How can organisations maintain business continuity during the AFFF transition?

How can organisations maintain business continuity during the AFFF transition?

Firefighters direct a hose stream toward active flames during a fire

This content has been extracted from our strategic roadmap for business continuity during the AFFF transition.

As organisations phase out legacy aqueous filmforming  foam (AFFF) systems, maintaining business continuity depends on careful planning and consistent communication across sites. When stakeholders stay aligned and operational needs are clearly understood, engineering and project teams can manage the transition with minimal disruption.

As organisations phase out legacy aqueous filmforming foam (AFFF) systems, maintaining business continuity depends on careful planning and consistent communication across sites. When stakeholders stay aligned and operational needs are clearly understood, engineering and project teams can manage the transition with minimal disruption.

A strong transition begins with early stakeholder mapping. Project sponsors may initiate the work, but facility personnel provide critical insights into daily operations. Their input shapes construction sequencing and helps identify restrictions and access needs, as well as practical timelines.

Why cross‑functional alignment matters

Operational continuity relies on early and sustained coordination across technical and operational groups. Fire engineers, environmental specialists, contractors and facility managers each contribute information that helps maintain safe operations during the transition.

In high-risk  sectors such as aviation, industrial processing and defence, stakeholders need to agree which assets must remain operational and which can pause temporarily and under what conditions. These decisions influence the transition strategy and shape how interruption risks are managed across sites. Early alignment reduces downstream disruption and supports safe, productive operations.

Safeguarding operations during implementation

Maintaining business continuity during the implementation phase of AFFF transition includes the following key steps:

  • Manage system downtime and safety measures
    Plan for minimal disruptions to avoid compromising fire safety.

  • Update SOPs and training
    Support the safety of facility users by updating all necessary operating documents.

  • Prepare for system decommissioning and demolition
    Understand all components of the system and safely dismantle and remove outdated systems.

  • Create detailed pre-installation plans
    Thoroughly plan the installation process and logistics in advance.

  • Maintain active stakeholder engagement
    Engage stakeholders regularly to maintain alignment and support.

  • Prepare adaptive risk mitigating strategies
    Develop flexible approaches to effectively manage emerging risks.

How we can help maintain business continuity during the AFFF transition

Our teams guide organisations through the AFFF transition by leveraging deep technical experience in fire protection, environmental management and system replacement.

Collaborating closely with clients and using site-specific information, our teams develop practical strategies to maintain continuity, navigate regulations, manage system downtime risks and implement safer, sustainable solutions tailored to each facility.

Firefighting foam with tint

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See how following a clear, evidencebased roadmap strengthens business continuity and reduces transition risks across your facility.
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