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: Important Dates
Important Dates
Halon has been an effective extinguishment used in fire suppression systems since the 1950s and thousands of companies have entrusted their most valuable computer switchgear and high tech facilities to its care.
Unfortunately, Halons used in fire fighting have the highest ozone-depleting potential of any chemicals in common use. 150 countries agreed in the Montreal Protocol to control the use of all ozone-depleting chemicals, and Halon was one of the first to be considered. As a result of Montreal, the following steps were taken to eliminate Halon from common use:
The manufacture of Halon is banned. Recycled Halon can be used to recharge systems but all Halon being recycled needs to be tracked to prove its origins. Halon retains some commercial value, as recycled Halon is a commodity in demand.
1999 EUROPEAN REGULATION EC/5748
Formulated a timetable to phase out the use of Halon altogether and to govern the collection and destruction of both Halons 1301 (typically used in fixed systems) and 1211 (found in hand held extinguishers).
The last day that existing Halon systems may be recharged with recycled or reclaimed Halon. After this date, if a Halon suppression system discharges it is effectively useless. The equipment it is designed to protect will be vulnerable until a new system can be purchased, installed and commissioned.
By this date all existing Halon systems must have been decommissioned and the Halon itself must have been disposed of by an approved contractor. Although Halon systems are still permitted in certain specialist applications (mainly military) the export of Halon is severely restricted. Halon therefore now has a negative value, requiring certified disposal.
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