From July 2025, the use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) fire extinguishers containing fluorinated chemicals will be prohibited under new UK legislation. This change forms part of wider environmental reforms affecting the fire safety industry.
At JCH Safety, we do not sell, service, or maintain fire extinguishers. Instead, we provide independent fire risk assessments and professional advice to help duty holders make informed, legally compliant decisions. This includes impartial guidance on the suitability, selection, and location of portable fire extinguishers across all types of premises.
As the regulatory landscape shifts, it is essential for responsible persons – including business owners, school leaders, and landlords – to understand their obligations and ensure their fire safety equipment remains appropriate and compliant.
Why Are AFFF Extinguishers Being Banned?
AFFF extinguishers have long been used for their effectiveness on flammable liquid fires (Class B). However, many models contain persistent organic pollutants – specifically fluorinated compounds – that pose environmental and health risks. These substances do not easily break down and have been linked to water contamination and long-term ecological harm.
As a result, the UK government will be enforcing new restrictions that ban the use, servicing, and refilling of AFFF extinguishers from July 2025. This follows earlier limitations introduced in 2020.
What Should Duty Holders Do?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is a legal requirement for the responsible person to ensure that suitable fire-fighting equipment is provided and maintained. This includes choosing the correct type of extinguisher based on the identified fire risks within the building.
If your premises currently use AFFF extinguishers, it is essential to:
- Review your fire risk assessment – Has the provision of extinguishers been evaluated recently?
- Check your extinguisher inventory – Are AFFF extinguishers present on site? Are they due for servicing or replacement?
- Seek independent advice – Ensure any replacement recommendations are based on risk and not sales incentives.
At JCH Safety, our role is to provide impartial, expert advice as part of your fire risk assessment process. We do not sell fire extinguishers and are not affiliated with any extinguisher brands or suppliers. This ensures our recommendations are based purely on the legal requirements and risk profile of your premises – not on commission or commercial gain.
Suitable Alternatives to AFFF
Where AFFF extinguishers are due to be phased out, your fire risk assessment should consider alternative fire-fighting options. These may include:
- Water Extinguishers – Effective for Class A risks (e.g. paper, wood, textiles)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – For electrical risks and some flammable liquids
- Dry Powder Extinguishers – For mixed fire classes, depending on the environment
- Water Mist – Versatile and clean agent extinguishers, often suitable for a broad range of risks
- Fluorine-Free Foam – Designed to offer similar performance to AFFF without the environmental concerns
The correct selection depends entirely on your building’s use, layout, fire risks, and occupancy profile, which is why it must be properly assessed by a competent person.
JCH Safety’s Role
As Chartered Health and Safety Consultants and Tier 2 Registered Fire Risk Assessors (TFRAR), JCH Safety provides legally compliant fire risk assessments for a wide range of sectors including schools, commercial buildings, healthcare settings, places of worship, and offices across Coventry, Birmingham, Leicester, Derby, Nottingham, and the wider Midlands region.
We advise clients on:
- The type and coverage of portable fire extinguishers appropriate to the site
- The legislative changes affecting extinguisher use
- What steps to take if AFFF is currently installed
- How to verify that your fire protection provider is offering environmentally compliant replacements
By maintaining complete independence from extinguisher suppliers, our clients can trust that our guidance is solely based on compliance, best practice, and life safety – not sales.
Key Actions to Take Now
- Review your current fire extinguishers – Do any of them contain AFFF?
- Book a fire risk assessment or update – This is your legal tool to ensure your provisions are suitable and sufficient.
- Engage with your extinguisher provider – Ask if they are aware of the upcoming changes and what alternatives they propose.
- Avoid unnecessary replacements – Don’t allow sales pressure to lead to premature or excessive extinguisher changes. Rely on impartial, risk-based advice.
Final Word
The ban on AFFF extinguishers is a positive step for environmental protection, but it also introduces new responsibilities for those managing premises. If you’re unsure whether your building is affected, or if you would like a professional review of your current fire safety arrangements, JCH Safety can help.
