Fire Fighting Foam Chemical Consultation Launched

Some fire extinguishers work by creating a blanket of foam over burning material, which smothers the flames and cools the material.

Historically a group of chemicals known as Per‑ and PolyfluoroAlkyl Substances (PFAS) have been used in these foams, as they have been found to have good oil/water repellence and heat resistance. The term ‘PFAS’ covers a large number of chemicals, and concerns have been raised that some of these chemicals may be harmful to health.

Of course, fire and the products of fire, such as toxic smoke, are also hazardous to health, so why should we be concerned? The issue is that once released into the environment, for example in response to a fire, these chemicals don’t easily break down and can contaminate soil and water sources, posing a threat to human health and the environment for many years.

The HSE estimate that as much as 48 tonnes can be released into the environment in Britain annually from firefighting, training and runoff water from putting out fires.

Restrictions have already been introduced on the use of two PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was listed as a persistent organic pollutant in 2009, and any firefighting foams containing PFOS should have been removed from use prior to June 2011. More recently restrictions were also placed on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and substances that can degrade to produce PFOA.

Most extinguishers that are being maintained under a service contract should already have been replaced or refilled using compliant alternatives.

The HSE, as the agency for the UK REACH chemical regulations, has launched a consultation on proposals that would restrict the use of all PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams. Initially there would be a prohibition on placing foams that contain these chemicals on the market, followed by transition periods to allow different sectors to replace their stocks with firefighting foams that do not contain these chemicals.

Similar restrictions are also being considered in other parts of the world. If you are looking to replace or install firefighting foam extinguishers, then it may be worth considering types that don’t include these chemicals; a number of options are available, often identified as fluorine-free foam or F3.

If you have any questions or would like support with managing issues at your workplace, please speak to your usual contact or get in touch using the form below.