Rank: Forum user 
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Hi, just seeking some clarity over the removal of AFFF fire extinguishers in the workplace. On a very recent H&S webinar it was stated that all AFFF Fire extinguishers are to removed from the workplace by July 2025.
Whilst some providers are informing their clients this is the case, the FIA have apparently stated his is not the case and that AFFF containing extinguishers can ‘stay’ till 2030.
Whilst intend to lean towards FIA latest info from September 2024, every Google of AFFF states remove from July.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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The Environment Agency (UK regulatory lead on matters of chemical substances) concluded PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) containing extinguishers should be withdrawn from service by July 2025. I would follow what the regulator states. Whilst it may be the case some AFFF extinguishers NOT containing PFOA could avoid this ban there are too many other substances coming under the regulatory spotlight as we look to eliminate "forever chemicals". Save frustration and remove them now rather than hopping from one banned substance to the next.
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Rank: Super forum user
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The Environment Agency (UK regulatory lead on matters of chemical substances) concluded PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) containing extinguishers should be withdrawn from service by July 2025. I would follow what the regulator states. Whilst it may be the case some AFFF extinguishers NOT containing PFOA could avoid this ban there are too many other substances coming under the regulatory spotlight as we look to eliminate "forever chemicals". Save frustration and remove them now rather than hopping from one banned substance to the next.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thank you for your response, I fully agree.
However, Suppliers and installers are quoting IFA and FPA saying not ‘to worry’ till 2030, and that most extinguisher manufacturers have ceased to use PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS since 2015/16 in their AFFF units and therefore ‘safe’ to use after July 2025….
And obviously nobody wants the cost of replacements sooner than they have to.
My additional response is to advise Clients to ask for the Safety Data sheet for their individual AFFF extinguishers to see whether they do or do not contain those lifelong pollutants!
With the HSE consultation yet to be delivered and the addition of AI google answers, it is very conflicting isn’t it?
Be interested in how other consultants are handling this issue.
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Rank: Forum user 
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Here's some information you may find useful. PFOA-containing fire extinguishers must be withdrawn from service by 4 July 2025. After this date, their use is prohibited in the UK, and any remaining units must be disposed of as hazardous waste through accredited disposal services. Key Points: - Ban Effective Date: The UK government has mandated a complete ban on the use of firefighting foams containing Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) from 4 July 2025 .
- Disposal Requirements: Any existing PFOA-containing extinguishers must be taken out of service and disposed of properly by the deadline. These extinguishers are classified as hazardous waste and should be handled by certified disposal companies .
- No Extension to 2030: There is no provision allowing the continued use of PFOA-containing extinguishers until 2030. The 2030 date pertains to potential future restrictions on other PFAS compounds, such as C6 fluorotelomer-based foams, which are currently under review but not yet subject to a ban
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Rank: Super forum user
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Morning Sally Just out of idle curiousity I had a look at this yesterday. I think the problem is that the Environment Agency guidance is far from adequate particularly for those without an advanced qualification in chemistry. I doubt that the average user of an extinguisher even knows what AFFF stands for, let alone the difference between other things that might be included within a fire extinguisher whether that be PFOAs or other components such as PFASs. Even the sentence I have just typed reads like gobbledegook!! However, I get the feeling that most users will probably have replaced their PFOA containing AFFF extinguishers by now, simply as they have responded to some annual service contractor saying "Really, time you replaced that extinguisher". Which leaves two broad classes of user, NEITHER of whom are getting readily accessible authoritative advice: (a) those who have AFFF extinguishers with e.g. PFASs where the jury is out on consultation as to when and if any restriction should come into effect - and in the absence of clear guidance as to what to do, a narrative that simply says that all AFFF extinguishers need to be replaced by July is a good sales pitch. (b) those off the radar and not getting their fire extinguishers regularly checked. Even if they have heard sometihng is going on they probably will set the issue aside for "tomorrow" and that never comes so unless they get a visit from the regulator nothing is likely to change. These are the sorts of busineses that are unlikely to use HSE/Fire consultants.
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 1 user thanked peter gotch for this useful post.
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