UK ban on AFFF fire extinguishers: what employers need to know

Fire safety continues to be a top priority in 2025, with regulations continuing to evolve. One of the major upcoming changes is the UK ban on aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) fire extinguishers. By 4 July 2025, the use of AFFF extinguishers will be completely prohibited due to environmental and health concerns.

Why is AFFF being banned?

Once regarded as the “gold standard” for fire suppression, AFFF has long been used for suppressing Class B (flammable liquids) and Class A (flammable solids) fires. However, it contains harmful polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” which persist in the environment and accumulate in human and animal bodies. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to severe health issues, including liver and kidney disease, reduced fertility, and certain cancers. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has highlighted these risks, leading to regulatory action and the phased ban on AFFF extinguishers.

What does the ban mean for businesses?

Businesses must ensure they transition away from AFFF extinguishers before the July 2025 deadline. Existing stocks can still be used under strict containment and disposal guidelines until the deadline, but after this date, any remaining units must be properly disposed of by a recognised disposal business. Organisations should not attempt to dispose of AFFF extinguishers themselves, as they fall under hazardous waste regulations.

Safe alternatives to AFFF extinguishers

First, organisations should assess whether they actually require foam fire extinguishers. If flammable liquids are not a concern, other types of extinguishers may be more appropriate:

Water extinguishers – Effective for wood, paper, and textile fires.
CO2 extinguishers – Suitable for electrical fires.
Class F (wet chemical) extinguishers – Required for flammable cooking oils.
Water mist extinguishers – A multi-purpose, eco-friendly option that eliminates PFAS risks.
Fluoro-free fire extinguishers – Environmentally friendlier replacements for AFFF foam units, with a clearer cream-colored coding for easy identification.

Additionally, some businesses may wish to review their entire fire safety equipment provision and consider newer extinguisher models, such as the P50 water mist range. These extinguishers contain deionized water and do not require an annual external service, making them a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative.

Preparing for compliance

To ensure compliance, businesses should act now by:

Reviewing their fire safety equipment and identifying any AFFF extinguishers in use.
Researching and selecting appropriate replacement extinguishers.
Arranging proper disposal of AFFF extinguishers through accredited waste management providers.
Training employees on the use of new fire safety equipment.

Are you ready for this and other changes in the health and safety regulatory arena?

The forthcoming Employment Rights Bill is set to bring significant changes to the health and safety (H&S) landscape, placing greater responsibilities on employers to ensure compliance and safeguard their workforce. As regulatory expectations evolve, businesses must be proactive in adapting their H&S policies and procedures to meet the new legal standards. Are you ready for the changes ahead? Join us for this essential webinar where our panel of experts will explore the key implications of the Employment Rights Bill on H&S compliance and provide practical strategies for businesses to stay ahead of regulatory requirements. Learn what’s changing, how it affects your organisation, and what you need to do to mitigate risks and enhance workplace safety. This webinar will cover:

The impact of the Employment Rights Bill: Key provisions that will affect H&S compliance and employer responsibilities.
Employee rights and employer obligations: What the new legislation means for your duty of care.
Enhanced H&S reporting requirements: How to streamline reporting processes to ensure compliance.
Managing workplace risks effectively: Strategies to proactively identify and address potential safety issues.
Developing a culture of compliance: Best practices for fostering a compliant and safety-conscious workforce.
Technology and H&S compliance: Leveraging digital tools to manage compliance obligations efficiently.

Webinar hosts:

Nick Henderson-Mayo, Director of Learning and Content, VinciWorks
Naomi Grossman, Learning & Content Manager, VinciWorks
Sara Henna Dahan, Learning & Content Manager, VinciWorks

How are you managing your GDPR compliance requirements?

GDPR added a significant compliance burden on DPOs and data processors. Data breaches must be reported to the authorities within 72 hours, each new data processing activity needs to be documented and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) must be carried out for processing that is likely to result in a high risk to individuals. Penalties for breaching GDPR can reach into the tens of millions of Euros.

“In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.”