In the UK, the use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) fire extinguishers containing PFOA will be banned from July 4th, 2025, due to environmental and health concerns related to the chemicals they contain.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Why the ban?

  AFFF extinguishers, commonly used to fight flammable liquid fires, contain chemicals like PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), which are persistent in the environment and pose potential health risks.

  
  
• What's happening?

  The UK is phasing out these chemicals from firefighting products, with the ban on AFFF extinguishers containing PFOA coming into effect on July 4th, 2025.

  
  

• What businesses need to do?

  Businesses should ensure they transition away from AFFF  selecting appropriate replacement extinguishers.

  
  

• What about other PFAS?

  While the initial focus is on PFOA, there are broader concerns about other PFAS chemicals, and future restrictions on PFAS-based products, including C6 foams, are possible.

  
  

• What are the alternatives?

  Consider alternatives like fluorine-free extinguishers, water fire extinguishers or other fire suppression methods.

Over recent years Fire Safety Legislation has dramatically changed. If you are the owner, landlord or have control of a business you will have legal duties to ensure that your premises meets these fire safety criteria.

Where better to get advice on this than a local company who, not only understand the specific needs of local businesses but also have over 50 years of fire safety experience.

Mark and Matt, who are the brains and expertise behind Blackrock Fire and Security Solutions, are both local lads who have lived in Cornwall their entire lives.

Mark entered the fire safety industry in 1993 and during this time has become a fully qualified fire extinguisher service engineer; a fire alarms expert; a fire risk assessor; and a member of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers. Similarly, Matt started in the industry in the 1990’s and is also a fully qualified extinguisher engineer; a fire alarms engineer; a fire risk assessor; and a fire awareness trainer.

In response to increased demand in the market for home security they are both qualified in the field of intruder alarms and CCTV. So if you want some genuine advice on the best systems to suit your needs, give us a call.

During their spare time, Mark enjoys relaxing with his family and friends, interspersed with some model boat building! Matt enjoys a early morning dip at Swanpool Beach before partaking in his passion
for music, as he takes to the air (not literally!!), by playing some great
sounds whilst working at a local radio station.

In 2022, Aiden joined the blackrock team. Aiden has a background of working in the fire industry and has become a fully qualified fire extinguisher service engineer and a fire and secuirty alarms expert. Adien heads up the installations in both fire, security and CCTV.

In October 2023, Janine joined the blackrock family. Janine has a background in accounts and will look after all your accounts needs. Janine will be the friendly voice your hear when booking your service.

Our ethos is simple and is based on first rate customer service, great value, great advice and ensuring that customers are in safe and knowledgeable hands, 24/7. Irrespective of your requirements, they are well equipped to provide services to small shops, domestic properties or large commercial entities.

This is their history, your safety is their future.