Keywords
Citation
(2000), "BFPSA announce plan for "Approved Register" at halon replacement conference", Facilities, Vol. 18 No. 13/14. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2000.06918mac.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
BFPSA announce plan for "Approved Register" at halon replacement conference
Keywords Health and safety, Conferences
The fundamental role that the BFPSA and its members will be playing in the phasing out of halon was evident at a conference attended by over 140 delegates at The Commonwealth Institute, in January.
Organised by the BFPSA in conjunction with the Halon Users National Consortium (HUNC) and the Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR), the conference offered a timely opportunity to review the current situation regarding halon replacement.
From 1 January, 2003, the sale and supply of recycled halons will be banned, with a requirement that all halon will be withdrawn from service and either destroyed or recycled for essential uses, such as civil and military aviation, by the end of 2003.
Speaking on behalf of the BFPSA, David Francis, announced that the association had established a Task Group under its Training Accreditation Panel, to develop training modules for personnel involved in the decommissioning and handling of halon during its disposal or recycling process. The objective is to generate an Approved Register of personnel who have passed an examination and received a BFPSA certificate.
A strong message of support was also given at the conference for a proposed Government publicity campaign to ensure halon users are made aware of their responsibilities. The Association of British Insurers (ABI), the BFPSA and the HUNC have offered to collectively work with the DETR in planning and organising the campaign.
At the conclusion of the conference, an advanced copy of a guide was circulated, entitled, Gaseous Fire Protection Systems, produced by the Loss Prevention Council (LPC), ABI and BFPSA.
The conference is believed to be the most comprehensive ever staged on the issue and, under a title of "Halon Phase Out – The Time Has Come", stressed the urgency of a deadline which is fast approaching.
Copies of all the papers presented at the conference are available from the BFPSA at £40 (inc. VAT) per copy.
Further details are available from Terry Martiny, Marketing Manager, BFPSA, Neville House, 55 Eden Street, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1BW. Tel: +44 (0)181 549 5855; Fax: +44 (0)181 547 1564; Web site: www.bfpsa.org.uk