What is the Foam Fire Extinguishers Ban 2025?

29 October, 2024

 
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In the pursuit of a more sustainable sector, recent years have seen several updates to fire extinguisher legislation. 

This includes a number of bans and restrictions on certain types of fire extinguishers, particularly foams and foam extinguishers that contain chemicals which are now known to be harmful. 

From 4th June 2025, there will be a ban imposed on certain foams and foam extinguishers. So, as this ban comes into effect, it’s essential that your business is up-to-date with the latest developments. 

We’ve used this article to outline the details of the ban, including what the ban means, and what you need to do in order to be compliant with the new regulations.

foam fire extinguishers

 

Why is PFOA being banned in Foam Fire Extinguishers?

Over recent years, there have been a number of fire extinguisher bans and regulations, which are designed to regulate the usage of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Not only are these chemicals toxic, but they are extremely resistant to degradation. POPs can remain in the environment for 100s of years. 

During this time, they build up in our food chains (creating higher concentrations of POPs in living organisms, as we move up the food chain), which means they pose the greatest risk to animals at the top of the food chain. This includes birds of prey, marine mammals, and humans. 

In fact, POPs pose major health risks if consumed, including damage to the nervous system and immune system, reproductive disorders and cancer. 

For these reasons, this is not the first such fire extinguisher ban tackling POPs. 

For example, after Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was listed as a POP in 2009, any firefighting foams that contained PFOS were banned, with the law coming into effect in June 2011.

The latest legislation addresses the use of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in firefighting foams. 

 

What is the Ban on PFOA in Foam Fire Extinguishers?

Introduced in 2020 (and coming into effect in 2025), this new legislation governs the use of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in firefighting foams, and any substances that, when degrade, produce PFOA. This includes all ‘long chain’ C8 fluorinated firefighting foams.

Under this ban, the following requirements have been introduced: 

  • For uses other than firefighting, C8 fluorinated foams will be banned after 1st January 2023 (unless the end users can guarantee that the foam will be contained). 
  • For firefighting foam for Class B fires (which have already been installed), the use of PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds will be banned after 4th July 2025. 
  • For firefighting foam that is being used up until the deadline, certain conditions must be met:
    • Any foam that contains PFOA cannot be used for training.
    • Any foam that contains PFOA cannot be used for testing (unless all releases are fully contained). 
    • Any foam that contains PFOA can only be allowed in sites where all releases can be fully contained.
    • Any stockpiles of foam containing PFOA must be managed in accordance with Article 5. 

 

Key Dates and Deadlines

The PFOA ban was introduced in 2020, and will come into full effect from 4th June 2025. 

As of 1st January 2023, C8 fluorinated foams were only permitted in sites where they could guarantee the containment of the foam.

 

What to do if you have a PFOA Foam Fire Extinguisher

Firstly, you will need to check whether the foam you are using contains PFOA, its salts and/or PFOA-related compounds. 

You can do this by either: 

  • Checking the foam’s safety data sheet.
  • Contacting the foam’s supplier or manufacturer.

If you have a PFOA fire extinguisher, then you will need to either refill the fire extinguisher, or find a suitable replacement (see below for more information). 

In the majority of cases, if they came under a service or needed refilling, any extinguishers that contain PFOA will have already been replaced or refilled using ‘C6’ foam already. However C6 Foam Extinguishers are now being replaced in favour of Fluorine Free Foam Fire Extinguishers. Speak to your extinguisher service provider to ask about the compliance of your extinguishers, or for their help keeping you ahead of the deadline. 

 

Suitable Replacements

A suitable replacement for a PFOA foam fire extinguisher would be any extinguisher that matches the class of potential fire that your previous fire extinguisher was intended to cover, and is compliant with BS 5306. The manufacturers are stopping the production of C6 Foams in favour of Fluorine Free Foam Extinguishers.

At Target Fire Protection, our team are on hand to supply new, fully compliant fire extinguishers. We can work with you to identify, supply, install and maintain fire extinguishers that fulfill all your site’s requirements, and will keep your business compliant with all regulations. What’s more, we can even recycle your old extinguishers on your behalf. 

 

Resources and Support for Compliance

To find out more about the upcoming ban, and ensure your business is fully compliant with fire extinguisher regulations, we recommend the following resources: 

Or, to speak to a fire safety expert and get specific fire extinguisher advice for your site, the Target Fire Protection team is on hand to help.

Our Accreditations

We take pride in our commitment to excellence, safety, and quality.

As a leading commercial fire safety and protection company, we adhere to the highest industry standards to ensure our clients receive reliable and effective fire protection solutions.

Our accreditations, which reflect our dedication to maintaining these rigorous standards provide you peace of mind that you’re partnering with a trusted and accredited provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Most Popular Questions

Do I need a fire risk assessment?

Yes, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is a legal requirement for businesses to conduct a fire risk assessment. This obligation was reinforced by the Fire Safety Act that came into force on 1st October 2023, which mandates all businesses, regardless of size or industry, to maintain an up-to-date fire risk assessment.

How often should you update a fire risk assessment?

Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain current and effective. While there is no specific timeframe mandated by law, it is advisable to review the assessment annually or whenever there are significant changes to the premises, such as alterations to the building structure, changes in occupancy, or the introduction of new equipment.

What is included in a fire risk assessment?

A comprehensive fire risk assessment typically includes:

  • Identifying potential fire hazards.
  • Determining who may be at risk.
  • Evaluating the adequacy of existing fire safety measures.
  • Recording findings and implementing necessary improvements.
  • Regularly reviewing and updating the assessment.
  • This process ensures that all fire risks are identified and managed appropriately.

What are the fire safety regulations for businesses?

As of 1st October 2023, new fire safety legislation requires all businesses to:

  • Maintain a current fire risk assessment.
  • Implement necessary fire safety arrangements.
  • Ensure compliance with updated regulations, which now encompass businesses of all sizes and industries.

These measures are designed to enhance fire safety standards across all sectors.

What needs PAT testing?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is required for all electrical equipment and appliances that have the potential to cause injury. This includes items such as computers, printers, kettles, and other portable devices including testing detachable power leads separately. used within the workplace. Regular PAT testing helps ensure the safety and integrity of electrical appliances.

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