Why the UK’s PFAS foam phase-out demands facilities’ attention now

Alpine Fire calls for engagement in UK PFAS foam consultation

Alpine Fire has urged facilities managers and compliance officers to participate in the UK Health and Safety Executive’s consultation on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) firefighting foams before the February 2026 deadline.

The company said the consultation focuses on further restrictions following the government’s July 2025 ban on C8 foam, which contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Attention has now turned to C6 foam, a formulation that still includes trace levels of PFOA and remains in use across high-hazard facilities such as oil and gas, petrochemical and offshore operations.

Mark Thewlis, Senior Engineer at Alpine Fire, said: “This consultation marks another key step in the UK’s transition away from PFAS-based firefighting agents.

“While C8 foam has already been phased out, C6 usage may still be necessary in certain high-risk or specialist settings.

“That said, their long-term use is under review, and facilities need to understand both the implications and the alternatives.”

C6 foam faces closer scrutiny

The Environment Protection Agency has stated that it expects the use of C6 foam to be limited in the near future.

Alpine Fire said that while it does not advocate continued widespread use of C6 foam, the company recognises that an informed and gradual transition is essential for maintaining operational safety and compliance.

Thewlis added: “The shift to fluorine-free systems isn’t as simple as swapping one foam for another.

“F3 foam has different viscosity and performance characteristics, meaning some suppression systems will require significant modification.

“Our role is to help clients make the transition safely, effectively, and in line with any upcoming regulation.”

Awareness campaign launched ahead of 2026 deadline

Alpine Fire confirmed it is launching an awareness campaign to publicise the consultation and encourage participation from those working with C6 foam.

The campaign aims to ensure that stakeholders can contribute to shaping the next phase of UK policy on PFAS firefighting agents.

The consultation will run until 18 February 2026.

Facilities managers seeking guidance on the removal of C8 and C6 foams from fire suppression systems are directed to visit Alpine Fire’s website for more information.

Implications for facilities and fire-protection managers

The consultation on PFAS foam regulation has direct implications for facilities managers, compliance officers and safety engineers overseeing high-hazard environments.

Operators using C6 foam within oil and gas, petrochemical or offshore systems may be required to review suppression performance, system compatibility and replacement feasibility in preparation for upcoming restrictions.

Fluorine-free foam (F3) adoption will also demand engineering assessments to account for viscosity differences, storage parameters and discharge rates compared to PFAS-based formulations.

Alpine Fire’s campaign seeks to ensure stakeholders are informed of both the technical and regulatory changes, enabling effective planning for foam removal and replacement before the February 2026 deadline.