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  • Survitec validates high-viscosity fluorine-free fire-fighting foams

    Survitec, a global leader in Survival Technology, has successfully completed extensive performance testing of new alcohol-resistant fluorine-free firefighting foam concentrates

    The results validate the compatibility of the new foam concentrates with marine foam mixing systems and demonstrate that a safe transition away from PFAS (Per- and PolyFluoroAlkyl Substances) based products is feasible, in advance of the IMO’s PFAS phase-out deadline in 2026.

    Allcohol-resistant, fluorine-free foam concentrates rely on different active ingredients to maintain firefighting effectiveness without using fluorinated compounds. The result is a denser, more viscous fluid that poses new challenges for marine dosing systems originally designed for lower-viscosity foams.

    “Standard proportioners are not typically designed to handle this kind of fluid, so it was essential that we rigorously test the system to ensure compatibility and dosing accuracy,” explained Maciej Niescioruk, product manager, Foam Systems, at Survitec.

    “An incorrect dosing ratio can result in a foam that is ineffective in suppressing a fire. Foam proportioning systems must comply with a strict dosing accuracy range of -0% to +30% to ensure that underdosing does not occur - a critical requirement to avoid system failure.

    “This is particularly important when using high-viscosity foam concentrates, which typically generate higher flow resistance. If a standard, unchanged, proportioner is used, the increased resistance can cause the actual mixing ratio to fall below the nominal value, violating regulatory requirements and compromising foam performance. By implementing our findings from these tests, we can ensure that our customers won’t face that risk.”

    In addition to proportioner compatibility, appropriate pump selection is essential. A standard centrifugal pump designed for low-viscosity, Newtonian fluids will struggle to cope with the new, fluorine-free formulae.

    From January 1, 2026, the IMO’s MSC.532(107) regulation will prohibit the use and storage of foams containing PerFluoroOctane Sulfonate (PFOS), part of the wider PFAS family now being phased out globally due to growing concerns over its impact on human health and the environment, requiring shipowners and operators to transition to fluorine-free alternatives.

    “Fluorine-free, alcohol-resistant foams are particularly suited for chemical tankers, Norwegian double-ended ferries, and methanol-fuelled vessels, where environmental performance and fire safety are paramount. The successful completion of these performance tests allows Survitec to offer a tested and validated solution that mitigates technical risk and supports a smooth, compliant transition to fluorine-free technology. The findings are already being implemented in current projects, including a system commissioning in Turkey,” added Niescioruk.

    “These are safety-critical systems,” he warns. “Any significant changes to these systems must be handled carefully, allowing time to assess the engineering requirements and obtain the proper approvals. Our message to the market is clear: plan now, test early, and work with an OEM partner who understands the technical and regulatory landscape.”


A recent report by Grand View Research on the Saudi Arabia workplace safety market highlights a number of growth areas, with the market forecast to increase by a CAGR of 19.1% from 2025 to 2030

The personal protective equipment (PPE) segment accounted for a revenue share of over 51.0% of the workplace safety market in 2024, according to the report, and is set to grow further. The construction boom in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030 giga-projects such as NEOM, Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, is boosting the demand for helmets, gloves, harnesses, and high-visibility clothing to protect workers from falls, dropped objects and falling debris, and accidents. While demand is high in the buoyant oil and gas sector for flame-resistant (FR) suits, respirators, and protective eyewear to protect workers from fires, toxic gases, and chemicals, with high-quality PPE mandated by Aramco and government regulations.

Also forecast to grow strongly is the workplace safety services segment, as Saudi companies invest in comprehensive training programmes, behaviour-based safety initiatives, and thorough incident investigations to foster a proactive safety culture. Rising insurance costs and legal liabilities are accelerating the demand for professional safety consulting, risk assessments and compliance solutions.

With smart safety solutions in construction and industrial zones mandated under Vision 2030 and Saudi OSH regulations, demand is growing for wearable IoT devices such as smart helmets and vests that monitor worker vital signs and environmental hazards, ensuring real-time alerts for health and safety risks. In high-risk sectors like oil and gas and mining, IoT-enabled gas/chemical sensors can detect leaks instantly, preventing explosions and harmful exposures and sending alerts to control centres. With 5G and AI integration, IoT safety systems are facilitating predictive risk management, driving rapid market growth as industries prioritise data-driven, proactive safety measures.

Another growth area highlighted is the VR sector. VR in safety training effectively simulates real-world scenarios, enabling employees to practice addressing workplace hazards in a safe, controlled setting. This immersive experience increases engagement, making learning more interactive and memorable and leading to quicker response times in actual situations, thereby helping to reduce workplace accidents and enhance overall safety performance.

Geneva-headquartered SGS, a testing, inspection and certification specialist, has acquired H2Safety Services Inc., a provider of emergency response management, HSE training, and emergency software services

H2Safety, which last year celebrated its 20th anniversary, serves oil & gas, mining, transportation, energy and government entities, specifically centring its services around regulatory compliance and consultation.

CEO and chairman of H2Safety, James Harasen, explained, "Our approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure, communities, employees and natural environments is rooted in building authentic relationships and addressing community concerns transparently."

On the acquisition, Harasen added, "We are excited about joining SGS to expand our emergency management footprint while also leveraging SGS's proven expertise in delivering comprehensive HSE solutions across various industries."

The H2CommandCentre platform is chief among the firm's service and solution suite. The platform has vast-reaching incident response capabilities, activating emergency response, delivering rapid notifications and real-time check-ins; and maps hazard zones and critical residents and stakeholders. Over 15,000 operators currently use the platform.

SGS' North American head of industrial services, Patrick Beck, emphasised, "Operational integrity is at the core of SGS's corporate culture, since our customers entrust us with their quality assurance and operational fluidity needs in a wide range of industrial environments.

"HSE is at the core of what we do. We also have a strong HSE record within our own operations, so we really walk the talk when it comes to protecting assets, employees and the environment."

SGS has committed to doubling North American sales between 2023 and 2027.


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