Confused about the AFFF foam extinguisher ban?
Learn what’s changing in 2025, how it affects UK businesses, and what action you need to take
What are AFFF extinguishers?
AFFF stands for Aqueous Film Forming Foam, a previously common type of foam fire extinguisher designed for use against class A fires (solid combustibles such as paper, wood and textiles) and certain class B fires (diesel, petrol and paint).
They work by creating a foam barrier which extinguishes the fire by depriving it of oxygen; this can also help prevent re-ignition.
Why are they being phased out?
The chemicals that help the foam to spread and form a barrier are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
These are part of a group of man-made chemicals which are the subject of growing environmental and health concerns.
They have been labelled ‘Forever Chemicals’ as they do not break down easily in the environment and have been linked to serious health issues including liver damage and cancer.
What is the legislation?
In June 2011 the use of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in foam extinguishers was banned; any extinguishers containing PFOS had to be removed from use.
In July 2020 the UK banned the sale of AFFF extinguishers that contain PFOA and the use of these is now banned.
The phase out of certain types of AFFF foam extinguishers will be implemented by 4th July 2025. Any remaining stock must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
What has replaced the banned extinguishers?
Most foam fire extinguishers now use ‘C6’ film-forming fluoroprotein (FFFP). The main agents contain telomer-based foams that do not break down into any chemicals currently listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.
So the majority of foam fire extinguishers do not require replacement but should be phased out. Most Foam extinguishers can be replace with water fire extinguishers unless they are protecting ‘B’ Class risks, alternatives could be fluorine free foam extinguishers now widely available, powder or CO2