News

Recent media attention has brought the dangers of PFAS chemicals to the end user of fire safety products. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is a group of harmful synthetic chemicals traditionally used in firefighting foam, as well as several everyday household items, such as non-stick frying pans and waterproof clothing. While effective, PFAS poses serious environmental and health risks, contaminating water supplies, compromising human lives, and harming wildlife.

 Despite working solely with trade customers, we must consider the safety of end users of our products and how we can all communicate the latest challenges and changes to the industry. PFAS chemicals are already restricted in the fire industry:

• PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid): restricted in 2020, with extinguishers to be removed by July 2025.
• PFOS (perfluoro octane sulfonic acid): reduced under EU REACH in 2009 and removed from circulation by June 2011.

Further restrictions are anticipated, with HSE’s draft proposing the following changes to the UK fire industry:

•  August 2026: HSE PFAS draft becomes UK legislation
• February 2027: PFAS-containing foam fire extinguishers are banned from entering the market
• August 2031: all PFAS-containing foam fire extinguishers must be removed from installations

At CheckFire, we have already removed all PFAS chemicals from our fire extinguisher brands, Commander, CommanderEDGE, and Contempo, and are committed to providing a sustainable and safer alternative for our customers.

The steps we have taken are just the beginning. Sustainability and safety must go hand in hand, which is why we are continuously innovating to deliver eco-conscious solutions that protect both people and the planet. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to driving greater progress throughout the fire trade supply chain.