Frequently Asked Questions About Halon

Q: What is Halon?

A: Halon is a fire suppressant agent found in both Fire Suppression Systems (Halon 1301) and Fire Extinguishers (Halon 1211). This is the most effective extinguishing agent available. Halon leaves no residue so causes no damage to your property.

Q: Is Halon Banned?

A: Halon is not banned. It is no longer manufactured though. The phase out is being discussed but no dates are set. For more information about the phase out you can read the Clean Air Act on the US EPA's website.

Q: Who uses Halon?

A: From protecting computer and communication rooms throughout the electronics industry, to numerous military applications on ships, aircraft and tanks, to ensuring safety on all commercial aircraft, Halon is an integral and unparalleled fire-extinguishing agent. Halon 1211 fire extinguishers play a vital role in protecting peoples' lives as well as property including homes, autos and boats.

Q: What is the HRC voluntary Code of Practice? 
A:    An ethical code of practice for reclaimers of halon. This Code of Practice has been developed to provide an assurance to the public that HRC Enrolled Sellers engaged in the business of halon recycling and recovery operate in a manner that promotes safe and environmentally responsible
halon reclamation.

Q: What are laboratory certifications? 
A:    Each cylinder or bulk tank supplied should have a laboratory certification. This means it has been tested to one of the industry-accepted standards (i.e. ISO-7201 or ASTM-D5632, Type 1 or Type 2). Every cylinder or bulk tank supplied by RemTec has laboratory certification. Always ask for complete laboratory certifications.

Q: Where can I buy recycled halon? 
A:    Recycled halon should only be purchased through a certified reclaimer like RemTec. RemTec assists sellers wishing to dispose of halon in a responsible manner, and helps buyers with "critical needs" locate supplies of Halon 1211 and 1301 for recharging their existing systems. RemTec operates a comprehensive Halocarbon Bank Management Program that meets all requirements of the EPA's 1990 Clean Air Act.

Q: What are "recycled halons?" 
A:    They are used halons cleaned by means of filtration, distillation, separation or other mechanical processes. As a result, our finished product meets the standards as set forth in ISO 7201 or ASTM D5632, Type 1 or Type 2.

Q: What is a certified reclaimer? 
A:    RemTec is a certified reclaimer. We are listed by the EPA after rigorous testing and adherence to all EPA standards. We also operate in accordance with NFPA 10 and 12A Standards and all work is performed according to the Montreal Protocol Treaty and Clean Air Act as amended in 1990. Always ask for complete laboratory certifications.

Q: I would like to remove halon from my systems. What should I do next? 
A:    Call our professionals. RemTec makes it easy for you to sell us your unwanted halon. We accept Halon 1211 and 1301 along with many CFC's, HCFC's and HFC's into our Halocarbon
Management Program.

Q: What is a Halocarbon Management Program? 
A:    RemTec established a comprehensive Halocarbon Management Program in response to our customer's environmental and fire protection needs. We purchase, reclaim and sell recycled halocarbons, meeting or exceeding all industry standards. We only sell to "critical users" and strictly follow all regulations and laws regarding the safe handling and transportation of halogenated agents.

Q: What if I need to dispose of my halon? 
A:    RemTec can also help you dispose of your halon. Occasionally, owners of ozone depleting chemicals may select destruction as a preferable option, especially if their corporate policies require permanent disposal of all ODS's (Ozone Depleting Substances), Class 1 CFC's and halons. RemTec International, stands ready to accept these unwanted agents for destruction. This program is located in Bowling Green, Ohio and can achieve destruction effiencies up to 99.9999%.

Q: What size containers do you have? 
A:    We have the following containers available for both halon 1211 and 1301: 50 lb. 100 lb. 200 lb. 300 lb. 500 lb. 1000 lb. 1 ton (2000 lb.)

Q: Can I buy a cylinder of unclean halon? 
A:    No, because when you buy a system container of halon that has not been recycled and laboratory tested, you cannot be assured of what is in it. RemTec takes great pride in selling only recycled and laboratory certified products. Always demand laboratory certifications for each tank or cylinder containing halon.