Substances containing fluorine - ban: what does this mean?
With the upcoming ban on fire extinguishers containing fluorinated substances, it is important to take the necessary steps to adapt your fire protection equipment equipment. Certain chemical substances - the so-called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - may no longer be used in the future. These substances, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), have been restricted due to their environmental impact and health risks.
The European Union has adopted the PFAS ban in order to reduce the environmental impact of these harmful substances. The use of extinguishing agents containing PFOA is still permitted until July 4, 2025 - after that only under certain conditions. These conditions mainly apply to fire protection systems used to combat class B fires (liquid fuels). It should be noted in particular that:
- Released substances must be completely collected.
- stocks over 50 kg must be reported in order to ensure proper disposal.
Transition period until 2025 and requirements
Until October 10, 2026, fire extinguishers and extinguishing systems containing PFOA may still be used, but only in places where complete containment of the released substances is possible. Companies with stocks containing these substances are obliged to report residual quantities of more than 50 kg to the authorities.
Further information on PFAS and the legal requirements can be found here.
EXCERPT:
In Part A of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, the following entry is added:
"6. by way of derogation, the use of PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds in firefighting foam for fighting liquid fuel vapors and liquid fuel fires (fire class B) already filled into systems, both mobile and stationary, shall be permitted until July 4, 2025, subject to the following conditions:
(a) Firefighting foam that contains or may contain PFOA, its salts and/or PFOA-related compounds shall not be used for training purposes;
(b) fire-fighting foam that contains or may contain PFOA, its salts and/or PFOA-related compounds shall not be used for testing unless all releases are captured
(c) from January 1, 2023, uses of firefighting foam that contains or may contain PFOA, its salts and/or PFOA-related compounds shall only be permitted at sites where all releases can be contained;
(d) stocks of fire-fighting foam containing or likely to contain PFOA, its salts and/or PFOA-related compounds shall be managed in accordance with Article 5."
Cleaning and disposal: The correct handling of PFOA
PFOA and similar substances are not biodegradable and must therefore be disposed of as hazardous waste. After using a fire extinguisher containing PFOA, the contaminated areas must be thoroughly cleaned. Proper disposal must also be verified - these measures must be carried out by a company authorized to dispose of hazardous waste. Appropriate evidence of the cleaning and disposal of the contaminated substances must be kept and submitted to the relevant authorities.
Conversion of PFOA-containing fire extinguishers and extinguishing systems
Existing systems can be retrofitted. Whether such a retrofit makes sense and is possible depends on the type of fire extinguisher or system. In some cases, only the cartridge can be replaced, in other cases a comprehensive conversion is necessary. The decision as to whether a fire extinguisher contains fluorinated substances and should be retrofitted should ideally be made together with your manufacturer or a qualified fire protection technician.
Questions about retrofitting can be directed to the manufacturer or a specialized provider.
Practical implementation and approval requirements
When retrofitting your fire protection equipment, structural modifications may be necessary, which may require official approval. It is important that the new system continues to ensure the necessary extinguishing effect. If a comprehensive retrofit is necessary, this can be carried out as part of a § 82b review before the transition period ends. The planned measures and timetable should be communicated to the competent authority on this occasion to ensure a smooth transition.
Note: Contact a fire protection specialist in good time. fire protection specialist or your manufacturer in good time to discuss the best alternatives to fluorinated extinguishing agents and to ensure a smooth conversion.
