AFFF foam fire extinguishers banned: Is your business compliant?

Written by Sian Wilkes from Certified Pro Installs

In July 2025, the UK government confirmed a significant change in fire safety regulations: the ban on Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) fire extinguishers due to environmental concerns surrounding PFAS chemicals.

These substances, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have been widely used in firefighting foams for decades because of their effectiveness in tackling certain types of fires, particularly flammable liquid fires.

However, increasing scientific evidence has shown that these chemicals present serious long-term risks to the environment and potentially to human health.

As a result, the sale, servicing, and continued use of AFFF foam extinguishers containing PFAS is now prohibited, and affected units must be replaced with PFAS-free alternatives.

Despite the regulation now being in place, many businesses are still unaware of the change. During routine inspections and servicing visits, we are continuing to find sites where these extinguishers remain installed.

If your business still has AFFF foam extinguishers on site, it is important to understand what this change means and what action should be taken.

Why AFFF fire extinguishers are being banned?

AFFF fire extinguishers were originally developed because they are extremely effective at quickly suppressing Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, oils, and solvents.

The foam works by forming a thin film over the surface of the burning liquid, cutting off oxygen and preventing vapours from reigniting.

However, the issue lies in the chemicals used to create that foam.

AFFF extinguishers contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — a group of synthetic chemicals that do not break down naturally in the environment. Because of this, they can remain in soil and water for many years, slowly accumulating over time.

Research has shown that PFAS chemicals can contaminate groundwater, spread through ecosystems, and potentially enter drinking water supplies. Once present, they are extremely difficult to remove.

Because of these risks, governments and environmental agencies around the world have begun restricting their use. The UK has now followed suit by banning extinguishers that rely on these chemicals.

What this means for businesses?

If your premises still have AFFF foam fire extinguishers installed, they will need to be replaced with compliant alternatives.

This does not necessarily mean your fire protection setup will become more complicated. In most cases, the process simply involves replacing outdated extinguishers with modern units that provide the same level of protection without the environmental risks.

However, it is important that the correct type of extinguisher is selected for your environment and the fire hazards present within your workplace.

Every building has different risks. For example:

• Offices and commercial spaces often deal with electrical equipment and general combustibles.

• Workshops and industrial facilities may handle flammable liquids.

• Kitchens and catering environments face cooking oil and grease hazards.

Because of these differences, extinguisher selection should always be based on a fire risk assessment rather than simply swapping like-for-like units.

Replacement options for AFFF extinguishers

Fortunately, there are now several safe and compliant alternatives available.

Fluorine-free foam extinguishers

These extinguishers work in a similar way to traditional foam units but are manufactured without PFAS chemicals. They provide effective coverage for Class A and Class B fires while eliminating the environmental concerns associated with older AFFF technology.

Dry powder extinguishers

Dry powder extinguishers are extremely versatile and can tackle Class A, B, and C fires, as well as electrical fires. They are often used in industrial settings or areas where multiple fire risks are present.

Other extinguisher types

Depending on the nature of the premises, other extinguishers may be more suitable, including:

• Water extinguishers for Class A fires

• CO2 extinguishers for electrical equipment

• Wet chemical extinguishers for commercial kitchens

Choosing the right extinguisher combination is key to ensuring both safety and compliance with fire regulations.

Helping businesses stay compliant

At Certified Pro Installs, we understand that fire safety regulations can sometimes feel complicated or difficult to keep up with.

Since January 2025, our team has helped over 200 sites become compliant with the latest extinguisher regulations — and that number continues to grow.

Our engineers regularly encounter businesses that were unaware of the ban or unsure whether their existing extinguishers meet current standards.

By carrying out inspections and servicing, we help organisations identify outdated equipment and replace it with suitable alternatives that meet modern requirements.

This ensures businesses stay compliant while maintaining the correct level of fire protection for staff, visitors, and property.

Are your fire extinguishers being checked?

Another important issue we frequently encounter is a lack of regular fire extinguisher checks.

Many businesses assume that once extinguishers are installed, they will remain functional indefinitely. In reality, fire safety equipment must be regularly inspected to ensure it remains ready for use in an emergency.

According to BS 5306-3, fire extinguishers should have:

• Monthly visual checks

• Annual servicing carried out by a competent professional

Monthly checks are straightforward but essential. They help confirm that extinguishers remain:

• Easily accessible

• Clearly visible

• Undamaged

• Fully charged and ready for use

These checks can often be completed by trained members of staff and recorded in the company’s fire safety log book.

Annual servicing, on the other hand, should always be carried out by a qualified engineer who can inspect the extinguisher’s internal components and ensure it meets safety standards.

Without these checks, businesses risk discovering faulty equipment only when it is needed most.

Stay compliant with Certified Pro Installs

Keeping up with fire safety regulations doesn’t need to be complicated.

At Certified Pro Installs, we support businesses with a full range of fire safety services designed to keep your premises protected and compliant.

Our services include:

• Fire extinguisher servicing and replacement

• Advice on extinguisher compliance and regulations

• Training for staff to carry out monthly visual checks

• Fire safety log books to maintain accurate records

Our experienced team works with businesses of all sizes, from small offices to large commercial premises, ensuring their fire protection equipment meets the latest safety standards.

Our advice

Don’t assume your fire extinguishers are compliant.

With the recent changes to regulations surrounding AFFF foam extinguishers, now is the right time to review the equipment installed on your premises.

If foam extinguishers are still in place, they may need replacing with PFAS-free alternatives under the new rules.

Taking action now helps avoid potential compliance issues while ensuring your workplace remains properly protected in the event of a fire.

Speak to our team

If you’re unsure whether your fire extinguishers meet the latest requirements, our team is here to help.

For advice, servicing, or replacement support, speak with Certified Pro Installs today.

Call us on 01217 796548

We’ll help you make sure your fire safety equipment is fully compliant and ready when it matters most.