From 4 July 2025, the use of fire extinguishers containing PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)—a type of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—will be prohibited across the United Kingdom under updated environmental and fire safety regulations.
This regulatory change is part of the UK’s implementation of updated REACH and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) legislation, targeting so-called “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation and potential harm to human health and the environment.
The change primarily affects extinguishers using AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam). Organisations are advised to review their fire safety equipment to ensure continued compliance.
Who Is Affected?
These changes apply to any premises that use AFFF fire extinguishers containing PFOA, including:
Offices and commercial buildings
Schools and universities
Healthcare facilities
Warehouses, factories, and distribution centres
Landlords, housing providers, and managing agents
Older extinguishers—especially those manufactured or refilled before 2016—are most likely to contain PFOA and should be checked without delay.
What the Law Says
Under the new regulations:
From 4 July 2025, use, testing, and maintenance of AFFF extinguishers containing PFOA will be prohibited, even in emergencies.
The only exception applies to cases where all foam discharge can be fully contained, which is rarely practical in standard workplace environments.
PFOA-containing extinguishers must be disposed of as hazardous waste in line with environmental controls.
Compliant alternatives, including C6 foam and fluorine-free (FFF) extinguishers, may continue to be used if their status is documented.
How to Check Your Fire Extinguishers
To ensure compliance:
Review extinguisher labels and documentation
Check the manufacture or refill date, foam type, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Units marked with “C8 AFFF foam” or made before 2016 are at higher risk of containing PFOA.
Contact your extinguisher service provider
If documentation is missing or unclear, request written confirmation of PFOA-free status or arrange for assessment.
Dispose of affected extinguishers safely
Units must be disposed of via a licensed hazardous waste contractor, with consignment notes retained for your records.
Replace with compliant models
Use certified extinguishers that are clearly marked PFOA-free.
Obtain full documentation for your compliance file.
Compliance Deadline
From 4 July 2025, fire extinguishers containing PFOA may not be used, serviced, tested, or refilled. The only legal exception requires full containment of foam discharge—generally not possible for typical business or public settings. Failure to comply may result in regulatory enforcement or environmental penalties.
Further information is available from the UK Health and Safety Executive:
HSE – Restrictions on firefighting foams
How Office Test Can Help
Office Test supports organisations in managing the transition and meeting their regulatory responsibilities:
On-site fire extinguisher audits and risk assessments
Documentation checks and compliance support
Safe disposal of hazardous extinguishers
Advice on certified PFOA-free replacements
Ongoing fire safety and facilities management services
To arrange a compliance check or discuss your equipment needs ahead of the deadline, please contact us.
