Angus has been involved in developing and writing British and International Fire & Safety standards since the mid-1980s. The list of standards that he has participated in is impressive and includes BS5839-1, BS8629, EN54-18 and ISO7240-2. Angus utilises his extensive experience to provide an authoritative perspective on the key issues that affect the Fire & Security Industry today.
The term ‘PFAS’ covers a broad class of more than 9000 synthetic, fluorinated, organic chemicals. They are found in numerous everyday items, including personal care products, fast food packaging, water-resistant clothing, paint, and the list goes on!
PFOS (Perfluoro octane sulfonate), PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid) and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) are all ‘long chain' chemicals and classified as 'POPs' Persistent Organic Pollutants).
PFOS was banned in 2011, PFHxS in 2023 and PFOA on 4th July 2025. Restrictions on use of these chemicals were in place ahead of the bans and most Extinguisher manufacturers switched to using PHxA, a short-chain chemical, several years ago.
Consequently, any suggestion that all Foam Spray Extinguishers are now banned in the UK is untrue, and it is unlikely that any restriction will be in place in this country prior to 2026.
Once any ban is enforced, a transition period of 5-6 years for portable extinguishers is anticipated.
In the meantime, the Environment Agency have stipulated that at the end of their life, extinguishers containing PFAS must be disposed of by incineration at 1100°C. This requirement has dramatically increased the cost of disposal and there are a limited number of plants that currently have the facility. This is why you may see an increased cost of disposal for any foam extinguishers that meet this requirement.
Misinformation Warning
We understand that there has been a lot of noise in the industry about “urgent” replacement of all foam fire extinguishers in light of the PFAS bans. Unfortunately, some of this information is being used to pressure customers into buying unnecessary replacements.
While certain PFAS chemicals used in older foams (PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA) have been banned or are being phased out, most extinguisher manufacturers switched to alternative compounds some time ago. With any ban, there will almost certainly be a 5–6 year transition period for portable extinguishers.
This means there is no legal requirement to remove all foam extinguishers immediately. The correct approach is to assess each extinguisher on its own merits:
- If it is still within service life and compliant, it can remain in use.
- If it is due for its 5-year extended service, that is when you would replace it with a PFAS-free alternative.
- If your premises do not have a Class B (flammable liquid) fire risk, you may not need a foam extinguisher at all. Your Fire Risk Assessment will guide the right choice.
Unfortunately, some engineers working on a commission basis have been known to use the PFAS issue to recommend replacements far earlier and more urgently than necessary. We believe in a pragmatic, compliant, and cost-effective approach, protecting both your safety and your budget.
How to Tell if Your Extinguisher is Affected
Not sure what your extinguisher contains? Check:
- The manufacture date (extinguishers made in the last several years are unlikely to contain banned long-chain PFAS).
- The label and service records. These may indicate the foam type used.
- Your service engineer’s report. Ask them for confirmation in writing if the extinguisher is PFAS-free.
Myth vs Fact
Myth: All foam extinguishers are banned.
Fact: Only those containing certain long-chain PFAS are affected, and there’s no immediate removal requirement.
Myth: You must replace them immediately.
Fact: In most cases, a phased replacement at the 5-year extended service is recommended.
Myth: Switching to water-based extinguishers is always better.
Fact: The correct extinguisher depends on your fire risk assessment. Water may be useless or dangerous on flammable liquid fires or electrical fires.
Final Word
Ensuring our clients remain compliant is our priority, however, our pragmatic view is that it is not necessary to remove every Foam Spray Extinguisher 'immediately' and each installation should be reviewed on its own merits. There are many situations where a Class B (flammable liquids) risk does not exist and therefore an Extinguisher for Class A (wood, paper and textiles) risks is adequate.
Unless you request that any PFAS containing Extinguishers are removed from site in one visit, our recommendation is to work on a phased transition away from them and replace units with an alternative, as they become due the 5 yearly 'extended service'.
It is also important to note that the Fire Risk Assessment should be referred to before changing the type of Extinguishers installed.
You have a legal duty of care to dispose of waste legitimately and safely via a licensed waste carrier. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, even if you have outsourced the disposal to a third party.
The Fixfire® Extinguisher Recycling Process is your reassurance that any Fire Extinguishers we remove from your premises have been disposed of in a safe and legal manner. 97% of each processed Fire Extinguisher is recycled.
Our contracted Extinguisher Recycling Unit (ERU) is a dedicated facility offering a service for the safe processing and recycling/disposal of fire extinguishers. The facility operates closely with the local Water Authority and the Environment Agency to develop safe, efficient and environmentally friendly processes, ensuring that ISO14001 certification is upheld.
Got a question about Fire Extinguisher Disposal? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
Our contracted Extinguisher Recycling Unit (ERU) is a dedicated facility offering a service for the safe processing and recycling/disposal of fire extinguishers. The facility operates closely with the local Water Authority and the Environment Agency to develop safe, efficient and environmentally friendly processes, ensuring that ISO14001 certification is upheld.
Got a question about Fire Extinguisher Disposal? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
False Fire Alarms remain a huge concern within the education sector- interrupting already carefully scheduled, planned and well-prepared lessons or even causing major disruption and distress to exams.
Clearly, these false alarms cause significant inconvenience and disruption to students, staff, and visitors. They compromise everyone’s safety in the school and present a significant risk to the local community since the Fire Brigade will prioritise the school over other emergency callouts.
Solutions you should consider:
The first and most straightforward way is to use anti-tamper products.
Fixfire® supplies a wide range of solutions designed to protect Fire Alarm Devices from inadvertent damage or deliberate misuse/vandalism.
Products include:
- Local plastic cover flaps which attach directly to manual call points.
- The stopper consists of a clear, tamperproof, tough polycarbonate cover, frame and spacer that retrofits over a break glass call point. When lifted to operate the break glass unit, its optional battery powered integral sounder emits a piercing 96dB (at 1m). Immediate attention is drawn to the area and a prankster will either run or be caught!
- A range of steel web stoppers designed to protect fire detectors and warning devices. They are constructed from heavy-duty galvanised steel rod which is plastic-coated for durability and external use.
- A range of polycarbonate enclosures are available for the protection of devices such as fire alarm control panels and associated control equipment. The enclosures combine tough rugged construction with stylish design and offer excellent protection with a key lock for authorised access.
We also provide anti-tamper devices for fire extinguishers and associated products.
KeyCall® is a patented anti-ligature Fire Alarm and Access Control call point. It is designed to use the same key as the doors, providing simple operation for staff whilst eliminating nuisance activations by service-users.
KeyCall® has been developed by Fixfire® specifically for approved applications where standard versions would be vulnerable to abuse.
It is one of the best solutions for SEN schools and it is also compatible with a wide range of Conventional and Addressable Fire Alarm Systems.
Most fire safety courses offer a mix of classroom-based learning and practical training experience, educating attendees on how to respond in the event of an emergency.
In order to fulfil your obligations under current Fire Safety Law, it is essential that you have a documented regime of Fire Safety tests and checks and personnel who are suitably trained to respond correctly in the event of an emergency.
All Fire Safety Training is provided by experienced, time-served and qualified persons from a Fire Safety background.
Even if the cameras don't identify the culprit, they can identify who was in the area at the time of the false alarm activation. Fixfire® specialises in integration and will bring together your Fire, Access and Security systems providing enhanced functionality.
Fixfire® provides leading-edge integration with ancillary systems and equipment. Our mission is to deliver reliable, well-engineered installations that provide you with peace of mind 24/7.
Smoke detectors that are placed too close to kitchens, cooking appliances, locker rooms or bathrooms will most likely be accidentally activated by the smoke or steam emitted by these sources. Detectors might need to be relocated.
Smoke detectors are more sensitive and are installed in any environment where smoke or steam would not normally be present. Heat detectors are installed in areas such as kitchens where smoke detectors would constantly false alarm during routine cooking. Multi-sensors combine smoke and heat in one detector and offer immunity to false alarms in certain applications.
New detectors have improved technology and can measure a range of conditions to potentially be more effective at detecting a fire condition.
Flush Fire Detectors ensure protection is not compromised in any areas where conventional ‘un-pluggable’ detection could be subject to abuse. It is widely used in SEN Schools.
Make sure the alarm system is properly and regularly maintained.
Fixfire® is BAFE accredited for the Design, Installation, Maintenance and Servicing of Fire Alarm Systems.
All works are carried out by our employed, uniformed and trained Fire Alarm engineers.
Following each visit, a Certificate of Inspection is issued.
Got a question about False Fire Alarms? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
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