Poly fluorinated firefighting (PFA) foams have been found to be bio accumulative, meaning they do not break down in the environment. They pollute water ways and work their way back up the food chain to be consumed by humans and are a suspected carcinogen. As per the Environmental Protection Agencies directive, the fire industry is proceeding to remove these types of extinguishers (that contain C6 Aqueous Film Forming Foams C6-AFFF) from circulation and replace with approved product.
Here at Fire Security Services, we are proceeding to remove and replace these extinguishers with suitable alternative AFFF (Fluorinated Fire Fighting Foam) fire extinguishers at our customers sites. These works must be completed prior to December 2025 to maintain compliance.
Will FSS let me know if I have one of these extinguishers that need replacing?
Yes, if you are a fire equipment maintenance customer, you will hear from us if you have this kind of extinguisher on your site. We will proceed to swap and go with a suitable alternative during your next annual equipment inspection.
What if I need to use the banned extinguisher in the meantime, before it is replaced?
You can still use foam extinguishers that contain C6-AFFF up until 3 December 2025, in an emergency or for testing and maintenance activities. You cannot use it for training.
Unwarranted usage / discharge or any spills of banned firefighting foams is a notifiable offence under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1006 and faces prosecution.
Marsden Point Refinery (Channel Infrastructure NZ Limited) was fined $169,000 in November 2022 for discharging PFAS containing fire-fighting foam into the environment during training exercises.
What if I have a fixed fire suppression system suspected of containing AFFF?
Fixed suppression systems suspected of containing AFFF will be treated as if they do, unless independent laboratory testing can confirm otherwise. We are engaging customers with these systems directly and working together to find a viable alternative, which can include re-engineering of the suppression system for a clean agent system.
If you suspect your fixed suppression system contains AFFF or want to know more, please contact us
How is the banned extinguisher disposed of?
Extinguishers and suppression systems that contain AFFF must be disposed of in a compliant manner i.e. Incineration at an approved facility.
This includes collection, decanting of the AFFF into approved IBC’s in a controlled environment and full decontamination of the associated housing equipment.
Incineration is not possible in New Zealand; therefore, the decanted foam is shipped to an approved incineration facility in Europe to be disposed of.
There is a charge for disposing the extinguisher to cover decontamination of equipment, decanting of product, freight, labour, permit approvals and all other associated costs.
If you have any questions please contact us