What is Halon?
Halon is a liquefied, compressed gas that stops the spread
of fire by chemically disrupting combustion. Halon 1211 (a liquid streaming
agent) and Halon 1301 (a gaseous flooding agent) leave no residue and are remarkably
safe for human exposure. Halon is most effective for flammable liquids and electrical
fires (rated B:C) and is electrically non-conductive.
Is Halon legal?
While the production of Halon ceased on January 1, 1994 under
the Clean Air Act, it is still legal to purchase and use recycled Halon and
Halon fire extinguishers. In fact, the FAA requires all commercial aircraft
to exclusively use halon.
Is Halon an environmental
concern?
Because Halon is a CFC, the production of new Halon ceased
in 1994. There is no cost effective means of safely and effectively disposing
of the Halon that has already been produced, therefore recycling and reusing
the existing supply intelligently and responsibly to protect lives and property
is the best solution.
Who Uses Halon?
From protecting computer and communication rooms throughout
the electronics industry, to numerous military applications on ships, aircraft
and tanks, to ensuring safety on all commercial aircraft, Halon is an integral
and unparalleled fire-extinguishing agent. Halon 1211 fire extinguishers play
a vital role in protecting peoples' lives as well as property including homes,
autos, boats, and RV's.
Halon
1211 vs. Halon 1301.
Halon, which has been in use for several decades, is most
commonly found in two forms: 1211, a liquid streaming agent found in hand-held
extinguishers which gasifies under normal atmospheric conditions, and 1301,
a gaseous flooding agent which is found in built-in flood systems.
What
are the maintenance requirements of Halon Fire Exting.?
Halon 1211 fire extinguishers actually require less year-to-year
maintenance than the more common dry-chemical fire extinguishers. Dry chemical
fire extinguishers tend to settle and "brick up" over time due to
moisture and gravity, and this in turn sets up a dangerous situation whereby
much of the powder-extinguishing agent is unable to be propelled from the cylinder.
Halon 1211, because of its liquid form, is free of such issues. Every year,
the Halon extinguisher should be inspected: the pressure gauge should be visually
checked to verify adequate pressure, the nozzle should be visually checked to
be sure there are no obstructions, and the cylinder should be weighed to meet
the manufacturer's weight requirement. Halon 1211 requires a six year maintenance
and a 12 year hydrostatic test by a licensed fire service professional.
The
1211/1301 blend does not require a six year maintenance, hydrostatic testing,
or recharging. The units should be visually inspected to ensure the extinguisher
is fully charged and operable. Fullness is determined by weighing or "hefting"
the unit. See name plate instructions for further details.
