Essential Winter Safety Tips for Your Workplace
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The use of AFFF foam extinguishers will be completely phased out by 4th July 2025. Here’s what you need to know.
AFFF stands for Aqueous Film Forming Foam, a previously common type of foam fire extinguisher designed for use against class A fires (solid combustibles such as paper, wood and textiles) and certain class B fires (diesel, petrol and paint). They work by creating a foam barrier which extinguishes the fire by depriving it of oxygen; this can also help prevent re-ignition.
One of the chemicals that helps the foam spread and form a barrier is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This is one of a group of man-made chemicals known as PFAs, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are the subject of growing environmental and health concerns. They have been labelled ‘forever chemicals’ as they not break down easily in the environment, and have been linked to serious health issues including liver damage and cancer.
Most foam fire extinguishers now will use ‘C6’ film-forming fluoroprotein (FFFP). The main agents contain telomer-based foams which do not contain or break down into any chemicals currently listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.
Our fully qualified engineers can help with ensuring that your business not only has the correct extinguishers but that they are safe for use.
In addition, we have partnered with Jactone a UK-based fire extinguisher manufacturer which has given us the ability to offer an environmentally safer option to all new and existing clients.
Reach out to risksolutions@skaltd.co.uk or 01427 420 404 to speak with a member of the team.
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