AFFF Fire Extinguishers Now Banned in Great Britain

Is Your Business Compliant with the New Fire Safety Regulations?

From 4 July 2025, fire extinguishers containing Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) are completely banned across Great Britain.

The ban targets AFFF extinguishers that include PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), persistent "forever chemicals" linked to environmental harm and health risks. While these extinguishers have been widely used for tackling flammable liquid fires, their environmental impact has forced regulatory change.

What This Means for Your Business

If you still have AFFF fire extinguishers on-site, you are now non-compliant. Continued use or incorrect disposal of these extinguishers can result in significant penalties and environmental enforcement action.

Businesses must:

• Remove and safely dispose of all AFFF extinguishers through an accredited waste handler

• Replace with environmentally safer alternatives, such as fluorine-free foam or water mist extinguishers

• Update fire risk assessments to reflect the change in firefighting equipment

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Disposal Must Be Done Right

You can’t simply send old extinguishers to general waste. PFAS is classified as hazardous material, and only specialist companies are licensed to handle the decommissioning and safe disposal process.

Need Help Navigating the Changes?

We’re here to support you.

Our expert team can:

• Conduct an on-site audit of your current fire extinguisher provision

• Advise on suitable replacement units tailored to your fire risk profile

• Arrange safe disposal of non-compliant AFFF units via trusted, accredited partners

• Help you stay compliant with all related HSE and environmental guidance

Don’t risk non-compliance or environmental harm Get in touch today for professional advice and cost-effective solutions to ensure your workplace is protected and compliant.