Halon

[Richard Thomason]

Was looking at upcoming SFI rules and it appears that Halon (1211 and 1301) is going to be verbotten after 2007. Does that mean that SCTA will follow suit and all our current good fire systems are going to be ruled illegal. This may be an important issue.
rht

[Glen]

Richard, contact Roy Creel regarding this as he is the SCTA-BNI expert on fire systems.
Glen

[Rick Byrnes]

I sure hope SCTA/BNI do not blindly follow a "suggestion" of EPA.  My understanding is the 1301 compound is not illegal, just recommended to not use it due to ozone depletion.
The other compounds while they "meet" requirements, is not enough.  I want to exceed requirements.  I have been truly educated that just meeting safety requirements is not enough.  Not while my fat little body is in question.  Or as JD has said in the past, my son or best friend when they drive this new car.
I want to keep my 30 pounds of 1301 thankyouverymuch  :=d
With a forced air (fresh air) breathing system 1301 is the very best choice and I am quite comfortable.
After all, my efforts in building a car, is to make the fire surpression system redundant, in that there are other ways of preventing fires rather than putting it out once it has started.
In my short involvement in LSR.  Only 17 years as a car owner, I have seen very few systems discharged.
In this case, I hope Roy and the rest of our safety committee has the common sense to not make such a radical move.  While I understand the implications of 1301, I think the function and the infrequent use, outweighs the environmental impact. 
My opinion only.

Rick

[Dean Los Angeles]

The SCTA is a member of the SFI Foundation, Inc. As a signing member they agree to utilize SFI Specifications within the rulebook.

From the SFI web site:
http://www.sfifoundation.com/

Currently Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 are acceptable agents per SFI Spec 17.1. However, as of January 1, 2008, Halon agents will not be allowed in the field. That means that all certified Halon systems currently in use will expire on December 31, 2007, regardless of the system's manufacture or recertification date. This is in response to regulations set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Concerns about Halons include their ozone-depleting properties as well as the human health effects (toxicity) when discharged in small areas.

Also contributing to the removal of Halons from SFI Spec 17.1 is the fact the there are alternative agents available for use which are less harmful to the environment, less toxic to humans, and pass the fire suppression tests required by the spec. For a complete list of manufacturers with systems certified to SFI Spec 17.1, click here or contact SFI at 858-451-8868 for more information.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The United States has signed and ratified all the amendments.

The systems are being phased out because the release of the compound into the atmosphere is exactly what is trying to be prevented. Start putting money aside now.
Link to SFI 17.1 certified products.
http://www.sfifoundation.com/Current%2017.1%20Products.pdf
Section 3Q Fire Extinguishing Systems of the SCTA rulebook does not mention SFI 17.1. Roy Creel is the SCTA Fire Extinguishing Specialist.
Even if the SCTA doesn't adopt 17.1, you won't be able to purchase or refill a system. For the racers that already have one, it seems the money you spend to replace the system is money well spent for future generations.