Blog; Changes to Fire Extinguisher Regulations in 2025
Written by:
Carl Bartlett
HAE EHA Hire Certification
Services
. 17th September 2025
From 4th July 2025, significant updates to fire extinguisher regulations in the UK came into effect, focusing on environmental protection and enhanced safety standards. These changes aim to phase out harmful substances and align with European fire safety testing methods.
Ban on Certain Foam Fire Extinguishers
Starting in July 2025, fire extinguishers containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are no longer permitted. PFOA is a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), commonly referred to as a “forever chemical” due to its long-lasting presence in the environment. Studies have linked PFAS to health risks, prompting a move to safer alternatives. The ban is designed to reduce environmental contamination and protect public health.
Also from 4th July 2025, the UK government has banned AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) fire extinguishers containing PFAS chemicals due to environmental concerns. Property owners must switch to eco-friendly alternatives; fire safety classification systems and staff training programmes are also being updated. Responsible persons should review their fire extinguisher provisions to ensure they are compliant and use appropriate alternatives like water mist, non-PFAS foam, or dry powder.
New Fire Testing Standards
On 2nd March 2025, the UK replaced its national fire safety classification system (BS 476) with the European BS EN 13501 series. This update will change how building materials and roofing are tested for fire resistance, creating a more consistent approach to fire safety across the UK and Europe. The shift is intended to improve the accuracy and reliability of fire testing.
What This Means for Businesses
Safety professionals should therefore review the existing and updated fire safety specifications affecting existing and planned premises under their control, and ensure they, along with their suppliers, understand the new requirements outlined by BS EN 13501 and BS 9991:2024, especially when procuring fire protection systems and their associated products. Organisations should review their fire safety equipment and ensure they comply with these new regulations. This includes:
By taking action now, businesses and building owners can ensure they meet legal standards while contributing to a safer and more environmentally responsible future.
Resources
1. BS 476: British Standard for fire tests on building materials and structures
Note: BS 476 the standard for fire testing is being phased out in the UK, with a full transition to European (EN) standards by 2nd September 2029. References to BS 476 will be removed from Approved Document B, the building regulations for fire safety, with parts of the standard being removed starting in March 2025 and the full phase-out completed by September 2029.
2. BS EN 13501: European Standard for fire classification of construction products and building elements
BS EN 13501 provides a unified European system for classifying the fire performance of construction products and building elements, with BS EN 13501-1 focusing on “reaction to fire” based on tests for combustibility, flame spread, heat, and smoke. Products receive a Euroclass rating (e.g., A1, B, C-s3-d2) indicating their contribution to fire, and these classifications are replacing older national standards in the UK.
3. BS 5306-8:2023 – Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises
BS 5306-8:2023 provides guidelines for the selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers in buildings, emphasising their role as essential first aid firefighting appliances. The document outlines recommendations for planning, installation, and maintenance, while addressing various fire classes and hazards. It supersedes the previous version from 2012, incorporating updates on legislation, environmental impact, and extinguisher characteristics.
4. BS 5306-9:2015 – Recharging of portable fire extinguishers – Code of practice
BS 5306-9:2015 incorporates two standards, outlining all the requirements for the installation and recharging of portable fire extinguishers. BS 5305-9:2015 is a key standard for architects, building owners and service engineers, to ensure that fire extinguishers are properly serviced and maintained, as well as ensuring there is effective fire sighting provisions throughout the building.
Additional Notes on BS 5306-8
There has been a significant update to the British Standard BS 5306-8: 2023, for the selection and installation of fire extinguishers. This revision updates the requirements aligning with current best practice.
The new standard has greatly expanded the commentary in clause 4, on different extinguishing media – their firefighting properties.
This guidance clarifies the use of powder extinguishers indoors and gives a better-balanced approach to selecting extinguishing media aiding users in making more informed decisions.
An innovative aspect of BS 5306-8: 2023 is its emphasis on collaboration between responsible persons and service providers. This ensures that specifications for fire extinguishers are not just compliant but tailored to the specific needs of different settings.
The update includes a warning about the use of water-based extinguishers on fires involving electrical equipment and new guidelines for handling fires involving batteries, with a focus on lithium-ion batteries in small mobile devices, acknowledging their growing use. Additionally, it updates the guidance on the number of A rated extinguishers in small premises; Areas under 50m2 need only have one, however, above 50m2 the requirement is still a minimum of two.