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Foam Fire Extinguishers with fluorine to be banned in the UK.
From July 4th, 2025 Foam Fire Extinguishers that contain fluorine or extinguishers that contain C8 PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl), and particularly PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), will be prohibited in the UK and EU.
* Fire Scotland can provide an alternative fluorine free compliant fire extinguisher for your premises
What fire extinguishers will be affected?
This ban encompasses 9 litre, 6 litre and 2 litre portable foam (AFFF) fire extinguishers as well as fixed fire suppression systems that contain Fluorine or PA
Why are the foam extinguishers being banned?
Due to environmental and health hazards linked to PFAS, especially PFOA,
Why the AFFF (fluorine) Ban?
PFAS, including PFOA, are long-lasting (or forever) chemicals that can lead to environmental contamination and health issues. This ban is part of a larger initiative to minimize the use of these substances and mitigate their potential impacts on health and the environment.
What can I do before July 4, 2025?
Dutyholders and Responsible Persons possessing C8 AFFF extinguishers containing PFOA should arrange for alternatives by the deadline and ensure the safe disposal of the old extinguishers.
What Alternative Extinguishers Can I Use?
Fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers are available from Fire Scotland as alternatives to those containing these banned substances. Fire Scotland advocates a simple water fire extinguisher for a Class A only risk (combustible solids) or to cover multiple risks our technician can install the "All Fires" advanced fire extinguisher and dispose of the non-compliant extinguishers in an environmentally safe way.
Is the advanced "All Fires" fire extinguisher safe for your premises? This modern and advanced fire extinguisher can extinguish all fires as the name suggests so the types of fire this extinguisher can be used on include – Class A (woods, paper, etc), Class B (flammable liquids), Class F (cooking fats and oil), electrical fires (tested on electrics up to 35 kV) and lithium-ion batteries. The "All Fires" fire extinguisher has also been independently tested for Class C and Class D fires.
In a nutshell - suitable for ALL business properties, including commercial kitchens.