As you may be aware, there are changes afoot regarding the use of harmful chemicals in the environment and workplace.
Amongst these new regulations is the imminent banning of harmful PFOS and PFOA chemicals, due to their known environmental and health impacts. This will have a significant effect on the firefighting and fire safety industry – with time running out for organisations who may need to change their existing extinguishers.
Expiring C8 Extinguishing Systems
If your organisation is working with firefighting foams, the landscape is about to change rapidly.
With this key ban on PFOA taking effect in July 2025, particularly for C8 AFFF extinguishers, now is the time to assess your fire safety systems in order to check whether these new regulations will have an effect in your workplace. Make sure you are not left unprepared.
What Are C8 AFFF Extinguishers?
C8 Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) extinguishers are known to contain C8 PFAS compounds, which have been proven to have harmful effects on the environment and human health. Their use has actually been prohibited in emergency firefighting use since 1st January 2023. Their complete ban comes into force on 4th July 2025.
Why Are C8 AFFF Extinguishers Being Phased Out?
Environmental damage
C8 AFFF extinguishers contain toxic chemicals that are persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These chemicals don't break down easily in nature and can cause environmental damage.
Health Risks
C8 AFFF extinguishers contain toxic chemicals that can cause serious health risks.
What Are the Alternatives to C8 AFFF Extinguishers?
Firstly, any extinguishers that contain C8 AFFF foam must be refilled with C6 foams or removed from use as soon as possible.
C6 AFFF foams are considered a safer alternative and are still permitted under UK regulations. Fluorine-free foam portable extinguishers are an eco-friendly alternative.
If you have C6 AFFF extinguishers in your workplace, these can still be used at the current time. At some point in the future, however, C6 foam is also likely to be stopped, although no timescales have yet been put in place for this. So, C6 foam use is compliant and can continue to be used under the current regulations.
What Should You Do if You Currently Operate C8 AFFF Extinguishers?
If you use C8 AFFF extinguishers, these should be replaced as soon as possible. The good news is that the majority of systems that Justice Fire & Security have installed relate to C6 AFFF. If, however, you are currently using C8 AFFF extinguishers, please contact us immediately and we will replace these extinguishers with C6 foam equivalents. Please note, if your current provider is unable to assist with removing or replacing your C8 extinguishers, we will still be able to assist.
Justice Fire and Security: Delivering Comprehensive Fire Safety Systems
From detection to suppression, the wide range of Gold-Standard fire safety systems from Justice Fire and Security are designed to keep organisations across the public and private sectors safe from fire hazards and to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met.
Our commercial fire systems are installed in warehouses, factories, banks, offices, public buildings and many other premises.
The fire safety solutions we deploy include fire detection and alarm systems, portable fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, disabled refuge systems and fire suppression.
Our Credentials
We are NSI Fire Gold and BAFE registered, we are insurance and local fire brigade recognised, and we can supply a BAFE Certificate of competence in accordance with CFOA Policy.
If you need help and advice over your current use of AFFF Extinguishers, contact the main Justice Fire & Security switchboard on 0845 468 9077 immediately.
For further reading: FIA Guidance on PFAS in Firefighting Foams Restrictions Update September 2024
