Posted February 3, 2025

Latest Changes To Fire Extinguishers & Class B Firefighting Foams

Upcoming Changes to Foam Fire Extinguishers in the UK and what you need to know. With significant regulatory changes on the horizon, foam fire extinguishers across the UK are set to be impacted. These changes stem from the ongoing phase-out of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in firefighting products due to its long-lasting harmful effects on the environment. Here’s what you need to know about this transition and how it may affect you.

The Current Situation

The UK Government is continuing its commitment to eliminate PFOA from firefighting products. PFOA is classified as a “forever chemical” due to its persistence in the environment and inability to degrade naturally. Measures are being implemented to restrict or prohibit the manufacture, sale, and use of PFOA, its salts, and related compounds in firefighting foams used for liquid fuel vapor suppression and Class B fires. These restrictions include the use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) fire extinguishers.

What Are Forever Chemicals?

“Forever chemicals,” formally known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been widely used globally since the 1940s. They are prized for their thermal and chemical stability, as well as their water- and oil-repellent properties. These qualities have made them valuable in products ranging from firefighting foams to cosmetics, textiles, and food packaging.

However, PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and prone to bioaccumulation, meaning they can accumulate in living organisms. According to the UK’s Environment Agency, their widespread use has led to significant environmental contamination that is difficult to remediate. Since the 1990s, PFAS compounds have also been linked to various health concerns. The most well-known PFAS compounds, PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), are now subject to regulatory restrictions due to their harmful effects.

Relevant Legislation

Under the UK Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (Assimilated Regulation 2019/1021):

  • The production, sale, and use of substances containing PFOA, its salts, and related compounds are banned.
  • These chemicals were once commonly used in Class B firefighting foams, especially AFFFs, due to their surfactant properties.
  • The situation in Northern Ireland differs slightly due to its continued adherence to the EU POPs Regulation under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Exemptions & Deadlines

Since January 1, 2023, firefighting foam use has been restricted to sites where all releases can be contained. Additionally, an exemption allowing the use of PFOA-containing foams in existing mobile and fixed systems will end on July 4, 2025.

Links to REACH Legislation

PFAS, including those in firefighting foams, are also being addressed under UK REACH regulations. Chemicals affected by restrictions are added to Annex 17, which governs their manufacture, marketing, and use. A recent consultation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in June 2024 sought evidence on the impact of PFAS-containing foams. In Europe, attention has shifted to another PFAS compound, PFHxA, which has been restricted under the EU REACH Regulation. Similar measures could follow in the UK.

What Steps Should You Take?

To prepare for these changes, take proactive steps to ensure compliance and environmental safety:

1. Evaluate Your Equipment

  1. Assess whether the foam in your extinguishers contains PFOA, its salts, or related compounds by:
  2. Reviewing the foam’s safety data sheet.
  3. Contacting the supplier or manufacturer.
  4. Conducting lab analysis of the foam.

2. Service and Replace Equipment

  1. If your extinguishers have been regularly serviced or refilled every five years, they are unlikely to contain PFOS or PFOA.
  2. Older extinguishers without a service or refill record should be assumed to contain these chemicals and disposed of responsibly.

3. Comply with Stockpile Requirements

  1. If you hold stockpiles of Class B foam containing PFOA or related compounds:
  2. Notify the appropriate regulator if the stockpile exceeds 50kg by completing a stockpile notification form.
  3. Do not use the foam for training purposes.
  4. Ensure that testing involves containment of all releases.

Looking Ahead

The transition away from PFOA and related chemicals reflects a growing commitment to environmental protection and public health. By assessing your current equipment and planning for safer alternatives, you can stay ahead of these regulatory changes while contributing to a healthier future.

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