Fluorine-Free Foam Fire Extinguishers

Traditional (Aqueous film-forming foam) AFFF extinguishers are often called “forever foam”. This means that they are unable to break down in nature which makes them challenging to dispose of once their extinguishers reach the end of their usable life.

In more recent years, studies have found that the polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals which make them effective at suppressing fire are not only harmful to the environment, but wildlife and people too. Many health problems have been linked to these chemicals.

Because of this, some of these chemicals have already been banned, with further restrictions set to follow in the next few years.

The new Fluorine-Free Foam Extinguishers which have come to the market in recent years are completely absent of these chemicals, making them a better choice for everyone, without compromising on their fire-fighting abilities. These are a foam concentrate and are similar to a water-additive fire extinguisher.

Fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers can be used as a direct replacement for AFFF foam fire extinguishers in the majority of situations. Their fire ratings are comparable and were designed with the intention of being a like-for-like replacement. They even still carry the cream label colour, and are labelled as Foam on the extinguisher themselves.

Additionally, our fluorine-free fire extinguishers still carry the same approvals, including CE Marks, UKCA approval and BSI Kitemarks along with standard warranties of 5 years or more.

This means businesses can prepare now for future environmental legislation on PFAS whilst remaining confident that staff and visitors are still completely protected.

The contents of your fluorine-free foam fire extinguisher act as a wetting agent that effectively covers and then sticks to the surface of the burning material – as a result, this cools the fire’s fuel. With fires involving flammable liquids (Class B), the foam creates a layer over the surface, working as a blanket, to cut off the oxygen supply which helps extinguish the flames and prevent reignition.

Fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers can be used for Class A fires, which are fuelled by solid carbon-based materials such as paper and textiles.

Fires fuelled by liquids like paint or melted plastic are classified as Class B fires. PFAS-free foam extinguishers are the most common type used for these kinds of fires. They are versatile and suitable for both commercial and domestic use.

Fluorine-free foam extinguishers are not designed for use on electrical fires or cooking oil fires.