Fire protection equipment
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS), particularly halons, were once used widely in firefighting equipment such as hand-held fire extinguishers and built-in total flooding systems.
The use of halons in firefighting equipment is now banned, except for critical uses in the military and aviation sectors. These exemptions are time limited, with some uses (e.g. in aircraft cabins) permitted only until 31 December 2025.
What you must do
ODS obligations
If you discover any old firefighting equipment filled with halons or other ODS you must:
- Decommission the equipment and dispose of the equipment safely as hazardous/special waste.
- Ensure fire extinguishers are clearly labelled to indicate their contents
Qualified technicians
Decommissioning must be carried out by technicians who hold recognised qualifications such as:
Fire Industry Competence Certificate Course, Class 1.
Disposal
You must dispose of the equipment as hazardous/special waste at a licensed facility. See:
Further information
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