Previous foam fire extinguishers contain a fluorine-containing foam extinguishing agent, which is harmful to the environment and very difficult to biodegrade.
An EU ban on foam extinguishing agents containing fluorine is in preparation. An early switch to fluorine-free fire extinguishers is recommended to ensure an economic transition. Learn more about:
- EU fluorine ban
- Fluorine-free alternatives from CWS
- Frequently asked questions and answers about fluorinated fire extinguishers
Ban on fluorinated foam agents
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is pushing ahead with a Europe-wide ban on foam fire extinguishers containing perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS for short). The background to the fluorine ban is that per- and polyfluorinated chemicals are harmful to human health and the environment.
A fluorine ban is in preparation that will gradually eliminate the use of foam extinguishing agents containing fluorine. Consequently, a ban on fire extinguishers containing fluorine will also come into force in the future. Early action is therefore advisable in order to comply with the requirements in time and also to ensure an economic transition in your company.
It is recommended to replace fluorine-containing fire extinguishers already in the current test cycle, so that you only have fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers in use after the fluorine ban comes into effect.
Do you have questions about handling fluorinated foam fire extinguishers?
Click here and get answers to the most frequently asked questions.
EU-Verbot für fluorhaltige Schaumlöschmittel im Überblick:
Your way to a fluorine-free future with CWS.
CWS already offers you alternatives for fire extinguishers containing fluorine. Our fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers completely dispense with polyfluorinated and perfluorinated chemicals and thus meet the European specifications.
At the same time, the fluorine-free foam extinguishing agent is still highly efficient. We also offer different variants of fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers, e.g. with impact head fitting or hand lever function.
The responsibility to replace fluorine-containing fire extinguishers lies with building operators and employers.
We already recommend replacing the devices with fluorine-containing foam agents to ensure an economic transition to a fluorine-free future in your company!
Have questions about using fluorinated foam agents?
Click here and get answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Fire extinguishers containing fluorine - We support you in changing!
Many foam fire extinguishers still contain fluorine-containing foam extinguishing agent. Consequently, these must be replaced with fluorine-free alternatives. There will only be a short transition period for this. Therefore, it is advisable to start replacing the fluorine-containing fire extinguishers already.
Contact us (ideally) with the following information:
- Number of foam fire extinguishers for fire classes A & B in your company.
- Size & extinguishing units of the foam fire extinguishers (preferably with a picture of the type designation)
Our regional experts will promptly provide you with a quotation and advise you in detail on the economic transition from fluorine-containing fire extinguishers to fluorine-free alternatives from CWS.
Your advantages to act now
- Economical transition to fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers despite short transition periods
- Timely compliance with the new EU requirements for foam extinguishing agents
- Strengthening sustainability in your business
FAQ
We provide answers to the most frequently asked questions about the EU ban on fluorinated fire extinguishers, fluorinated foam extinguishing agents and the impact on your business.
When does the ban on fire extinguishers containing fluorine apply?
The ban on fluorine-containing foam agents and thus also fluorine-containing fire extinguishers will probably come into force in 2024. A concrete date has not yet been communicated by the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency).
Consequently, the changeover from fluorine-containing to fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers should take place step-by-step. This is the only way to ensure an economical transition for your company. We will be happy to support you and prepare a quotation. Contact us now.
Why is fluorinated foam extinguishing agent banned?
Fluorine is a chemical element and particularly reactive. As a result, fluorine has so far been used in foam extinguishing agents to achieve a fast extinguishing performance. However, the perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS for short) contained in the extinguishing foam are harmful to the environment. Thus, the concentration in foam extinguishing agents containing fluorine has already been limited (max. 0.04 %).
However, this limit is no longer sufficient to fully protect humans and the environment. Consequently, the ECHA is planning a complete ban on fluorine-containing foam extinguishing agents.
Who is responsible for switching to fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers?
Switching from fluorine-containing foam fire extinguishers to fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers is the responsibility of building operators and employers.
How quickly must the changeover from fluorine-containing fire extinguishers to fluorine-free alternatives take place?
The switch to fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers must be made within a transition period (probably 5 years). Therefore, it is recommended to plan for the replacement to fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers and to already gradually switch to fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers.
Is a conversion also possible?
Conversion from a fluorine-containing foam fire extinguisher to a fluorine-free foam fire extinguisher is possible, depending on the model type. However, this is not economical!
An economical conversion is only possible into a water fire extinguisher for fire class A. Conversion therefore only makes sense if only fires of fire class A are to be expected in the company.
Contact our experts. We will be happy to advise you on the conversion and replacement of fluorine-containing fire extinguishers with fluorine-free alternatives from CWS.
What advantages have foam fire extinguishers over other fire extinguishers?
Foam fire extinguishers are suitable for fire class A (wood, paper or textiles) and fire class B (oils, greases or paints). In parallel, foam fire extinguishers are very efficient compared to other wet extinguishing agents and ensure a quick extinguishing success. Furthermore, foam fire extinguishers cause little damage due to the foam agent used (especially compared to a powder fire extinguisher).
Are there differences in performance between fluorinated fire extinguishers and fluorine-free alternatives?
Compared to fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers, fluorine-containing fire extinguishers have a slightly higher extinguishing unit (LE). However, the extinguishing capacity of fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers is sufficient in standard applications. A change from fluorine-containing foam extinguishers to fluorine-free variants is therefore usually possible without any problems.
How to recognise fire extinguishers containing fluorine that are affected by the fluorine ban?
Fluorine-free foam extinguishers have labels stating that they contain fluorine-free foam extinguishing agent.
If you are unsure whether your fire extinguishers are affected by the fluorine ban, take a photo of the type plate of your foam fire extinguishers and send them to us at firesafety@cws.com.
Our experts will use the data to check whether they are fluorine-containing fire extinguishers affected by the Europe-wide ban on fluorine-containing foam agents.
Can alternative extinguishing agents also be used?
It is not possible to make a general statement as to whether alternative extinguishing agents are also possible in your company. However, we will be happy to check whether other extinguishing agents are also suitable, depending on the existing fire hazards.
What happens to decommissioned fluorinated fire extinguishers?
If the replacement of the fluorine-containing fire extinguishers is handled by us, we will dispose of your fluorine-containing foam fire extinguishers professionally.
Is the use of a fluorine-containing foam extinguishing agent dangerous?
No, there is no direct health hazard. However, it makes sense to replace fluorine-containing foam fire extinguishers soon, not only because of the fluorine ban in the EU, but also to protect the environment.
Strengthen sustainability in your business now and switch to fluorine-free foam extinguishers.
We are your fire protection experts
Together with you, we will lead the way to a fluorine-free and sustainable future. To this end, we are active throughout Germany in preventive fire protection.
Contact our experts in your area.
We will be happy to support you in making an economical transition to fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers in your company.
