With a view to the future of fire protection and our environment, we would like to inform you about an important development that affects every company: the impending ban on PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances). PFAS are also known as "forever chemicals", as they are very difficult for the environment to break down. According to the current status, the use of all PFAS-containing fire extinguishing foams will be completely banned within five years of this regulation coming into force.
The European Union aims to restrict the use of PFAS due to their long-lasting negative impact on the environment and health. These chemicals are present in a wide range of products, e.g. in household appliances, clothing, food packaging, personal care products, Tefflon products, chip & electrical industry as well as in e-mobility, including in firefighting foams, and are in focus due to their poorly degradable and potentially hazardous properties. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has presented recommendations for transition periods to allow industry to switch to fluorine-free alternatives without compromising fire safety. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to minimise emissions of PFAS into the environment while ensuring safety.
Based on the information available and the current regulatory discussions, we assume that the ban on fire extinguishing foams containing PFAS/PFHxA could probably be published in the first half of 2025.
It is important to emphasise that this assessment is based on currently available sources and that official confirmation from the European Union or individual Member States is still pending. Despite this uncertainty, we are convinced that the direction towards a ban is clear.
In anticipation of these changes, we have already begun to adapt our product range to include fluorine-free fire extinguishing agents that already comply with the forthcoming regulations while providing effective fire protection. We firmly believe that this change not only fulfils a legal requirement, but also makes a significant contribution to environmental protection and public health.
We recommend that our customers actively support the upcoming changes and consider the introduction of fluorine-free alternatives. Our team is on hand to support you in the selection and implementation of suitable solutions.
We thank you for your trust in our products and services and for your commitment to working with us for more sustainable and safer fire protection. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or support.
Insurers are increasingly preparing to adapt their policies to the risks associated with perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). In particular, this involves the introduction of specific exclusion clauses for PFAS-related claims. PFAS, often referred to as "perpetual chemicals", are the focus of environmental regulations and legal disputes, leading to significant liability and regulatory disputes. Insurers have begun to include such exclusion clauses in their general liability (CGL) policies to explicitly exclude claims related to PFAS damage.
It is therefore advisable for companies potentially affected by PFAS-related claims to carefully review their existing and previous policies and work with lawyers to identify potential areas of cover and assess future insurance needs with regard to PFAS risks
In view of the forthcoming ban on extinguishing agents containing PFAS/ PFHxA, we strongly advise against continuing to use such agents for refills. Instead, we recommend switching to fluorine-free extinguishing agent alternatives. This is not only a more sustainable option, but also a more economical one.
Yes, the retrofitting of fire extinguishers that currently use foam cartridges containing PFAS/PFHxA is possible under certain conditions. We will be happy to advise you on the conversion options.
When handling PFAS, particular attention must be paid to wearing personal protective equipment and paying close attention to the safety data sheets for the products used. Regular training and information events for employees help to raise awareness and promote safe working practices.
PFAS are used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, including fire-fighting foams, non-stick cookware, water and dirt repellents, certain cosmetics and in the electronics industry for certain manufacturing processes.
Companies should develop procedures that govern the safe handling of PFAS, including specific storage, handling and disposal instructions. In addition, regular review and updating of these protocols is required to ensure compliance with the latest safety and environmental standards.
Specialised processes and certified disposal companies must be used for the disposal of PFAS-containing materials. This often involves thermal treatment or other technologies to ensure that PFAS do not enter the environment.
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The products shown are examples. The proportions of the products, although shown side by side, do not convey the actual differences in dimensions. Errors and omissions excepted. Deviations from illustrated products are possible. As at January 2024.
