Regulatory changes to Class B Foam Fire Extinguishers

Regulatory changes to Class B Foam Fire Extinguishers

Please be aware of upcoming regulatory changes impacting fire extinguishers, in particular class B firefighting foams across the UK. From July 2025 these changes exclude the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also known as “forever chemicals,” from manufacturing and operational processes due to their long-term environmental harm. These changes see the use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) in fire extinguishers being exempt.

There was a recent restriction from January 2023, where the use of the fire-fighting foam is only allowed in sites where all releases can be contained – essentially, where the foam cannot be contained or collected after a fire has been extinguished.

What Are “Forever Chemicals”?

“Forever chemicals” have been widely used across the world since the 1940s, from

fire-fighting foams to industrial applications and consumer products. Their high thermal and chemical stability and water and oil-repellent nature means they have been heavily used in cosmetics, coatings for textiles and paper including food contact materials. They comprise per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which is the collective name given to a group of fluorinated compounds.

What Do I Need to Do?

First of all, it would be a good idea for you to get a head start on the upcoming changes. Assess your current fire risk assessment to identify the types of fires and safety equipment required. Where there is a need for class B extinguishers, find out if any of your existing foam extinguishers contain PFOA, its salts and/or PFOA-related compounds.

 You can do this by checking the safety data sheet for the foam or contacting your fire equipment service company. If your fire extinguishers have been regularly serviced, refilled or replaced every five years, its likely they do not contain PFOA. However, if your extinguishers are very old with no service or refill record, then it should be assumed to be potentially containing PFOA and therefore will need attention to comply with the forthcoming changes.

In addition, if you intend to use, or have a stockpile of class B foam already installed in systems which contains or may contain PFOA, its salts and/or PFOA-related compounds, you must comply with the following conditions:

•               Holders of stockpiles greater than 50kg must notify the appropriate regulator by completing a stockpile notification form, as soon as possible.

•               The fire-fighting foam must not be used for training.

•               The fire-fighting foam must not be used for testing unless all releases are contained.

Credit: Thanks to Sentient for providing this information.