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.
According to the official information from the Environment Agency, starting from January 1st, 2023, the use of Perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as "C8" Chemistry, in firefighting foams is prohibited. This means that all extinguishers containing C8 must be refilled with C6 foams or removed from the market.
The exceptions that previously allowed the use of C8-based foam extinguishing agents have been deemed ineffective. Due to the typical service life of extinguishing agents being 5 years, older C8-containing foams should have been replaced long ago in accordance with the maintenance instructions.
Fixfire® Fire Extinguishers are fully compliant with the current regulations and are either free of PFOA (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) or meet the specified limit values.
In October 2022, a significant step towards sustainable firefighting was taken. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published information on the regulation of PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). There are ongoing developments regarding the regulation of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) in fire extinguishing foams, which could lead to the near elimination of current foams in use.
If the proposed restrictions on these substances are enforced, current extinguishing agents based on C6 technology will no longer be permitted for manufacturing, use, or sale in the EU. While we are still awaiting the publication of the legislation, it is likely that the UK will align with the conclusions, resulting in the eventual ban of fluorinated foams.
FAQ
- Foam as an extinguishing medium
Perfluorinated extinguishing foams, also known as AFFF foams, offer several advantages as a fire extinguishing medium. They possess high extinguishing power and can effectively handle fire classes A and B simultaneously.
For fires classified as class A (paper, cloth, wood, soft furnishings and plastic), the additives in the extinguishing agent enhance the cooling effect. By reducing the temperature below the ignition point, the water component aids in extinguishing the fire, while the additives effectively intervene in the combustion process.
The foam extinguishing agent reduces the surface tension of water, allowing the foam to penetrate fine structures more effectively and rapidly.
In fire class B (flammable liquids (paraffin, petrol and oil)), a mobile, liquid-covering or film-forming and heat-stable foam prevents the supply of oxygen; re-ignition and the rising of flammable vapours are prevented.
- What does the fluorine content in conventional foam extinguishing agents do?
Fluorine substances contribute to the exceptional film-forming characteristics of extinguishing foam, greatly enhancing its effectiveness, particularly in extinguishing liquid fires (class B fires). A thin liquid film is created between the liquid fuel and the foam. When dealing with class A fires, the fluor surfactants in the foam concentrate can significantly reduce the surface tension compared to other additives. This property enables the foam to penetrate fine structures more efficiently and rapidly. Furthermore, the fluor surfactants impart a repellent effect to the foam concentrate, preventing it from mixing with liquids.
- Why are foam extinguishing agents criticised?
Foam extinguishing agents face criticism for several reasons. These chemically manufactured substances are not naturally occurring and, despite their water-, dirt-, and grease-repellent properties, they have long been suspected of posing risks to living organisms. They can quickly enter the ecosystem through water and accumulate in humans through sources such as groundwater, drinking water, food (including plants, animals, and organisms), and even the air we breathe.
- What special regulations and transition periods apply?
Until July 4, 2025, the use of PFOA, its salts, and PFOA-related compounds in fire extinguishers for Class B fires is allowed when already incorporated into systems, including mobile and fixed systems, under the following conditions:
- Do not use for training purposes.
- Use for testing purposes only if all released quantities are collected.
- Beginning in 2023, use is limited to sites where all releases can be contained.
- As of July 5, 2025, use of firefighting foams that fall within the scope of the regulation is no longer allowed. The products must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
- Reporting obligations exist if the stored quantities are > 50 kg.
- The ban on use applies to the products stored on site.
Got a question about a Fire Risk Assessment? 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
Following the recommendations of BS5839 Part 1 2017 (Fire Alarm British Standard), it is a mandatory requirement to have an up to date, clear and accurate Fire Alarm Zone Chart adjacent to your Fire Alarm Control Panel and any repeater panels you have in your premises.
The purpose of the Zone Chart is to assist persons responding to an alarm to quickly identify the specific location in the building and to help the Fire Brigade understand the building layout before they enter.
When the Fire Alarm System is installed, the building is divided into Fire Zones. Any Manual Call Point (Red Box) or Fire Detector that is fitted will trigger a particular zone when activated.
The Zone Chart shows the division of each zone area with a ‘You are Here’ arrow to identify the position of the Fire Alarm Panel. The view of the building should be orientated in relation to the Fire Alarm Panel position to minimise confusion.
What is involved in producing a Zone Chart?
- Hard copy
- Or preferably AutoCAD (dwg) format
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
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.
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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