PFOA Fire Extinguisher Ban
What You Need to Know Before 4 July 2025
A major change in UK fire safety law is approaching. From 4 July 2025, all fire extinguishers containing PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), a type of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemical, will be prohibited across the UK, with further bans on chemicals from the PFAS group still under consideration.
This new regulation, introduced under updated REACH and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) legislation, aims to reduce harm to health and the environment from so-called “forever chemicals”. In this case, PFOA, because of its non-biodegradable nature, toxicity, and tendency for bioaccumulation (the buildup of a particle over time in an organism at the bottom of the food chain).
Most affected are AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) extinguishers, especially those manufactured or refilled before 2016. Whether you're a facilities manager, health and safety lead, or responsible for fire compliance on your premises, now is the time to assess your equipment and ensure you're ready for the deadline.
Why Is This Happening?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’, are synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment, accumulate in water supplies, and pose serious risks to human health and ecosystems. Their resistance to degradation means they could remain in soil and water for decades, leading to long-term contamination.
Mounting scientific evidence has driven regulatory restrictions on PFAS worldwide, encouraging organisations to transition to safer, environmentally friendly fire safety solutions. In 2009, PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) - also a type of PFAS - was banned under the Stockholm Convention, while PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) remained in use.
A formal agreement to phase out PFOA was reached a decade later, culminating in the upcoming 2025 ban. As part of this global shift, the use of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) in firefighting foams was officially phased out in 2019. A temporary grace period was granted to allow depletion of existing stocks, but this period ends on 4 July 2025, when a complete ban on PFOA in fire suppression systems will come into force in the UK.
Governments are now working towards a broader goal of eliminating all PFAS-based firefighting foams with potential implementation by 2030.
Who Needs to Act?
This ban affects any premises using PFOA-based AFFF extinguishers, including:
- Offices and commercial properties
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Warehouses and industrial units
- Housing associations and landlords
Older AFFF units are most likely to contain PFOA. If your extinguisher predates 2016 or isn’t clearly labelled as fluorine-free, it must be reviewed without delay. BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) recommends that a "suitable replacement portable fire extinguisher would be any product that matches the class of potential fire identified by the fire extinguisher provider in their risk assessment, (and that is compliant with the relevant parts of BS 5306)."
What Should I Do Now?
Check Your Extinguishers
- Check product labels and documentation – Look for chemical references like "C8 AFFF foam" and check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- Review manufacture and refill dates – Extinguishers made before 2016 are high-risk.
- If you're unsure, contact your extinguisher provider – Request written confirmation of PFOA-free status or arrange an on-site compliance check.
- Dispose of non-compliant extinguishers safely – PFOA extinguishers must be treated as hazardous waste.
- Replace with certified alternatives – Use approved fluorine-free or C6 foam models marked as PFOA-free.
- Document everything – Keep evidence of compliance for inspections and regulatory checks.
Why Should I Comply?
- Use, maintenance, and refilling of PFOA extinguishers will be illegal, including in emergencies. Exceptions only applies where full containment of foam is possible - rare in standard business environments.
- Hazardous waste rules apply – Affected extinguishers must be incinerated by licensed waste contractors.
- Non-compliance can result in prosecution, fines, and environmental penalties.
How To Dispose?
Improper disposal of non-compliant, PFOA fire extinguishers poses environmental and legal risks, as they are classified as hazardous waste. To ensure safety and compliance with local regulations, customers must follow specific procedures for their disposal. Below is a brief guide outlining the key steps involved.
Do Not Dispose in Regular Bins: These extinguishers contain chemicals that can harm the environment and must be handled as hazardous waste.
Do Not Attempt to Discharge: Avoid releasing the contents yourself, as it may lead to environmental or legal issues.
Contact Local Authorities or Certified Services: Reach out to your local waste management authority for disposal guidelines, or use a certified hazardous waste facility or licensed contractor for safe and legal removal.
Document the Disposal: Keep records of disposal (receipts, manifests) in case of audits or regulatory checks.
Label and Store Safely Until Disposal: Store in a secure, labelled area away from heat or ignition sources.
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