Most businesses premises will have fire extinguishers located at strategic locations, as a result of their fire risk assessment, and often at the advice of their fire protection service provider.
The type of fire extinguishers used depends on the risks in that area of the building. It is not uncommon to see a mix of foam, CO2 and water throughout a site.
However this might change as from July 2025 the chemical, PFOA, in class B firefighting foams is to be banned.
Why are PFOA Fire Extinguishers being banned?
Chemicals including PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS, which are used in many foam fire extinguishers can have harmful effects on the environment and health.
The first of these to be banned from July 2025 is PFOA, with restrictions on others likely to follow.
Fluorotelomer-based AFFF (aqueous film-forming foams) will still be legal.
What should you do?
Whenever there is a change to legislation or your business premises, you should review you fire risk assessment to ensure you still have the relevant preventive and reactive controls in place.
If you use an external provider to maintain your fire extinguishers and other fire equipment, they will be well placed to advise you on the correct and legal equipment to use.
Ensure that your provide is working to established standards such as BS 5306-3. Additional industry certifications from BAFE or NSI Gold can also provide assurance.
How can we help?
Assent can support your Fire Risk Management regime in several ways including conducting fire risk assessments, implementing a fire risk management system to BS 9997 and working alongside your fire protection provider.
Contact us for more information.
