Foam is considered an effective extinguishing agent in portable and mobile fire extinguishers for fire classes A and B. However, the use of foam extinguishing agents is problematic as they often contain polyfluorinated and perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). These artificial fluorine compounds are heavily criticised due to their harmful effects on the environment and health.
The EU is currently preparing a comprehensive ban on foam extinguishing agents. Early action is therefore essential to ensure an economically viable changeover during the transition period. Fluorine-free fire extinguishers will soon be mandatory!
Polyfluorinated and perfluorinated chemicals are extremely difficult or impossible to break down in nature, as these synthetic substances do not occur in natural ecosystems. International studies also show that extinguishing agents containing fluorine have a significant negative impact on humans and the environment. For example, perfluorooctane sulphonic acids (PFOS) can accumulate in drinking water and food. Nevertheless, foam fire extinguishers containing fluorine are widely used worldwide.
The European Union has therefore already issued a ban on perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) above a certain limit value. In addition, a comprehensive ban on extinguishing agents containing perfluorohexanoic acid is being prepared.
In future, only the use of fluorine-free fire extinguishers and fluorine-free foaming agents will be permitted.
Fluorine-free fire extinguishers
Fluorine-free fire extinguishers offer an environmentally friendly alternative: their foaming agent is biodegradable and fulfils all European directives. Fluorine-free fire extinguishers work completely without perfluorinated surfactants. Despite the absence of fluorine, the extinguishing performance remains high - the fluorine-free foam concentrate is just as efficient and reliable as conventional solutions.
We support you in your transition to a fluorine-free future. We offer you different variants of fluorine-free fire extinguishers, for example with a firing head fitting or hand lever function.
Fluorine-free fire extinguishers become mandatory!
Due to the EU ban on fire extinguishing agents containing fluorine, the extinguishing agent for all old foam extinguishers is no longer available as the manufacturers have discontinued production. Therefore, the complete replacement with fluorine-free fire extinguishers is mandatory and cannot be avoided when replacing extinguishing agents. Retrofitting may be possible, but requires an assessment of feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
Furthermore, during the transition period, the use of fluorine-containing fire extinguishers is only permitted for fire class B , but not for fire class A. Without a timely change, the contractor must also prepare a new risk assessment.
We are here for you. Get in touch with us. Our experts will advise you without obligation.
Sustainability in fire protection
Sustainability has a high relevance for every company and is an elementary part of our corporate policy. For this reason, we already offer you environmentally friendly and yet highly efficient foam extinguishing agents. Our fluorine-free fire extinguishers do not contain any fluorine additives.
In this way, we are already fulfilling our joint responsibility for people and the environment. In addition, we are already creating legal certainty and guaranteeing an economic transition to fluorine-free fire extinguishers step by step.
Together with you, we will lead the way to a fluorine-free future. Contact us now.
