Everything HTS Spares Customers Need to Know About the Upcoming Ban
At HTS Spares, we’re committed to keeping our customers informed and compliant with the latest safety regulations. One significant change on the horizon is the UK government's ban on fire extinguishers containing Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), a harmful substance linked to environmental and health risks. This ban takes effect on 4 July 2025, and it's crucial for businesses in the plant hire, tool hire, and construction sectors to understand what this means and how to prepare.
What Does the Ban Mean?
From 4 July 2025, the use, servicing, testing, or refilling of fire extinguishers containing PFOA will be prohibited under UK law. The only exception is if all foam discharge can be fully contained, which is rarely achievable in standard construction workplace environments. Non-compliance could lead to regulatory enforcement or environmental penalties.
Who Is Affected?
This ban applies to any premises using AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) fire extinguishers containing PFOA, including:
- Warehouses, workshops, factories, and distribution centres
- Offices and commercial buildings
- Schools and universities
- Healthcare facilities
- Landlords, housing providers, and managing agents
Older extinguishers, especially those manufactured or refilled before 2016, are most likely to contain PFOA and should be checked without delay.
How to Check Your Fire Extinguishers
To ensure compliance:
- Review Extinguisher Labels and Documentation
- Check the manufacture or refill date, foam type, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- Units marked with “C8 AFFF foam” or made before 2016 are at higher risk of containing PFOA.
- Contact Your Extinguisher Service Provider
- If documentation is missing or unclear, request written confirmation of PFOA-free status or arrange for assessment.
- Dispose of Affected Extinguishers Safely
- Units must be disposed of via a licensed hazardous waste contractor, with consignment notes retained for your records.
- Replace with Compliant Models
- Use certified extinguishers that are clearly marked PFOA-free.
- Obtain full documentation for your compliance file.
How HTS Spares Can Help
At HTS Spares, we offer a range of PFAS-free alternatives, including C6 foam and fluorine-free (FFF) extinguishers, to ensure your fire safety equipment complies with the new regulations. Our Fire Safety Sticks have proven to be a popular replacement in recent weeks. Find out more about the Fire Safety Stick by watching the video below. Ready to get yours? Visit the product page on our website to choose between the 50 second and 100 second options.
Compliance Deadline
4 July 2025 is the final date by which all PFOA-containing fire extinguishers must be removed from service. After this date, using, servicing, testing, or refilling these extinguishers will be prohibited, with limited exceptions.
For more information, refer to the BAFE Article or give our team a call on 01432 373350 to discuss compliant alternatives.
