Ignorance of European legislation relating to Halon gases in fire extinguisher systems could leave thousands of businesses in the UK at serious risk, according to leading specialists Chubb Fire.

Halon, an extinguishant in use since the 1950s, is especially effective in protecting valuable computer and IT equipment, and is commonly used by many high-tech manufacturing facilities.

Unfortunately, these gases also have the highest ozone depleting potential of any chemicals in common use, and as such became a prime target within the Montreal Protocol for immediate elimination.

This process began in 1993 when the manufacture of Halon was banned. Six years later, a European Regulation detailed a specific timetable to phase out the use of Halon, and to govern the collection and destruction of various types of gas in use. With this timetable, December 31, 2002 will be the last day that existing Halon systems may be re-charged (with recycled or reclaimed Halon), and by the same date the following year, all existing Halon systems will have to be decommissioned and the gases destroyed.

John Spencer, Managing Director of Chubb Fire explained: "The danger comes at various levels. Should any system discharge, either by accident or to deal with a real fire accident, it will actually be illegal to recharge it, and render the system completely useless. Until the new system can be purchased, installed and commissioned, a company's most valuable assets will be left unprotected.

"This then has a knock-on effect in terms of insurance. Where protection of vital equipment is reliant upon a Halon system, it is most unlikely that insurance cover will be obtained after 2002 since this protection cannot be regarded as a permanent solution. Insurance cover may well be dependent upon an agreed timetable for the replacement of the Halon System.

"However, the dangers of leaving the Halon issue until the last minute cannot be underestimated."

(MB)