Regulations on waste fire extinguisher use in training

The UK Government has issued updated guidance on the use of waste fire extinguishers for training purposes.

The regulatory position statement (RPS 221), published by the Environment Agency, states that while an environmental permit is required for storing waste fire extinguishers, the agency will not typically enforce this requirement if organisations meet specific conditions.

The guidance applies to recognised training providers using waste fire extinguishers for fire safety exercises.

Providers must ensure that their activities do not cause pollution or harm to human health and do not risk air, water, or soil contamination.

Conditions for using waste fire extinguishers in training

Training providers must meet several conditions to comply with RPS 221.

They must be recognised firefighting training organisations and only store and use waste fire extinguishers that require no treatment or repair.

Extinguishers must be accompanied by a material safety data sheet and classified under waste code 16 05 05.

Storage must be in a secure, covered location on an impermeable surface with sealed drainage.

Any discharged foam must be sent offsite for appropriate treatment.

Records of compliance must be kept for two years and provided to the Environment Agency upon request.

Providers must not store more than 100 waste extinguishers at a time or use extinguishers containing PFOS, PFOA, or PFHxS.

Review and enforcement of RPS 221

The Environment Agency will review RPS 221 by 31 December 2027 and may amend or withdraw it before this date if necessary.

Organisations are advised to check for updates regularly to ensure continued compliance.

The RPS remains valid until it is removed from the UK Government website or formally withdrawn.

Organisations can subscribe to email updates for notifications about changes.

Steps for non-compliance

Training providers that can no longer comply with the conditions of RPS 221 must stop the related activities immediately and inform the Environment Agency.

Notifications should be sent to [email protected] with “RPS 221” in the subject line.

For further inquiries, organisations can contact the Environment Agency at the same email address.

UK Environment Agency issues guidance on waste fire extinguisher use for training: Summary

The UK Government has published guidance outlining conditions for storing and using waste fire extinguishers in fire safety training.

The Environment Agency’s RPS 221 states that while an environmental permit is legally required, enforcement action will not typically be taken if specific conditions are met.

The guidance applies to recognised training providers using waste fire extinguishers classified as waste code 16 05 05.

Providers must store extinguishers securely on an impermeable surface, ensure extinguishers require no repair, and keep compliance records for two years.

Storage is limited to 100 extinguishers at a time, and those containing PFOS, PFOA, or PFHxS are prohibited.

The RPS will be reviewed by 31 December 2027, with potential amendments before that date.

Training providers unable to comply must stop activities and inform the Environment Agency.

Updates and inquiries can be directed to [email protected].