Fire fighting to get health and safety squeeze on teflon-type chemicals

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prioritised the need for restrictions on the use of near-indestructible, toxic poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in fire extinguishers.

Director of HSE’s chemicals regulation division, Dr Richard Daniels, said; :”One of the key proposals is that, due to more comprehensive information being available, fire-fighting foams are prioritised for action. This will be founded on scoping work with stakeholders including industry, firefighters and those with expert knowledge of alternative foams. Similar exercises will take place for other commercial uses of PFAS”

In a report covering proposals to address the hazards associated with PFAS, the HSE also calls or limitations the use of PFAS in textiles, furniture, and cleaning products.

Daniels said: “PFAS are a global issue of concern. We have looked at responses around the world, but it was vital we gathered the right information and evidence on how PFAS are used in Britain specifically.

Daniels continued: “There is evidence of occupational exposure and environmental harm that can come from current fire-fighting foams, and we can understand the concerns among firefighters. We encourage all affected to work with us in the scoping exercise.”

The analysis in the report is a regulatory management options analysis which the HSA described as a preliminary step within the UK chemicals risk framework. According to the the watchdog “It collates, combines and analyses information to understand the nature and extent of exposure to chemical substances, in this case PFAS”. The analysis considers existing laws and how PFAS are being managed around the world.

Environment minister, Rebecca Pow, emphasised the importance for the water sector: “The HSE’s analysis is a key part of our efforts to protect us from these persistent chemicals – our Plan for Water recognises this and we will begin developing proposals to restrict PFAS in firefighting foams this year.

”This will build on our action to increase monitoring and support a ban or highly restrict specific PFAS both domestically and internationally.”