The Phasing Out of AFFF Foam Fire Extinguishers: What You Need to Know
During July 2025, one of the cornerstone changes in UK fire safety policy is changing. This is referencing the complete ban on Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) fire extinguishers, which came into effect 4 July 2025.
Why Are AFFF Extinguishers Being Banned?
AFFF extinguishers have been widely used for tackling flammable liquid fires, but they contain PFAS–per and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These “forever chemicals” are persistent in the environment, accumulate in wildlife and people, and have been linked to various health concerns. The ban responds to mounting evidence of PFAS’s harmful impact on both human health and the environment.
What Does This Mean For You And Your Business?
Whether your organisation is a care home, school, or educational institution that uses AFFF extinguishers, you must:
- Identify and remove all AFFF extinguishers before 4 July 2025.
- Arrange eco-friendly disposal through accredited firewaste handlers.
- Replace with alternative extinguishers certified for flammable liquid fires (Classes B and F), such as foam-free, dry-chemical or wet-chemical units.
Choosing Compliant, Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Look for extinguishers under BS EN standards, ensuring they fully replace the capabilities of the phased-out AFFF units. Many modern alternatives offer:
- Effective fire suppression for flammable liquids.
- Environmentally responsible composition.
- Compliance with UK and European fire standards.
Wider Fire-Safety Changes Coming In 2025
The AFFF extinguisher ban isn’t the only change to fire regulations occurring in 2025:
- Mandatory sprinkler systems: in new care homes (from 2 March 2025) to protect vulnerable residents. This move aims to provide enhanced protection for some of society’s most vulnerable individuals such as elderly residents and those with limited mobility. This contains fires quickly and reduces reliance on staff-led evacuations.
- Major transition to BS EN 13501: European fire testing standards (from 2 March 2025), ensuring harmonised safety across all materials and products. This change replaces older UK-specific classifications (such as Class 0 and Class 1) with harmonised European testing and performance criteria. The updated framework ensures consistency in how construction materials, furnishings and finishes are tested and rated for fire resistance, contributing to safer building design across the board.
- Other enhancements include new Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) policies for at-risk individuals. This is critical for multi-occupancy and care settings.
These changes significantly tighten regulatory expectations. Managers in care homes should review entire fire safety strategies in order to remain fully compliant and not just focus solely on extinguishers.
The Benefits To Your Organisation
- Health & Safety: Protecting residents, pupils, staff—and the environment—from toxic PFAS exposure.
- Legal Compliance: Avoid fines or enforcement action under the Fire Safety Order and Approved Document B.
- Reputation Enhancement: Show public commitment to sustainability and safety in education and care provision.
Stay Up-To-Date And Compliant With Lee Fire & Security
At Lee Fire & Security, we’re here to help you manage the transition from AFFF extinguishers with minimum disruption and full regulatory compliance. We offer:
- Removal and environmentally sound disposal.
- Installation of BS EN-compliant, eco-friendly fire extinguishers.
- Ongoing support with maintenance, inspections and evolving regulations.
Ensure your fire safety arrangements are fully compliant, efficient and environmentally responsible. Contact Lee Fire & Security today to arrange a site survey, review your extinguisher stock and discuss cost-effective replacement solutions.