|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| 1.
Can HFC-227ea (a.k.a. FM-200, FE-227) or Halon 1301 harm you? |
| 2.
How does HFC-227ea (a.k.a. FM-200, FE-227) and Halon 1301 work? |
| 3.
What is the status of Halon? |
4.
Do I have to report discharges (HFC-227ea, Halon 1301) to EPA?
|
|
|
1.
Can HFC-227ea (a.k.a. FM-200, FE-227) or Halon 1301 harm you?
 Tests
prove that HFC-227ea exposure is safer than exposure to Halon 1301. Additionally,
HFC-227ea is effective at low concentrations, well below the EPA's maximum
exposure levels. Contrary to popular belief, HFC-227ea does not significantly
reduce oxygen levels and is safe for occupied spaces.
The US EPA, in the Federal Register, May 12, 1993, recognized the inherent safety of HFC-227ea in accepting it for use in occupied space protection at up to 9.0% v/v without mandated egress times, or up to 10.5% v/v with mandated egress times. This means that occupied spaces can be safely evacuated, even in the presence of HFC-227ea at design concentrations. Most HFC-227ea systems are designed at concentrations between 7.0% - 7.5% v/v.
HFC-227ea is so safe in fact, that it has been designed as a replacement for CFC propellants in pharmaceutical metered dose inhalers - like the ones used to dispense asthma medications.
|
|
|
2.
How does HFC-227ea (a.k.a. FM-200, FE-227) and Halon 1301 work?
 HFC-227ea
(a.k.a. FM-200, FE-227):
HFC-227ea's mechanism of extinguishing fires is active. Its primary action is through physically cooling the fire at the molecular level. HFC-227ea belongs to the same class of compounds used in refrigeration, and as such is an efficient heat transfer agent. HFC-227ea literally removes heat energy from the fire to the extent that the combustion reaction cannot sustain itself.
Additionally, there is a chemical extinguishing action contributed by HFC-227ea. Trace amounts of free radicals are released in a fire, ultimately inhibiting the chain reaction of combustion.
Halon 1301:
Three things must come together at the same time to start a fire. The first ingredient is fuel (anything that can burn), the second is oxygen (normal breathing air is ample) and the last is an ignition source (high heat can cause a fire even without a spark or open flame). Traditionally, to stop a fire you need to remove one side of the triangle - the ignition, the fuel or the oxygen. Halon adds a fourth dimension to fire fighting - breaking the chain reaction. It stops the fuel, the ignition and the oxygen from dancing together by chemically reacting with them. Many people believe that halon displaces the air out of the area it is dispensed in. Wrong! Even for the toughest hazards, less than an 8% concentration by volume is required. There is still plenty of air to use in the evacuation process.
|
|
|
3.
What is the status of Halon?
 When
the environmental effects of halon became known, industrial users of halon
and fire protection professionals worked together to limit halon use and
emissions. Through changes in standards and specifications, industry has
virtually eliminated its use of halon for testing and training purposes.
Historically, testing and training has been responsible for the majority
of halon emissions. Many companies have also implemented programs to reduce
false discharges due to human error and equipment failure. Safety training
and awareness programs in conjunction with advances in detection and control
systems have contributed greatly to reduction in emissions. Many organizations
that continue to rely on halon systems for fire protection have instituted
programs to identify their most critical needs. Halons that can be removed
from non-critical or obsolete facilities are then recovered for use in more
critical applications.
Is Halon Restricted?
Although some states are banning the sale of certain hand-held extinguishers for non-commercial uses, the answer is generally no. However, effective January 1, 1994, the production and importation of new halon was banned in the developed world by international agreement. Careful use and conservation of halon is, therefore, important so that existing supplies will be sufficient to meet all future needs.
Can Halon be Recycled?
Unlike aluminum cans or newspapers, once Halon is released it is virtually impossible to recover. If Halon is still contained in cylinders retired from service or if a container is leaking, the Halon can be recovered for reuse. In fact, some Halon distributors and users have been doing this for many years, long before Halon emissions were identified as an environmental problem. Since current legislation prohibits the production or importation of new Halon into the U.S., recycled halon is now the only source of supply.
It can be obtained from a number of sources, including fire equipment distributors and independent recyclers. Industry, in conjunction with EPA, formed a non-profit organization to assist in halon recycling. The Halon Recycling Corporation (HRC) acts as a facilitating organization by providing information services to match companies who have a surplus of halon with those companies who have an ongoing need for the fire fighting agent. For more information contact HRC or ORR Protection Systems, Inc.
|
|
|
4.
Do I have to report discharges (HFC-227ea, Halon 1301) to EPA?
No, but many regulations and rulings have
been put into place to prevent intentional release and reduce emissions.
For instance, federal regulations (40 CFR Part 82.270(f)) require owners
of halon systems to be responsible for maintaining this equipment in order
to prevent halon release.
|
|
|
