Are your fire extinguishers filled with foam?
Is your fire extinguisher service due soon?
Chemicals like PFOS and PFOA are due to be banned, so it’s important you’re able to be prepared for these new regulatory changes.
While current fluorotelomer-based AFFF (aqueous film-forming foams) is still legally in use, new restrictions are coming into play, particularly in the EU. AFFF are now classified as forever chemicals because they don’t naturally breakdown in the environment and/or in the human body. Some PFAS have been associated with health effects in both humans and in some animals. As a result, the ability to use AFFF to extinguish liquid fuel fires continues to be greatly restricted and their use has already been banned in many countries across the world.
These changes involve a significant shift regarding chemicals like PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS, all of which are set to be banned due to their harmful environmental and health impacts.
With a key ban on PFOA taking effect in July 2025, now is the time to assess your fire safety systems and understand how these evolving regulations could affect you.
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) has been the industry standard for combatting liquid fuel fires and hazards for almost 50 years. AFFF is a water-based solution that contains a fluorinated, film forming surfactant [per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to seal the fuel surface during suppression/extinguishment. All “AFFFs” contain PFAS
When your current AFFF is due to be replaced after its 5 year date, make sure you change to water if there is no Class B risk. If there is a substantial Class B risk, then a Fluorine free option needs be put in its place.
Why not let our experienced team of engineers make an assessment to make sure the most suitable replacement is found.
