Waste management process for fire fighting foam solutions

Stage 1 – Pre-Acceptance

Initial samples and/or MSDS are requested by Foamclean to identify the type and associated hazards and characteristics of the waste fire fighting foam solution.

The typical waste is then characterised.

Stage 2 – Arrangements to collect the waste

Once the customer has contacted us to request removal of full IBC, we will obtain the necessary address, contact and collection details, which will include weight/volume and technical details of foam being disposed of. 

By a return phone call, the customer will be informed how the collection will be made – either by gulper or the full IBC collected and an empty one delivered to collect future waste.

A suitable date for collection will then be arranged.

We will then forward all documentation and labels direct to the customer via courier or post before the date of collection. The customer will be informed if the documentation is needed for their collection.

If necessary will also supply one or more labels which will need to be attached to each container.

Stage 3 – Day of collection

Our vehicle will arrive on the arranged day of collection. If necessary an empty IBC will have been sent previously or dropped off when the collection of waste is made.

A company representative for the customer and the driver collecting the waste will complete the documentation provided. This will only require a signature and date as all other details will be complete.

Once completed the driver will then leave a copy of the documents behind for each customers records and leave with the waste.

 

 

Stage 4 – Disposal site

All loads delivered to the waste disposal site have to be pre-booked in advance of delivery.

Once the vehicle/driver arrive at our partners disposal site the paperwork and load booking details will be checked at the gatehouse/reception to ensure it is on the system and the paperwork is in order.

The IBC’s or bulk tanker will then be off-loaded into a dedicated area for inspection.

All IBC’s or bulk tankers will then be checked and sampled by a chemist to ensure it is characteristic of the description within the documentation and on the internal system and all records will be saved for future inspections.

Each IBC container will then be marked with a unique code for traceability at all times until the material has been disposed of.

The IBC’s will then be placed in a safe and compatible bay or area on site ready for disposal.

Stage 5 – Disposal

The fire fighting foam solutions mainly have two forms of disposal as follows:

Burning – Batches of approximately 25,000 litres will be established on site to fit within a specific criterion for disposal. This will also include the Foamclean solutions. Once prepared these batches will be bulked together on a tanker and will then be sent for disposal at our burning facility.

DAF Treatment - DAF is a clarification process whereby the removal of suspended solids is achieved by the introduction of tiny air bubbles, which adhere to the suspended flocculent and float it to the surface, forming a layer which can be removed by a skimmer. DAF plants can apply to the treatment of oily wastewater, ship bilge water, lagoon effluent, activated sludge effluents, aquaculture water, fire fighting wastewater and power plant water.

On site tests will ultimately determine the final route for disposal which can be in many forms depending on the results of all samples taken. The above two are the main forms of disposal but we will always look for the best available option.

Stage 6 – Post disposal/treatment

A return document will be sent to each client which will be proof of disposal for each client’s site records.