1300 510 854
Education
We deliver fire protection solutions and expertise across the education sector, including schools, universities, boarding houses, sports facilities and heritage buildings.
Learn More
In early 2018, Australia joined an international phase-down of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (the Montreal Protocol).
HFCs are synthetic greenhouse gases with a high global warming potential, historically utilised in various applications including refrigeration, air conditioning – and fire fighting gas systems.
The gradual phase-down means we’re importing fewer HFCs into Australia in a bid to directly reduce emissions.
While FM200 is now rarely used in Europe, Australia has been slower to make the switch. With the phase-down now accelerating, Tom Marshall, DEM Fire Managing Director, has a message for our customers:
“FM200 has been in place for many years, originally as a popular replacement for halon systems. It has an environmental impact, so we’re finally phasing it down. We have alternatives, so if you do currently have an FM200 gas fire suppression system, you should be planning to replace it – and it will require us to confirm the engineering design of the system .”
FM200 fire fighting gas and alternatives
FM200 is found in special hazard systems, a type of suppression system typically used in data centres, computer rooms or other areas where a water-based sprinkler system may be less desirable.
Gas-based fire safety systems are a form of special hazard system that contain early detection mechanisms to kick in as soon as there is the first indication of a fire.
Whilst many of our commercial and industrial clients have suppression systems utilising FM200, there are now several cleaner alternatives, including inert gases IG-55, IG-541, IG-01 and IG-100.
As with all of our fire protection solutions, our team will assess your site and make tailored recommendations for a best-fit replacement.
Replacing FM200 suppression systems
Whilst the phase-down is an enforced regulatory requirement for Australian importers, there is no obligatory deadline for those utilising FM200. HFCs are still available in Australia, but we, like many suppliers and customers, are looking to support greener alternatives.
When you do make the switch from your current FM200-based special hazard system, there are some steps involved.
“We will need to reconfirm the design and look at specifics, including nozzles, volume of gas and transport time, which is how long it takes for the agent to be distributed through the network of pipes,” explains Tom.
“We will likely look at various types of nozzles, nozzle size and different elements to ensure a suitable fire prevention system for your business type and premises. There’s quite a bit of engineering involved in the solution design, plus installation and testing.”
Complete fire prevention solutions
At DEM Fire, we specialise in holistic fire prevention spanning solution design, system installation, asset management and fire compliance.
As per changes to NSW legislative requirements in recent years, we’re also one of the few fire protection companies with in-house FPAS Accredited Practitioners in both Fire Design and Fire Safety.
Our fire safety experts are highly skilled across diverse sectors, from shopping centres to stadiums and universities – to stay at the forefront of the fire prevention industry.
Please contact us to discuss the FM200 fire fighting gas phase-down, and all your fire prevention requirements.
Our areas of expertise
Commercial & Retail
We are experts in fire protection for commercial & retail properties. With decades of experience, we have calibrated and fine-tuned our fire protection process.
Learn More
Storage & Logistics
Installing fire protection systems and solutions in a logistics and storage environment is complex and can be risky. We use cutting-edge technology in our fire system design.
Learn More
Industrial Manufacturing
Industrial manufacturing requires a unique understanding of fire hazards in this environment. Best practice in fire system design is an absolute minimum.
Learn More
Hospitality & Tourism
Each hospitality & tourism location is unique, so focused fire safety expertise provided by an accredited team of experienced fire system engineers is vital to ensure safety for all.
Learn More
Residential Strata
Fire safety & property compliance must be a focus for strata owners & managers. Commercial property owners have a legal requirement to ensure the safety of all inhabitants.
Learn More
Public Venues
Large-scale and high-traffic fire protection solutions are critical for public venues - from clubhouses at sports complexes to large stadiums. They require meticulous fire safety strategies.
Learn More