The PFHxA Regulation (EU) 2024/2462
A deeper insight.

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The current status
of PFAS regulation.

Update from 06.01.2025.

Dear sales partners,

At the start of the new year, we would like to inform you about the latest developments regarding the regulation of PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) in fire extinguishing foams. After some information has already been shared in recent months, new publications and drafts from the European Commission have concretised important details, especially regarding the transitional periods.

Below you will find an overview of the revised transition periods and relevant regulations:

Portable fire extinguishers:

Within 12 months: Ban on the placing on the market of fire extinguishing foams in portable fire extinguishers (except alcohol-resistant foams).

Within 18 months: Ban on alcohol-resistant fire extinguishing foams in portable fire extinguishers.

Use permitted until 31 December 2030 to allow sufficient time to switch to PFAS-free alternatives.

 

Training and tests:

Within 18 months: Ban on the use of foams containing PFAS for training and testing purposes, unless all emissions are captured.

 

Public fire brigades:

Within 18 months: Ban on the use of foams containing PFAS, except for applications in industrial plants covered by the Seveso III Directive.

Use in these industrial plants is permitted for up to 10 years after entry into force.

Civil aviation and ships:

 Within 5 years: Use of PFAS-containing foams permitted in new civil ship applications and aviation.

Within 10 years: Use permitted on military and civilian ships already in operation.

Offshore industry and hazardous industrial facilities:

Within 10 years: Use in offshore industries and Seveso III facilities still permitted to enable the introduction of alternatives.

Further obligations during the transition periods

Management plans:

Users must develop a plan within 12 months to ensure that PFAS-containing foams are handled and disposed of responsibly.

Labelling obligations:

From 12 months after entry into force, products containing PFAS must be labelled accordingly to ensure transparency.

Collection and disposal:

Waste containing PFAS must be collected and disposed of properly.

Update.

Ban on PFAS/PFHxA in fire extinguishing foams: What you need to know.

The European Commission has published the PFHxA Regulation (EU) 2024/2462, which will impose significant restrictions on the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams from 2026. This concerns specific applications, while a general PFAS regulation that includes portable fire extinguishers is already planned. The pressure to act is now greater than ever - the time to switch to fluorine-free alternatives is now.

1st PFHxA Regulation 2024: New restrictions from 2026

From 10 April 2026, extinguishing foams containing PFHxA may no longer be used in certain areas if they exceed the following limit values:

- 25 ppb for PFHxA and its salts
- 1000 ppb for PFHxA-related substances

The applications concerned include fire extinguishing foams for training purposes, public fire services and, from 2029, civil aviation.

2. general PFAS restriction in planning

In addition to the PFHxA regulation, a comprehensive PFAS regulation is in preparation, which will also affect portable fire extinguishers. This clearly shows that a switch to PFAS-free alternatives is necessary.

3. our fluorine-free alternatives

We already offer high-performance, PFAS-free extinguishing agents. We also offer conversion kits for cartridge fire extinguishers, provided these have not yet been triggered.

Take the opportunity to switch to future-proof, environmentally friendly solutions now. We will be happy to support you with our experience.

For more information on the PFHxA Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 and its impact on textiles, leather and food packaging, read our latest blog article and find out how you can best prepare for the new regulations: To the article

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.

Current status of regulation.

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.

Currently described transition periods.

• Six months after the ban comes into force, the placing on the market of fire extinguishers containing PFAS/PFHxA is no longer permitted.

 

• Within five years of the introduction of the ban, the use of fire extinguishers containing PFAS/ PFHxA is no longer permitted.

 

• A phasing-out period of five years could be proposed for shipping.

 

• Fire brigades of: Airports, armed forces, offshore and onshore, oil/gas and power plants, waste disposal sites, food and metal production as well as the manufacturing industry could be granted a transitional period of 10 years after the regulation comes into force.

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.

Our measures and recommendations.

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.

Action steps for your company.

• Inventory assessment: Review your current fire extinguishing agents and identify those that contain PFAS/ PFHxA.

• Planning the changeover: Start planning early to ensure a smooth transition.

• Advice and support: Take advantage of our expertise to find the optimum PFAS/ PFHxA-free solutions for your needs.

 

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.

Adjustment of insurance contracts to PFAS risks.

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

What do I need to consider when I am about to replace my foam fire extinguishers?

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.

Can my Jockel fire extinguishers be converted to fluorine-free agents?

Yes, the retrofitting of fire extinguishers that currently use foam cartridges containing PFAS/ PFHxA is feasible under certain conditions.

Appliances with a ready-made foam solution cannot be converted, as the inner coating has become enriched with fluorine.

We will be happy to advise you on the conversion options.

Are foam fire extinguishers really necessary, aren't there other extinguishing agent options?

What precautions should be taken when using PFAS?

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.

What common products contain PFAS?

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.

Which company protocols must be observed when working with products containing PFAS?

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.

How is it ensured that the disposal processes comply with environmental regulations, especially for PFAS-contaminated materials?

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.

How can you recognise whether a fire extinguisher contains PFAS?

To determine whether a fire extinguisher contains perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), it is advisable to consult the product information and the manufacturer's safety data sheet. PFAS are commonly used in extinguishing foams, especially those designed to fight fires involving flammable liquids and gases (Class B fires). These chemicals effectively help to smother the fire quickly by creating a protective barrier between the flammable substance and the air. If you are unsure whether your fire extinguisher contains PFAS, we recommend that you contact us directly.

our new
GREEN 2.0

Sustainable and future-proof deletion.

Find fluorine-free alternatives here

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The European Union has taken a historic step towards environmental protection and public health by deciding to ban perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) in firefighting foams from 2024. This ban marks a decisive turning point in European environmental and health policy and sets the course for a more sustainable future.

The fight against PFAS

PFAS, known for their longevity in the environment and potential health risks, are currently found in many foam fire extinguishers. However, their widespread use has caused increasing concern. The EU is now responding with a concrete ban, which is part of a larger initiative to reduce PFAS exposure by 2026. The aim is to minimize the risks to people and the environment.

Transition periods for various areas of application

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) have understood this challenge and proposed specific transition periods for different areas of application:

• Industrial plants and neighboring sites: A ten-year transition period is recommended here to ensure the effectiveness and availability of fluorine-free alternatives.
• Civil shipping: An extension of the transition period from three to five years is proposed for this area in order to give the industry sufficient time for the changeover.
• Portable fire extinguishers: One important change concerns portable fire extinguishers. Originally scheduled for six months, this deadline extended to 18 months. This extension is crucial to give manufacturers, distributors and users of portable fire extinguishers sufficient time to adapt to the ban and to develop and implement suitable PFAS-free alternatives. These steps are essential to ensure the reliability and safety of these devices in emergencies. The extension aims to ensure that adequate PFAS-free alternatives are available by the time the ban comes into force. This is particularly important as portable fire extinguishers play a critical role in emergencies and their reliability and effectiveness is essential.

A new standard for safety and environmental protection

The forthcoming ban on PFAS in firefighting foams is more than just a regulatory measure; it is a commitment to a safer and greener future. The EU is demonstrating that it is prepared to lead the way in introducing measures that strengthen both public safety and environmental awareness. The transition periods are a smart move to ensure that the transition to safer alternatives is smooth and does not compromise firefighting readiness.

Conclusion

The ban on PFAS in firefighting foams is a significant step forward for the EU in its efforts to reduce environmental and health risks. It sends a strong signal to the rest of the world that the time for change has come and that safety and sustainability can go hand in hand. This carefully considered decision in favor of portable fire extinguishers shows how serious the EU is about finding a balanced approach between environmental protection, public safety and economic reality.

Summary

The EU's initiative sets new standards in environmental and security policy and is a shining example of how forward-looking decisions can be made for the benefit of people and nature. The world is watching, and it is to be hoped that other regions will follow suit.

Find fluorine-free alternatives here.

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The post Feuerschutz JOCKEL GmbH & Co. KG bleibt eigenständig. – Die „Jockel Brandschutztechnik-Service GmbH“ aus Puhlheim verkauft an „Presto“ appeared first on Jockel.

Visit us at our stand in Hall 4, Stand 510, where we will not only be presenting our latest products, but will also have a barista on hand to serve you freshly brewed coffee. So you can not only familiarise yourself with our products, but also take a short break and treat yourself to a delicious drink.

We would also like to introduce you to our brand new Green 2.0 generation of fire extinguishers, which are a great addition to our range.

PFAS ban
Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the ban and show you what alternatives are available.

So come and visit us in Hall 4, Stand 510 at the Feuertrutz trade fair in Nuremberg on 21 and 22 June. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Finally the time has come again, the Interschutz opens its doors. After the Interschutz was postponed due to Corona, we can now participate again in person.

We are happy to finally be able to exchange ideas with them in person again. Conversations develop an individual dynamic that is difficult to achieve through a digital solution. That's why we are even more looking forward to an event live and in colour. In addition to event highlights, conferences, awards, demonstrations and speakers, there will be a comprehensive programme on the topic of fire protection.

Current trends and highlights can once again be experienced up close at our stand - in compliance with the applicable infection control laws, of course.

We invite you to explore current topics around PFAS, sustainable fire protection and many more. We look forward to your visit at the Fairground Hannover from 20.06.22 - 25.06.22 at stand H13.F60.

Further information is available on the Website of the Interschutz 

Fire protection Jockel at the Interschutz 2022

Finally the time has come again, the Interschutz opens its doors. After the Interschutz was postponed due to Corona, we can now participate in person again.

We are happy to finally be able to exchange ideas with you in person again. Conversations develop an individual dynamic, which is difficult to achieve through a digital solution. That's why we're even more looking forward to an event live and in colour. In addition to event highlights, conferences, awards, demonstrations and speakers, there will be a comprehensive programme around the topic of fire protection.

Current trends and highlights can once again be experienced up close at our booth - in compliance with the applicable infection control laws, of course.

We invite you to explore current topics around PFAS, sustainable fire protection and many more. We are looking forward to your visit at the fairground Hannover from 20.06.22 - 25.06.22 at booth H13.F60.

For further information please visit the website of Interschutz 

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However, what has long been puzzling and thought-provoking is the fact that the fluorinated substances of the PFAS family, of which more than 4,700 are known, do not occur in nature. They are characterised by very high chemical and thermal stability and extreme longevity. Because they are not biodegradable, the substances are therefore also referred to as Eternity chemicals and accumulate in the environment in the soil, groundwater, oceans and through the food chain in almost all bio-organisms. Scientific studies are increasingly revealing their properties, which are seriously harmful to human health. The first bans and regulations have already been issued or are in preparation in the EU for certain applications.

Do we have to prepare for a farewell to the practical properties of PFAS?

Indeed, it is not always easy to say goodbye to the many positive and practical properties that PFASs unfold in many products, even if the longevity, the adverse health effects and the problem of accumulation in the environment are perceived as real. The emerging and further growing public discourse on a drastic restriction or even an EU-wide ban of PFAS or similar fluorinated substances is somewhat reminiscent of the discussions on a possible ban of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) towards the end of the 1980s to protect the high-altitude ozone shield. The CFC discourse ultimately led to the banning of CFCs with the effect that the "ozone hole" over Antarctica and Australia has regenerated over time and CFC concentrations in the atmosphere are slowly decreasing. A very large potential for success in favour of a sustainable environment is offered by the development of similarly creative and target-oriented solutions for the replacement of PFAS with fluorine-free products and processes. Here, Jockel shows a clear path with the Green Generation.

Are fluorine-free substitutes for PFASs at all possible in favour of sustainability?

As mentioned at the beginning, PFAS and related per- or polyfluorinated substances have many desirable properties that substitute products should also have in order to be accepted as quickly as possible in favour of a sustainable environment. Whether it will be possible to find an environmentally friendly and cost-effective substitute to produce all the desired properties cannot yet be fully answered.

We at Feuerschutz Jockel are mighty proud of the fact that we reacted early to the environmental problem with PFAS in firefighting foam and have been producing fluorine-free alternatives in favour of sustainability since 2016. Our GREEN GENERATION is based on the avoidance of fluorosurfactants and thus means turning away from per- and polyfluorinated chemistry, so that we can mark our fire extinguishers with a special label. We have taken a pioneering role in the development of fluorine-free extinguishing foams. Interesting and further information can be found here. If a B-fire hazard is not really to be assumed, we also recommend the use of high-performance water extinguishers or water fog extinguishers in addition to fluorine-free fire extinguishers.

What PFAS regulations can be expected across the EU?

The environmental authorities of Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark submitted a Memorandum of Understanding to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in July 2021, according to which they will submit a joint restriction proposal for the entire PFAS family (> 4700 substances) by 15 July 2022. 

The planned restriction proposal will cover the production, placing on the market as well as the use of the entire PFAS group. According to the Federal Environment Agency, further regulations are already in preparation.

Currently, the ban includes PFOS and PFOA as well as restrictions on PFHxS through inclusion in the REACH Candidate List (restricted substances) 2021.

The substance PFHxA, which is relevant for fire extinguishing foams and is used in the current fire extinguishing foams of German manufacturers - is to be regulated.

PFHxA practically forms the basis of the current, 6-chain extinguishing foams and is to this day current state of the technology. However, a reversal can be seen soon. It is advisable to be aware of the development regarding the classification of fire-fighting foams as "substances of concern" when selling them. 

A ban on PFHxA has not yet been adopted, but is considered very likely. It is equally likely that the substance PFHxA will be included in the candidate list via REACH in the next few months.

More details can be found on the official REACH / UBA website:

To the Reach website 

To the UBA

What is the opinion of the Federal Environment Agency?

In its environmental magazine, issue 01/2020, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) takes up PFAS as a main topic and clearly explains how the substances spread and accumulate in the environment, what damage they cause and how "humans and the environment" can be protected from PFAS and related substances in the future. UBA opposes the further spread of these "eternity chemicals". For more detailed information you can download the magazine here .

Rethinking is required in favour of sustainable environmental protection

Regardless of further restrictions on the production and use of PFAS and related products, we advocate the use of alternative products that are fluorine-free and sustainably protect the biosphere of our planet Earth. This applies in particular to the use of firefighting foams, which are also fluorine-free for efficient firefighting.

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The European Union is putting a lot of focus on e-mobilisation and its advantages. This electrification can be found in cars, scooters, buses or bicycles - but this technology also harbours dangers. With regard to the most commonly installed Li-Ion batteries, a fire can occur in the event of incorrect use, partial failure of the protection system, mechanical damage due to accidents or other impacts, as well as thermal overloads, which requires special attention for rapid and optimal combating.

Here, Jockel offers solutions for the private sector and in the commercial sector, for the use, transport or storage of Li-Ion batteries.

How high is the fire risk from Li-ion batteries?

The fire hazard posed by Li-ion batteries due to spontaneous combustion depends greatly on their construction and the quality of the components installed. Drive batteries with a large number of cells connected in series or parallel and high DC voltages are subject to high safety standards, but it is difficult to assess the actual fire risk from spontaneous combustion. The most important thing is to be prepared for a possible case of fire - especially when storing batteries in warehouses. Since 2009, Li-ion batteries have been assigned to dangerous goods class 9, the regulations of which must be observed when storing and transporting the batteries. In the case of high-voltage drive batteries in vehicles, there is also a risk of ignition due to mechanical damage or the effects of intense heat, for example due to a vehicle fire after an accident. In this case, we recommend carrying out an individual risk assessment for the commercial transport or storage of Li-Ion batteries. Here, it is important to identify the battery category, to separate the batteries stored as a whole, to form smaller fire compartments and to take detection/early recognition into account.

Our on-site fire protection companies help with the categorisation of risks and the associated fire protection planning.

Due to the impending rapid development of e-mobility, as well as the opening up of further fields of application, knowledge about the "right" way to fight battery fires and the most suitable extinguishing agent for fighting them is becoming increasingly important.

Which extinguishing agents are suitable for containing a Li-ion battery fire?

Traction batteries of vehicles are hermetically and gas-tight sealed and additionally usually encapsulated. Therefore, a fire caused by spontaneous combustion is not always easy to detect and direct access to the battery - even in the case of a vehicle involved in an accident - is often difficult. 

If batteries become conspicuous or catch fire, the objective from a fire protection point of view is to cool down the battery to approx. 60-70°C.  The aim is to interrupt the chain reaction of the igniting battery cells. Various extinguishing agents are suitable for this purpose, all of which have a cooling effect. Water and water with additives are common extinguishing agents, as is extinguishing gel. In this context, Jockel recommends the extinguishing gel, as it has an adhesive property in addition to the cooling effect. The Jockel extinguishing gel sticks to the extinguishing object and it binds the water so that the thermals can be absorbed better. As a result, less extinguishing agent volume is usually needed. Water, on the other hand, would largely evaporate in combination with battery fires. This is crucial, especially when it comes to the question of the amount of extinguishing water retention and the associated contamination or remediation. 

In order to keep the follow-up costs of firefighting as low as possible, we recommend professional remediation/cleaning after a battery fire, as toxic and corrosive substances are produced in the process.

The fact is that gel, water and water with additives can be used as extinguishing agents in the right application area are highly efficient. Here, too, our fire protection specialists can actively support you with any questions you may have.

Which extinguishing agents are better suited than pure extinguishing water?

Specialists from DEKRA tested the suitability of the three fire-fighting agents water, water with additives and water with added gel. Fighting the fire with water took 17.5 minutes with a "consumption" of 400 litres of water. The additive in the water brought a clear improvement, the fire was extinguished in only 14 seconds with a total use of 80 litres of water. In terms of efficient fire fighting, the values were again significantly undercut by the use of only 5 percent gel in the water. The fire was extinguished in only 5 seconds. We at Feuerschutz Jockel are very proud of the fact that for years now we have been able to offer our customers a wide range of fire-fighting services from our GREEN GENERATION we carry hand-held fire extinguishers with exactly this gel for fighting battery fires in our portfolio.

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More on the ban 

What does the ban mean?

The ban on PFOA is primarily aimed at extinguishing agent manufacturers and sets a limit value accordingly. This max. limit value to be complied with is 25ppb PFOA (0.025mg/kg). With regard to the communicated deadlines and the limits published in the Official Journal of the European Union, REGULATION (EU) 2019/1021, we would like to specify the date from which the regulation takes effect in practice: 

In the event that the release of substances containing PFOA can be collected in portable and mobile fire extinguishers (thus neither seeping into the ground nor running into a sewerage system), the fire extinguisher can also continue to be operated for all extinguishing agents placed on the market before 04.07.2020. If this is not guaranteed, they are not permitted from 01.01.2023.

More about the UBA ban 

We refer to proper disposal, exclusively via appropriate disposal specialist companies.

What are PFOA?

Per-fluoro-octanoic acid is a substance that belongs to the PFAS family and is found in so-called C8 chemistry and thus also in extinguishing foams. These foams were replaced without exception by so-called "high-purity" C6 foams by renowned German fire extinguisher manufacturers between 2009/2011.

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances form the family of halogenated fluorosurfactants used in various industries, such as functional clothing, surface coatings, paint and varnish, and in foam extinguishing agents. Many substances from the family, such as PFOS and PFOA, are now banned. Many other substances in the PFAS family are considered to be of concern and are likely to be further regulated.

Click here for our information page on the subject of the PFAS ban for fire extinguishers. 

Are the fluorine-free extinguishers dangerous to use?

Jockel fluorine- and solvent-free fire extinguishers can be handled and used in the same way as other conventional foam extinguishers. The fluorine-free Jockel "GREEN" foam extinguishers are easy and intuitive to use, so that even a (any) layman can use these extinguishers without further ado. Furthermore, the fluorine-free Jockel foam extinguishers are designed to have a comparably high extinguishing performance compared to other ordinary extinguishers. For the user, this means a consistent extinguishing efficiency for successfully extinguishing incipient fires. Existing fire extinguishers can therefore be easily replaced with fluorine-free extinguishers without any loss of extinguishing performance. In this context, we always recommend adapting or creating a corresponding risk assessment. 

There is currently a great deal of uncertainty and unfortunately also often half-knowledge on the market. If you need clarification or have general questions, please contact renowned manufacturers of fire extinguishers or extinguishing agents and the fire extinguishers or extinguishing agents and the bvbf association.

What is C6 Chemistry?

C6 chemistry is the current state of the art to efficiently extinguish fires and quickly contain the environmental impact associated with the fire. These fire extinguishers are legitimised and may be used without restriction. These can be found in Jockel foam fire extinguishers with the BIO label. However, the entire PFAS family is classified as a concern, so further regulation is very likely in the long term. Among other things, this is also provided for in the legal basis of the European Green Deal, which will in particular regulate the placing on the market of persistent substances (PFAS in general are persistent).

What are the sustainable options?

When choosing the right foam extinguishing agent, a long-term view is definitely sensible and economical. We recommend considering alternative, sustainable foams in the decision-making process. For this purpose, JOCKEL suggests the GREEN GENERATION concept, which recommends a holistic consideration via a risk assessment of extinguishing agents when using B-fire risk potentials. Accordingly, the following are also recommended: high-performance water extinguishers, water mist extinguishers and fluorine-free foam extinguishers, to avoid the discharge of harmful or at least worrying substances.

Learn more...

Where is the development going?

A clear trend can be seen in the area of sustainability, as regulation is emerging through constantly evolving analytical methods. In the spirit of promoting this sustainability, Jockel has set standards with the fluorine-free alternatives.

Are foam agents in fire extinguishers prohibited?

The current state of the art provides for C6 foam extinguishing agents. Since March 2016, Jockel has been offering sustainable fluorine-free alternatives. 

What is the "Green Deal" ?

To „Green Deal“

Are there any older Jockel foam fire extinguishers that may no longer be used or may only be used under certain conditions due to the PFOA concentration > 0.025 mg/kg in the extinguishing agent? If so, which devices are involved?

Answer:

The fire extinguisher is a system requiring maintenance, which is subject to recurring maintenance. With this maintenance, on the one hand the functionality and safety of the extinguisher is to be ensured, but also the state of the art in the case through the extinguishing agent exchange to the state of a C6 chemistry. Means that, under the premise that JOCKEL 

portable and mobile fire extinguishers have been properly maintained every 2 years in accordance with the applicable regulations, it can be assumed that there are no longer any devices in circulation that do not comply with the applicable regulations.

Reason:

Since 2010 at the latest, we have only been using foam extinguishing agents that are below the limit value and can therefore be used without restriction for fire fighting. Since the maximum service life of foam extinguishing agents is 6 or 8 years, the extinguishing agent had to be replaced long ago even in older units where an extinguishing agent with too high a PFOA content was still being used. When the extinguishing agent is replaced, the unit is automatically changed over to a foam extinguishing agent that meets the current requirements. This must also be recognisable by the change in the extinguishing agent information (name or approval/recognition or conformity confirmation number) in the labelling image (extinguishing agent sticker). Therefore, we must assume that the Jockel devices on the market all comply with the currently applicable regulations and laws and may be used for fire fighting without restrictions.

To the listing

^{* These regulations refer to the laws applicable in Germany, deviations to other EU member states are possible.}

Reference to further links:

www.jockel.de

Federal Environment Agency

BFR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment

Federal Association of Company Fire Protection Plant Fire Brigade Association Germany e.V 

Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior and for Integration 

European Green Deal

Supplementary FAQ ́s

FAQ's on the subject of PFOA

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