Fire safety regulations are under constant evolution. One significant change that all employers need to be aware of is the UK ban of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) fire extinguishers. By 4 July 2025, the use of AFFF foam extinguishers will be completely banned.
Why is AFFF Firefighting Foam hazardous?
Once regarded as the "gold standard" for fire suppression, AFFF has been a mainstay in the fight against Class B (flammable liquids) and Class A (flammable solids) fires. However, because of their environmental impact, the decision has been made to phase out and ultimately ban this product.
AFFF contains Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and other harmful chemicals from the Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) group, which are referred to as "forever chemicals.". Because they are difficult to decompose and dissolve rapidly in water, PFAS chemicals can spread through soil, streams, and rivers. This contamination can harm the environment broadly by getting into food chains and drinking water supplies.
PFAS chemicals build up and become more concentrated over time in the bodies of both humans and animals. Serious health problems like liver and kidney disease, reduced fertility, cardiovascular disorders, and some types of cancer can result from this bioaccumulation. The detrimental health effects associated with PFAS exposure have been brought to light by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), underscoring the necessity of regulation.
Why is AFFF being phased out now?
Concerns regarding PFAS chemicals have existed for many years, but they have received a lot of attention since Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" was published in the 1960s. Early warnings have not been followed by regulatory action. Due to health concerns, 3M ceased manufacturing PFOS, a PFAS chemical used in AFFF, in 2002, marking the beginning of significant changes. AFFF foam extinguishers are currently being phased out as a result of subsequent regulations.
Disposing of AFFF foam extinguishers on your own is not advised. AFFF extinguishers fall under the category of hazardous waste. Rather, a certified hazardous waste disposal company should pick up and transport the contained AFFF extinguishers. Accredited businesses have the know-how, tools, and safety measures needed to complete this procedure successfully and safely. There should be a listing for the hazardous waste disposal business in your area. As an alternative, these extinguishers might be disposed of at the larger disposal locations run by your local authority.
How are AFFF Fire Extinguishers being phased out?
The phase-out process was started in May 2019 when PFOA was included in the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation. Since July 2020, the UK has banned the sale of AFFF extinguishers that contain PFOA and the use of these extinguishers for training. Up until July 4, 2025, existing stocks may be used, but only under strict containment and disposal guidelines and after notifying the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in advance. The use of AFFF extinguishers will be completely prohibited after this date, and any stock that remains must be disposed of appropriately by a recognised disposal business.
Safe alternatives to AFFF Fire Extinguishers
Given the upcoming ban on AFFF foam extinguishers, it is critical to think about safe and efficient substitutes for your company's fire safety requirements.
When looking for an alternative solution, the first question that must be asked by companies and employers is “Do I have a need for foam fire extinguishers”.
If there is no risk of a flammable liquid fire, then other alternatives can be considered. This does not apply to flammable cooking oils, for which a Class F (Wet Chemical) extinguisher or fire blanket should be used.
If your fuel sources mainly consist of wood, paper and textiles then a water extinguisher is sufficient. They are often paired up with a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguisher for any fires caused by or containing electricity.
Some organisations may wish to use this opportunity to review their portable fire fighting equipment provision. Back in 2010, the P50 fire extinguisher was launched on to the market. The water mist range contains de-ionised water only and benefits from being multi-purpose in that it can be used on Class A, B, C, small Class F fires and fires involving electricity up to 1000v. They also benefit from not requiring an annual examination from an external company. Whilst marketed as “maintenance free” they do still require a monthly visual examination. Their synthetic fibre construction makes them more lightweight than traditional steel extinguishers.
Compared to AFFF foam extinguishers, fluoro-free fire extinguishers are more environmentally friendly and less harmful to the environment. Eco-friendly extinguishers like these don't contain "forever chemicals" like PFOA or PHFxA, which are known to pollute the environment and harm living things for a long time, including people, animals, and wildlife. They also benefit from having more of the cream-coloured coding to make them easily identifiable. The current European regulation states that extinguishers must have a minimum of 5% of the colour coding on the extinguisher surface.
Preparing for the change
In order to comply with the upcoming regulations, organizations must take immediate action. Evaluate your current fire safety gear and make plans to switch to safer options. To prevent environmental contamination and comply with legal requirements, it is imperative that existing AFFF foam extinguishers be disposed of properly.
Further Information
If you are an existing client and would like further information on legislative requirements then please email the safety advice line on safetyadvice@wirehouse-es.com or contact us via telephone on 03333 215 006
If you would like to enquire about our services and how we can support your business, please email websiteenquiries@wirehouse-es.com or call 033 33 215 005.
