Upcoming Changes to Fire Extinguishers and Fire Fighting Foams in the UK: What You Need to Know

17 December 2024

The UK is phasing out the use of certain chemicals in fire extinguishers and firefighting foams, with significant regulatory changes set to affect the use of foam fire extinguishers, particularly those used for liquid fuel fires (Class B).

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This move is part of a broader global effort to phase out perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and related compounds—substances commonly found in firefighting foams. These chemicals, known as "forever chemicals," have long-lasting negative impacts on the environment and human health. In this article, the Gallagher Risk Management team breakdown what these changes mean for you.

Forever chemicals

"Forever chemicals" is a term for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a large group of synthetic chemicals that are highly resistant to heat, water, and oil¹. These chemicals, including PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), have been used in a wide range of products since the 1940s, from firefighting foams to cosmetics and food packaging. Due to their chemical stability, they do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, leading to potential health risks. Studies have linked PFAS to serious health issues, including cancer and developmental problems, and their widespread use has left a lasting environmental legacy.

New legislation

The UK Government is actively working to phase out the use of PFOA and its related compounds in firefighting products. This is being done through restrictions on the manufacturing, use, and sale of products containing these substances, as outlined in the UK POPs Regulation (persistent organic pollutants). The phase-out primarily impacts aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) used for Class B fire suppression. These foams, which have been widely used in both fixed and mobile fire suppression systems, rely on PFOA and similar compounds for their effectiveness.

From 1 January 2023, the use of firefighting foam containing PFOA was restricted to locations where all releases of foam can be contained. However, a significant exemption is ending soon. Under current regulations, certain existing stockpiles of PFOA-containing foam were allowed, but this exemption will expire on 4 July 2025². After this date, the use of foam containing these chemicals will be prohibited unless all foam releases are contained.

Your responsibility

As a business or property owner, it's crucial to assess your fire safety equipment ahead of the upcoming regulatory changes. Here’s what you need to do to stay compliant and make the transition to safer alternatives³:

Check your foam

Determine if the foam in your fire extinguishers contains PFOA or its related compounds. This can be done by:

Reviewing the safety data sheet for the foam.
Contacting the foam supplier or manufacturer.
Sending the foam to a lab for analysis.

Service and replace extinguishers regularly

If your fire extinguishers are regularly serviced, refilled, or replaced (every five years), they are likely to not contain PFOS or PFOA. However, if your extinguishers are old and have not been serviced or refilled, you should assume they may contain harmful chemicals and take steps for their environmentally responsible disposal.

Manage existing stockpiles

If you have stockpiles of Class B foam containing PFOA or related compounds, be aware of the following regulations:

Notify regulators: If you hold more than 50kg of firefighting foam containing these chemicals, you must notify the relevant regulator by completing a stockpile notification form.
No use for training: Do not use these foams for training exercises.
Limit testing: Do not use these foams for testing unless all releases can be contained.

Closing thoughts

The phase-out of harmful chemicals from fire extinguishers and firefighting foams is an important step in protecting both human health and the environment. As regulations evolve, it’s essential to stay informed about the chemicals in your fire safety equipment and make any necessary changes before the deadlines. By taking action now, you’ll ensure that your fire safety measures are compliant with upcoming regulations and contribute to a safer, more sustainable future.

Our specialist team can carry out an audit of your fire risk safety precautions and risk assessments to help protect your business and your people. We also provide a range of risk management services, including health and safety, to help you manage your organisation’s risk proactively and meet your legal obligations. By taking this positive approach to your risk management, you may also find it is possible to lower your insurance premiums, improve your terms and reduce your claims.

If you wish to speak to Gallagher about any of your health and safety or fire risk concerns, please get in touch via 0800 138 7538.

Sources

1. "PFAS – the ‘Forever Chemicals’," CHEM Trust, accessed 11 December 2024.

2. "What is the Foam Fire Extinguishers Ban 2025?," Target Fire Protection, accessed 11 December 2024.

3. "News: Latest changes to fire extinguishers and class B firefighting foams," Barbour Consolidated, updated 18 November 2024. PDF File.

Disclaimer

The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.