Restrictions on PFOA Chemicals in Foam (AFFF) Fire Extinguishers

New Restrictions from the UN and the European Commission due soon, means that all Foam (AFFF) Portable Fire Extinguishers (PFE) will be restricted going forward.

Foam, often referred to as AFFF (Aqueous Film – Forming Foam) is used where water alone or inerting gases are unsuitable and has been favoured in the past for use with Class B Flammable liquids.

Why restrict use?

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) is part of a larger group of chemicals known as PFAS. These chemicals have many uses such as for stain and water – repellent coatings on fabrics and in fire fighting foam.

Most portable AFFF extinguishers contain less than 0.025mg/kg of PFOA. However, many PFAS including PFOA are now proven to have harmful impacts on the environment and human health.

All product previously supplied by Guardian Fire & Safety does not currently fall under the EPA directive for individual PFE units. However, the EPA recommends switching to fluorine free or water units due to the upcoming European directive.

Most significantly, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) registered an intention under the REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) 1907/2006) for restricting the use of all PFAS in FFF in October 2020. This has no minimum level and as such will then declare AFFF Portable Fire Extinguishers as controlled and “Hazardous Waste”

What are we doing?

Sourcing Alternatives

In 2020 we launched the first of our Green Series Portable Fire Extinguisher which is a direct alternative for the 6ltr Foam 21A rated PFE when there is no class B risk.

The Green Series 6ltr Water Spray with a 21A Rating contains water only with no additives so its contents are harmless to the environment. Our Green Series Water units have been designed for the Irish market and to compliment all the requirements contained within Irish Standard 291.

Training

We have completely phased out the use of AFFF in all training scenarios.

Specification

From January 2023, all newly advised/specified standard Fire Points will now be made up of our Green Series Water & Co2 units with AFFF only used where a risk assessment dictates so.

Support & Guidance

We are liaising with all our customers to keep them abreast of the new restrictions and changes. Our Support team are available to answer any queries or concerns you may have. Feel free to get in touch on 051 448774 or email info@guardianfire.ie

What do you need to do?

Consider replacing your AFFF Fire Extinguishers

If you currently have AFFF portable Fire Extinguishers on site, you should contact your existing maintenance provider to agree a plan for the replacement of these units. We strongly recommend the replacement of these units as they fall due for test discharge and refill (TDR) with a suitable alternative.

When the new restrictions arrive, there will be a total prohibition on the purchase, training, testing and application of AFFF and any remaining inventory will have to be managed as hazardous waste. In addition, if your total inventory of handheld AFFF Extinguishers exceeds 50 Kg you will be required to notify the EPA.

Over the past 3 years, the industry has been rapidly moving away from the supply of AFFF products with the intention to be AFFF clear before the new restrictions arrive. This is to avoid significant cost increases to owners of AFFF Portable Fire Extinguishers as once deemed “Hazardous Waste” the cost of disposal is expected to increase exponentially.

Under no circumstances should extinguishers be discharged in order to dispose of their contents. Your provider will make arrangements for the disposal of this material in an environmentally sound manner.

For further details, please see:

The Changing Nature of Fire Fighting Foam – Understanding the Risk Posed by PFAS – Guidance Booklet