. The approach uses a substitute test liquid so a facility can retain its existing foam concentrate, subject to the system, project and jurisdictional requirements that apply to the work.

What PlanitSafe testing assesses

Firefighting foam systems combine storage, proportioning equipment, piping and discharge devices. A test request should identify which part of the installed system is to be assessed and what the owner needs documented. The agreed scope may depend on the protected hazard, system design, manufacturer information, site procedures and the test criteria set by the owner, authority having jurisdiction, insurer or project.

PlanitSafe surrogate-liquid testing is a testing option for an installed foam system. It should not be treated as a universal substitute for every wet test, acceptance test, commissioning activity, laboratory analysis, concentration check or certification requirement. Those requirements may apply separately. Confirm the required test type and records before the work is scheduled.

Why facilities consider a surrogate liquid

Some facilities need to plan system testing while limiting the use or release of the stored firefighting foam. A surrogate liquid can support that planning discussion while the existing concentrate remains available in the system. This is different from replacing the concentrate, changing the system design or deciding that a system is suitable for a new foam product.

The Government of Canada explains that not all firefighting foams contain PFAS, and that product labels and safety data sheets may not identify the full composition. It advises contacting the manufacturer or using appropriate laboratory analysis when the foam type is uncertain. “PFAS-free” should therefore not be assumed from a product name, a test method or the use of a surrogate liquid.

Canadian requirements and environmental planning

NFPA 25 is an issuing-body standard that provides a baseline for inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. Whether a particular edition or provision is legally required depends on the applicable code, adopted standard, contract, insurer or owner programme. Confirm the governing framework for the facility rather than treating NFPA 25 as a Canada-wide law.

Canadian environmental requirements also depend on the product, release, waste classification and province or territory. Environment and Climate Change Canada states that, from June 30, 2026, C8 AFFF may be used for testing installed firefighting systems only where releases are contained and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner, subject to the regulation’s details and exemptions. The same guidance directs AFFF to an authorised hazardous-waste facility and notes that provinces and territories oversee waste-management approvals and monitoring.

These rules make test-liquid planning part of the service discussion. The site owner remains responsible for identifying the applicable authority, discharge restrictions and waste pathway. Tell Total Group whether the site requires collection, transfer, treatment or other controls. Do not discharge foam or test liquid to a drain, soil or waterway unless the responsible authority and site procedure specifically allow it.

When to discuss PlanitSafe testing

Operations and maintenance teams can raise the service when planning a scheduled foam-system test, shutdown or turnaround. It is also useful when the facility has restrictions on foam use, collection or discharge, or when an owner, insurer, project specification or authority has requested a particular test record.

Timing is not a universal annual interval. The applicable inspection and testing schedule may come from an adopted code, the system manufacturer, the owner’s programme, an insurer or a project requirement. Arrange the discussion early enough to confirm the system boundary, access, impairment controls, affected operations and documentation. A PlanitSafe test does not by itself establish that every other required owner check or acceptance activity has been completed.

Owner information to prepare

Share the information available for the installed system:

  • System identity: facility location, protected area, system type, equipment tags and the site contact.
  • System records: drawings, foam storage and proportioning details, discharge arrangements, manufacturer information and previous test reports.
  • Existing concentrate: product name, manufacturer, available safety data sheet and any known PFAS or fluorinated-foam information.
  • Reason for testing: planned maintenance, owner programme, project requirement, impairment follow-up or another defined request.
  • Site conditions: access restrictions, operating constraints, preferred work window and limits on taking the system out of service.
  • Liquid and waste controls: collection arrangements, discharge restrictions, waste classification information and the party responsible for final management.

Keep related services separate

PlanitSafe testing, firefighting-foam disposal, foam transition consulting and fire-system commissioning address different needs. If your project also involves foam replacement, disposal or a new system, identify that work separately so the scope and applicable requirements can be reviewed.

Discuss PlanitSafe foam testing

Tell Total Group which foam system you need tested, why the test is required and what restrictions apply to foam or test-liquid handling. Include the system records, existing-concentrate information, required documentation and preferred timing so the available scope can be confirmed.

For related industrial fire-protection support, visit Total Group’s Fire Services hub.

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Discuss PlanitSafe foam testing