If you use fire extinguishers for staff training, there’s a new set of UK Government rules you should be aware of. The guidance, called RPS 221, explains when and how you can use waste fire extinguishers safely—and more importantly, what’s no longer allowed.
Here at ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we’re always keeping an eye on compliance updates like this so we can help you stay safe, legal, and environmentally responsible. Here’s a quick and easy breakdown of what RPS 221 means for you.
🔥 What is RPS 221?
RPS 221 is short for Regulatory Position Statement 221, issued by the UK Government. It outlines the rules for using waste fire extinguishers for training purposes, especially when those extinguishers are no longer fit for use in real emergencies.
This new guidance:
- ✅ Allows organisations to use waste extinguishers in training—but only under certain conditions.
- 🚫 Bans extinguishers containing specific harmful PFAS chemicals like PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS.
- 📦 Sets limits on how many waste extinguishers you can store for training at any one time.
🧪 What’s the Issue with PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals found in some firefighting foams—especially older types of AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam). They’ve been under global scrutiny because they don’t break down in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, including humans.
That’s why the UK is clamping down on the use of:
- PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid)
- PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)
- PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid)
Extinguishers containing these substances are strictly prohibited under RPS 221.
You can still use some AFFF foams—as long as they meet specific chemical criteria and are stored and used correctly.
For more detailed information, the Fire Industry Association (FIA) has published updated guidance on PFAS in firefighting foams. You can read that here:
👉 FIA Guidance on PFAS Restrictions
🧯 Why This Matters for Your Business or Training Sessions
Whether you’re running fire marshal training for your team, hosting safety demonstrations, or offering fire extinguisher practice sessions at your business in Surrey or Hampshire, it’s vital to make sure you’re:
- Using compliant extinguishers
- Not storing more than the permitted quantity
- Avoiding the use of banned PFAS-containing foams
“It’s all about striking the balance between practical fire safety training and protecting the environment,” says Jamie Morgan, Director at ESI. “This new guidance helps us do both.”
✅ Quick Tips for Staying Compliant
- Only use waste extinguishers that meet RPS 221 conditions
- Check all extinguishers for banned PFAS content before use
- Limit storage according to the guidance
- Dispose of PFAS-containing foam extinguishers responsibly
- Keep a record of training activities using waste extinguishers
- Follow the FIA guidance on alternatives to PFAS-based foams
Need Help with Fire Extinguisher Compliance?
If you’re unsure whether your training extinguishers, foam types, or storage setup meet the new guidelines, we can help. At ESI, we offer:
✅ Fire extinguisher checks
✅ Fire risk assessments
✅ Fire safety training advice
✅ Environmental compliance reviews
✅ Disposal support for expired or banned extinguishers
📍 Based in Surrey and Hampshire, we serve businesses across Guildford, Camberley, Farnborough, Basingstoke, and beyond.
👉 Want to learn more?
Visit the official UK Government page for RPS 221:
Read RPS 221 on GOV.UK
Or get in touch with us on 01276 300 351 for expert guidance.
