Kenneth L. Gentile, P.E., Senior Consultant, Rolf Jensen and Assocs., Houston

Articles

MNS, ECS November 1, 2005

Life After Halon

The halon phase-out is on, and has been for quite some time. In today's increasingly environmentally sensitive construction world, the not-so-environmentally friendly fire-suppression method is becoming obsolete. Replacement of halogenated agent suppression systems first became a concern of physical plant managers and fire suppression designers with the adoption of the 1987 Montreal Protocol—amended in 1990 and 1992—wherein member states agreed to work toward reducing ozone-depleting chemicals. The requirements of the protocol created a surge of research, development and marketing of new alternative suppression agents.

By Kenneth L. Gentile, P.E., Senior Consultant, Rolf Jensen and Assocs., Houston