Rethinking extinguishers: Andy Spence discusses PFAS bans and the shift to sustainable extinguishers
Iain Hoey
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Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director at Britannia Fire
The UK fire extinguisher market stands on the brink of major transformation.
Anticipated regulations banning the sale of fire extinguishers containing PFAS chemicals are expected to be announced early next year and take effect soon after.
This shift is both necessary and urgent.
Currently, about 75% of fire extinguishers sold in the UK are imported from China, where PFAS use is widespread.
Phasing out these harmful chemicals is a critical step forward.
At Britannia Fire, environmental responsibility is a core value.
We’ve committed to minimising our carbon footprint and have taken proactive measures to protect the environment.
We’ve discontinued our traditional metal ranges in favour of our composite P50 range, which resists corrosion and boasts a 20-year lifespan.
Last year, we introduced a PFAS-free Foam P50 model, plus our water mist range, leading the industry in offering environmentally friendly fire safety products.
We also provide a recycling service for customers, ensuring old extinguishers are disposed of responsibly and we’ve invested in solar panels for our production plants as part of our aim to achieve carbon net-zero manufacturing.
While standards ensure safety and consistency, they can also hinder innovation.
By law, fire extinguishers sold in the UK must adhere to Pressure Equipment Regulations and European standards, and all our products conform accordingly.
These standards accommodate new technologies, allowing for innovative multipurpose extinguishers and flexible servicing arrangements.
Our multipurpose P50 extinguishers have passed BS EN3-7 tests, demonstrating safety across various fire types.
They eliminate the need for multiple units and require servicing only every ten years due to their corrosion-resistant design.
In contrast, the British Standards Institution’s (BSI) voluntary code of conduct is more restrictive, but thankfully not a legal requirement.
It mandates annual servicing and prohibits water-based extinguishers on electrical fires, not accounting for modern designs safe for different fire types without yearly maintenance.
I advocate for BSI standards to align more closely with European and international guidelines to avoid confusion.
Too many organisations are wasting resources on unnecessary annual servicing and maintenance.
There’s a pressing need for greater awareness and training among building and facilities managers in procuring and monitoring fire safety equipment.
We should support those responsible for fire safety in keeping pace with the latest innovations, offering training and tools to maximise equipment effectiveness.
Our P50 extinguishers come with a smartphone app that sends email reminders for checks, maintains asset records and provides training videos.
New technology will transform fire extinguisher maintenance, enabling real-time monitoring and reactive maintenance.
Such advancements will enhance fire safety – I hope the industry is prepared to adopt these changes.
About the IFSJ Influencer
Andy Spence heads up Britannia Fire, a leading UK manufacturer of composite fire extinguishers.
An FIA Board Director, council member for Extinguishing, and Composites UK representative on the BSI FSH/2 panel, Andy is on a mission to make the industry do better by simplifying fire safety, reducing unnecessary costs for the end-user, and minimising environmental impact.
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