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By
the very nature of fixed fire suppression systems, they are usually
covering high value assets, and insurance companies are demanding
that the systems are replaced, otherwise the very area they have
been designed to protect may not be covered by their insurance
policy. As we approach the deadline date, we are starting to see a
demand on resource within the fire industry and businesses using
Halon need to consider they may suffer longer lead times for the
replacement of their systems if they take action too late.
Halon
has been an effective extinguishant used in fire suppression systems
since the 1950s and thousands of companies have entrusted their most
valuable computer and high tech manufacturing facilities to its
care. Unfortunately, Halons used in fire fighting equipment have the
highest ozone-depleting potential of any chemicals in common use.
150 countries agreed in the M,ontreal Protocol to control the use of
all ozone depleting chemicals and Halon was one of the first to be
banned.
31
December 2002 is the last day that existing Halon systems may be
recharged with Halon. So after this date, if the system discharges
it is effectively useless. As there is currently no drop in
replacement, businesses may find that the equipment the system was
protecting is vulnerable to the risk of fire until a new system can
be purchased and installed.
After
31 December 2003, all Halon systems must have been decommissioned
and the Halon itself must have been disposed of by an approved
contractor.
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