Two guides on the safe and legal disposal of portable fire extinguishers have been published by the Fire Industry Association (FIA). The documents cover the applicable legislation, the correct way of handling the extinguishers and the available options for collection and disposal.
FIA Fact File 0039 gives environmental guidance on the correct and acceptable ways of disposing of foam fire extinguishers. The new Groundwater (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 replace the Groundwater Regulations 1998 and implement an EU Directive which requires the prevention or limitation of certain substances into groundwater. They are intended, says the FIA, to prevent dangerous substances from causing either direct or indirect pollution to groundwater used as a source of drinking water.
Along with the disposal of foam, FIA Fact File 0039 also covers the handling of extinguishers, high-temperature incineration of PFOS foams and the recycling of extinguisher parts and components.
Covering similar ground but this time in relation to powder extinguishers, FIA Fact File 0040 includes the applicable regulations, handling off-site, collection, transport and the storage of this type of extinguisher. Disposal of the powder depending on its type is also considered.
The FIA stresses that each of the Fact Files are only intended for general guidance and not as a substitute for consulting the appropriate regulations and/or obtaining specialist advice for specific circumstances.
