Using waste fire extinguishers for training: RPS 221
Updated 17 January 2022
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This regulatory position statement (RPS) is about when you can store and use waste fire extinguishers to train people to fight fires.
This RPS does not change your legal obligations to:
- get an environmental permit
- register a waste exemption for a waste operation
- comply with other relevant legislation
However, if you follow the conditions in this RPS the Environment Agency will not normally take enforcement action if you use waste fire extinguishers to train people to fight fires.
Conditions you must comply with
You must only:
- store and use waste fire extinguishers for training exercises
- use waste fire extinguishers that do not need any treatment or repair
- store or use up to 100 waste fire extinguishers at any one time
- discharge water or carbon dioxide waste fire extinguishers classified as waste code 16 05 05
You must not use foam or water fire extinguishers that contain perfluorooctanoic acid or fluorosurfactants. If you are unsure, check the material safety data sheet from your fire extinguisher supplier before you use the extinguishers for training.
You must make sure that your activities do not endanger human health or the environment. You must not:
- cause a risk to water, air, soil, plants or animals
- cause a nuisance through noise or odours
- adversely affect the countryside or places of special interest
Enforcement
A RPS means that the Environment Agency will not normally take enforcement action against you if you do not comply with waste management legislation providing:
- your activity meets the description set out in this RPS
- you comply with the conditions set out in this RPS
- your activity does not, and is not likely to, cause environmental pollution or harm human health
When to check back
This RPS will be reviewed by 1 December 2024. You will need to check back then to see if it still applies or if you need to apply for a permit.
Contact the Environment Agency
General enquiries
National Customer Contact Centre
PO Box 544
Rotherham
S60 1BY
Email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone 03708 506 506
Telephone from outside the UK (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm GMT) +44 (0) 114 282 5312
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.