The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has initiated a public consultation to gather information and evidence relating to firefighting foams containing PFAS. With a focus on PFAS (or alternatives) in firefighting foams specific to Great Britain, the HSE is seeking engagement from stakeholders* throughout the restriction process.
*Including but not limited to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and professional users of firefighting foams, trade associations, environmental organizations, consumer organizations, and any other organizations and members of the public holding relevant information.
The HSE is interested in information on all aspects of firefighting foams that contain PFAS, covering the following:
Manufacture of firefighting foams: substances used, process, quantities
Import of firefighting foam products of all types: quantities, suppliers
Use: quantities, sector of use, frequency, storage on site, products used
Alternatives to PFAS in firefighting foams: availability, cost, performance in comparison to PFAS-containing foams, barriers to switching
Hazardous properties: safety data sheets, new studies on intrinsic properties and exposure, recommended risk management measures
Environmental fate: what happens to the foam after it is used, where does it go?
Waste: disposal requirements, recycling opportunities, remediation
Standards: including product specific legislation, performance, certification
The provided information will be used to support the development of a UK REACH restriction report on risks to human health and the environment arising from the use of PFAS in firefighting foams. The public consultation period will conclude on 3 June 2024, allowing stakeholders to contribute their knowledge and data to support the decision-making process. Confidentiality provisions are in place to protect sensitive information, and stakeholders can indicate their willingness to be contacted for further information during the survey.
For more details, please refer to HSE’s consultation hub.
Background
The HSE's Risk Management Options Analysis (RMOA) on PFAS, published in April 2023, highlighted concerns regarding PFAS's persistence in the environment, mobility, and potential adverse impacts on the environment and human health. As a result, the HSE has received a request under Article 69(1) of UK REACH to prepare an Annex 15 restriction dossier to evaluate the risks associated with PFAS in firefighting foams. The dossier, a collaborative effort between the HSE and the Environment Agency, will determine if a restriction should be implemented in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) concerning the use of PFAS in firefighting foams.
