Fire regulations in the UK are about to change significantly. One of the most critical changes you need to be aware of is the total ban on Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) fire extinguishers, which will come into place from 4 July 2025. In a must-read learning resource from Bryson, we explore what this ban means for your worksite, and the steps you can take to ensure your environment is safe and fully compliant under these regulations.
In recent decades, AFFF extinguishers have been used across the UK to suppress fires involving flammable liquids and solids. However, due to a range of environmental and health concerns, these will now be phased out in favour of safer alternatives. While the phasing out of these extinguishers began a number of years ago, strict regulations will be implemented from this summer to limit their use.
Many of our customers will be aware that these extinguishers have been traditionally used for Class B (flammable liquid) and some Class A (flammable solid) fires. While they were initially chosen for their ability to form a film to quickly suppress vapours and extinguish flames, the chemicals within these extinguishers, namely Perflurooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are now widely recognised as dangerous from both a health and environmental perspective.
- Health risks: PFA chemicals are recognised as bioaccumulative. This means that they accumulate in the bodies of humans and animals over a period of time and remain in the body as “forever chemicals”. Research from the European Environment Agency has linked PFAs with serious health impacts including liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues and certain types of cancer.
- Environmental risks: Forever chemicals like PFAs have an extreme level of persistence in our environment, as they dissolve easily in water and do not easily degrade. Their contamination can spread through contamination with soil, waterways, and even our drinking water. When these chemicals enter the food system, they can cause widespread and virtually irreversible harm to ecosystems.
This process has been long in the making, beginning in 2019 when Perflurooctanoic Acid was added to a list of harmful chemicals under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation.The sale of AFFF extinguishers containing PFOA was then banned in the UK, with their use in training exercises prohibited.
Up to 4th July 2025, existing stocks of these extinguishers can still be used under strict guidelines. These guidelines include informing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in advance of their use and adhering to containment and disposal regulations.
After 4th July 2025, the use of AFFF extinguishers will be completely prohibited. All remaining stock of these products must be decommissioned and safely disposed of through licensed hazardous waste disposal companies. Under these changing regulations, companies disposing of AFFF extinguishers must do so in compliance with legal and environmental regulations to prevent contamination and avoid heavy penalties.
As the ban approaches, your site must take action now in transitioning to safer, environmentally friendly fire safety solutions. Below, we’ve listed a range of alternatives according to various fire risks.
Class A Fires (Combustible Solids)
- Water extinguishers: Ideal for fires involving wood, paper, and textiles, water extinguishers are simple, effective, and eco-friendly.
- Water mist extinguishers: A versatile option that uses ultra-fine droplets to cool and suffocate flames. These extinguishers are suitable for Class A, B, and C fires and can even be used on electrical equipment without leaving residue.
- Wet chemical extinguishers: Designed specifically for fires involving cooking oils and fats, wet chemical extinguishers are a must-have for commercial kitchens.
- Dry powder extinguishers: Effective for multiple fire types, though they require caution when used indoors due to the potential respiratory risks of the powder.
Class B Fires (Flammable Liquids)
- Fluorine-free firefighting foam (F3): This eco-friendly alternative forms a protective barrier over flammable liquids to suppress vapours and extinguish flames without using harmful PFAS chemicals.
- Dry chemical agents: These compounds interrupt the fire’s chemical reaction, effectively smothering flames.
- Water mist extinguishers: A non-toxic, residue-free solution that works on a wide range of fires, including flammable liquids and electrical equipment.
- C6 firefighting foam: A transitional solution that uses shorter-chain PFAS compounds, which break down faster in the environment. However, these foams are still under scrutiny and may not be a long-term option.
Here at Bryson, we’re here to assist worksites throughout the UK in adapting to these new regulations. Below, we’ve listed some steps to ensure your transition is smooth and in full compliance.
- Conduct a Fire Safety Assessment: Firstly, you should conduct a full Fire Safety Assessment. This should review all of your existing fire safety equipment, identifying any AFFF fire extinguishers that are still in-use. During this stage, you should work with a qualified professional to determine whether foam extinguishers are suitable to meet your fire risks, or if other alternatives (such as those listed above) are more appropriate.
- Create a safe disposal plan: As a next step, you should consult with a qualified and certified hazardous waste disposal company to decommission and compliantly dispose of any AFFF extinguishers you may have. Your choice of company should be aware that proper handling is critical to avoid environmental contamination or regulatory penalties.
- Specify safer alternatives: You should plan in advance of these regulatory changes to specify complaint options, many of which we’ve listed above. These alternatives could include fluorine-free foam, water mist extinguishers or dry chemical agents. For expert guidance in this area, simply reach out to us today.
- Educate your team: Before these changes come into effect, you should ensure that your staff have received full training on any new fire extinguishers, including their applications and safety protocols.
- Stay informed: It is important to note that these regulatory changes are one of many that have taken place over recent years. This makes it crucial that decision-makers on your worksite stay fully up-to-date with changing regulations to ensure compliance.
With the 2025 deadline fast approaching, now is the time to take action. Don’t leave compliance to the last minute: start planning your transition today and ensure your business is equipped with safe, effective and eco-friendly fire safety solutions.
Make the Switch with Bryson
Are you still unsure of how these regulatory changes will affect your worksite, or how your organisation can take steps to adapt? Don’t sweat it - Bryson is here to help. For more information, submit an enquiry or book an appointment with one of our safety experts. Alternatively, browse our full selection of fire safety solutions now.
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