PFAS timelines clarified as OHEAP advises UK businesses there is no ban
Iain Hoey
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OHEAP responds to PFAS questions in the UK
OHEAP Fire & Security is advising UK businesses that no PFAS firefighting foam ban currently applies in the country, despite new rules introduced in the European Union.
The company said headlines about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have led some organisations to believe their existing foam extinguishers are no longer compliant.
According to OHEAP Fire & Security, there is currently no legal requirement for any UK organisation to remove or replace PFAS-containing extinguishers.
The firm stated that it is already preparing for possible regulatory change but stressed that current equipment remains compliant in the UK.
OHEAP Fire & Security said it wants customers to avoid unnecessary expenditure or disruption based on mistaken assumptions about EU legislation.
EU PFAS regulation and current UK position
OHEAP Fire & Security explained that the European Union has introduced a PFAS ban under Regulation 2025/1988.
The regulation came into force on 23 October 2025.
It includes a ban on the sale of PFAS-containing foams in the EU after 23 October 2030.
It also requires the complete removal of PFAS-containing extinguishers in EU member states by 31 December 2030.
OHEAP Fire & Security emphasised that these deadlines do not apply in the United Kingdom.
The company noted that the UK Government and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are following their own process.
According to OHEAP Fire & Security, the HSE launched a six-month consultation on PFAS use in firefighting foam on Monday 18 August 2025.
The consultation is scheduled to close on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
OHEAP Fire & Security stated that UK decisions on PFAS in firefighting foam will only be made after this review concludes.
The firm reiterated that, for now, nothing has changed for UK businesses and all existing fire safety equipment remains compliant.
PFAS timelines and planning for UK businesses
OHEAP Fire & Security is calling for calm and clarity from organisations reviewing their firefighting foam provisions.
Nicholas Heap, Managing Director at OHEAP Fire & Security, said: “There is a lot of misinformation circulating, and we want to reassure our customers.
“The UK has not introduced any PFAS ban, and UK businesses do not need to remove or replace equipment at this time.
“OHEAP Fire & Security will guide customers through any future changes in a planned, cost-effective way.”
The company stated that early indications point to the earliest possible UK ban falling in late 2026.
OHEAP Fire & Security reported that a phase-out period of around five years is likely if a UK ban is introduced.
On that basis, the firm said existing PFAS foam extinguishers might not need to be removed until 2031 or later.
The company highlighted that these projected timelines would allow businesses to plan budgets and replacements in a controlled way.
OHEAP Fire & Security added that long notice periods should help organisations avoid unnecessary disruption to operations.
PFAS-free alternatives and ongoing support from OHEAP
OHEAP Fire & Security stated that it is already helping customers prepare for possible future PFAS restrictions.
The company said it is monitoring legislative developments and will provide factual updates as new information becomes available.
OHEAP Fire & Security confirmed it will offer guidance on replacement options only when regulations require change.
The firm outlined that it is already transitioning some organisations to the Hydrex ECO Fire Extinguisher.
According to OHEAP Fire & Security, Hydrex ECO is a PFAS-free extinguisher that is positioned as an environmentally responsible option.
The company said Hydrex ECO allows customers to move towards PFAS-free equipment in line with the direction of anticipated future regulations.
OHEAP Fire & Security added that this approach enables businesses to upgrade at their own pace over a longer term.
The firm stated that it aims to help organisations manage any eventual transition smoothly and in a cost-effective manner.
PFAS decision-making and equipment strategy in the UK
Procurement officers responsible for extinguishers and firefighting foam in UK organisations can use this information to avoid premature replacement of PFAS-containing equipment.
OHEAP Fire & Security’s explanation that current PFAS foam extinguishers remain compliant in the United Kingdom means replacement cycles can be aligned with confirmed regulatory decisions rather than media coverage.
Facility managers in industrial, commercial and public buildings can factor the potential earliest ban date of late 2026 and a likely five-year phase-out into asset planning.
This allows them to phase in PFAS-free extinguishers such as Hydrex ECO Fire Extinguishers alongside normal renewal programmes instead of undertaking immediate whole-site changeovers.
Risk assessors and fire engineering consultants can reference the distinction between European Union Regulation 2025/1988 and the current UK position when reviewing firefighting foam specifications and advising clients.
Fire-protection contractors, system installers and fire engineers can use the projected timelines and OHEAP Fire & Security’s stated support offer to plan service visits, replacement programmes and stock management over several years.
Specialists working with multi-site portfolios across the EU and UK can also separate EU deadlines from UK consultation dates when coordinating equipment strategies in different jurisdictions.
Correction: this article previously incorrectly stated ‘It includes a ban on the sale of PFAS-containing foams in the EU after 23 October 2025.‘