FM200 phase-down and what it means

The collective awareness of the impact of HFC on global warming drives these adjustments. The goal is to reduce its contribution by 0.44 degrees Celsius by 2100.

• Will equipment owners have to replace their existing equipment as part of the phase-down? No. Existing equipment that has already been imported into Australia is not affected by the phase-down. HFCs for servicing existing equipment will be available as the overall pace of the phase-down is designed to match demand and end-of-life equipment replacement. If necessary, HFC supply can be supplemented by recovery of used HFCs and reprocessing back to manufacturers’ specifications.

• Will equipment be banned in the future? Bans on importing or manufacturing new equipment may be considered in the future when alternative technologies are readily available. This will only be implemented following a review and further consultation with industry. Any potential future bans would only apply to new equipment being imported or manufactured and not to equipment already installed in Australia.

The overall pace of the phase-down is designed to match demand and equipment replacement at end of life. The intention is to align demand for HFCs with supply to avoid spikes in the price of HFCs that might lead to prematurely retiring equipment.

Reducing CO2-e quota limits could lead to more limited availability of HFCs used by fire technicians when installing a suppression system or re-filling a container. However, equipment manufacturers and importers are expected to gradually change their equipment range to align with the bulk HFC phase-down. This will happen as consumers demand up-to-date technology, and manufacturers will want to ensure their products can be serviced for the entire equipment life. This was the experience with Australia’s successful phase out of HCFCs and HCFC equipment.

The phase-down could reduce imports of new HFCs by encouraging businesses to recover existing HFCs instead. Halon recovery is commonplace, and the phase-down may have the same implications for HFCs. It may lead to some manufacturers moving more quickly than they otherwise would have to support alternative extinguishing agents with a lower GWP. There may be advances in developing new or less established alternative fire protection technologies. Long-term savings to end users and the broader economy could flow from new technology that requires lower maintenance, has lower leak rates, and is more efficient.

• IG-55 (Nitrogen and Argon): IG-55 is a mixture of nitrogen and argon gases. Like Argonite, it is an inert gas fire suppression system that doesn’t pose risks to human health. It is often used in data centres and other critical facilities.
• IG-541 (Nitrogen, Argon and CO2): IG-541, also known as Inergen, is a mixture of nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide. Inergen is considered an environmentally friendly alternative and is safe for occupied spaces.
• SAPPHIRE Suppression System: The SAPPHIRE system uses 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid, similar to Novec 1230. It is an advanced clean agent fire suppression system that is environmentally friendly and suitable for occupied areas.

DEM Fire has established a formidable track record in delivering fire safety solution designs across various projects. Our accomplished team of award-winning engineers spearheads the industry, holding full accreditation in strict compliance with New South Wales legislative requisites.

When you want to work with a highly qualified and comprehensive team or learn more about the phase- down of FM200, talk to us today. We put your needs first.