Halon must be eradicated from the fire extinguisher range worldwide. It is estimated that there is still in the region of 700 tonnes in use in the UK alone and these must have been decommissioned by 31st March 2003.
Halon is environmentally damaging and the European Directive EC2037/20000 was issued in September 2000 outlining the specifics of Halon removal.
Many companies have already begun the process of of removal, but national figures show there is still a very long way to go if the deadline is to be met. There are stiff financial penalties for companies failing to conform to the directive.
Halon must be disposed of safely and efficiently by personnel qualified to do so and the BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) Halon Decommissioning scheme has been established to advise and assist in the safe removal of Halon from service.