Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.17313 - Proper use, handling, storage, and containment of firefighting foam concentrate

Rule 17313.

(1) An employer must follow the specific, manufacturer provided safety data sheets (SDSs) for all firefighting foam concentrate that employees may be exposed to and follow best practices regarding the proper use, handling, and storage information.

(2) An employer must prevent intentionally added PFAS containing foam concentrate or foam solution from entering ground water, surface water, or storm drains, as soon as possible. Manual containment strategies used for spills involving a hazardous liquid should be employed. These include blocking storm drains to prevent the contaminated foam/water solution from entering the wastewater system or the environment. Defensive tactics such as damming, diking, and diverting should be employed to get the foam/water solution to an area suitable for containment until it can be removed in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Immediately after the end of a fire or other incident at which an organized fire brigade uses firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS, the employer must report the incident to the Michigan pollution emergency alert system.

(3) An employer must dispose of materials contaminated by foam containing PFAS pursuant to the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.101 to 324.90106.

(4) An employer must ensure the decontamination of an employee's body and equipment as follows:

(a) Post fire response contaminated personal protective equipment (PPE) must be decontaminated as soon as practical. A mild detergent, with a pH of not less than 6 and not greater than 10.5, must be used. The use of chlorine bleach, chlorinated solvents, or other organic solvents is not permitted. Follow manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedures.

(b) An employee's exposed skin, including the neck, face, and hands, must be decontaminated, post fire response and whenever exposed to firefighting foam. Employees must wash exposed skin with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly with water.

(5) An employer must prohibit the use of firefighting foam concentrate containing intentionally added PFAS, by an employee for training purposes.

(6) An employer must prohibit the use of firefighting foam concentrate containing intentionally added PFAS, by an employee, for equipment calibration purposes, unless required by law or the facility where the calibration takes place has implemented appropriate measures.

Notes

Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.17313

2023 MR 20, Eff. 10/23/2023