ODS & SGG Considerations for Changing a System Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board ODS & SGG Considerations for Changing a System Daniel Wilson - Board Member

Implications of SGG phasedown? What implications does the planned phase-down of HFC’s have for owners of existing (FM-200/FE-227,in particular,) systems? NO urgency to do anything - supply of agent will continue, HFCs already in Australia are not impacted However, there are a number of triggers when you can consider alternatives during the service life of the system This presentation covers some of the triggers as well as some of the things you need to consider if you are changing to one of the alternatives

Opportunities for Change Over Examples of triggers for when to consider changing a system: 10 Yearly Pressure Testing of Cylinders Changes in Room Use Change of Hazard Changes in Room Dimensions Relocation of Room Change in Ownership Change in Environmental Policy

Routine Service – AS 1851 Why is this a good time: Ten yearly pressure testing of cylinders Interruption to continuity of protection Can experience downtime from servicing cylinders, transport and install/uninstall Costs associated with servicing

Changes in Room Use / Hazard What has changed: Hazard change examples: IT Room to include UPS/batteries Change in type or quantity of equipment/equipment closer Change in the use of the room Change in A/C Shutdown or Equipment Shutdown Risk Profile changes: Backup facility to Critical facility Better uptime profile Change in service company/refilling availability Change from UF Protection to Room and UF Protection

Changes in Dimensions / Relocation What has changed: Room has changed Room volume has changed Redesign using latest standard Change in openings/penetrations Cylinder location relative to the room has changed Structural Integrity of the room has changed

Change in Ownership / Policy What has changed: Change of Ownership Change in Environmental Policy Change in internal risk management standards – standardise on a particular product Changes to other factors (approvals or new technology) may mean there is a more appropriate alternative to justify and upgrade

What do you need to consider? Things to consider, what may/will change when shifting to an alternative: Hazard Cylinder location Pipe Network Redesign Downtime Control and Alarm Maintenance Disposal of existing system

Consider the Hazard When the Hazard changes the things to consider are: What is the new hazard What alternatives are approved for the hazard Different alternatives operate on different extinguishing mechanisms Is it an occupied space? The amount of agent is different for each alternative and is hazard dependent Time of discharge/speed of suppression Is it a clean agent Ease of servicing

Consider the Redesign When changing to an alternative consider: Need to complete a new hydraulic calculation for engineered systems or complete checks for pre-engineered Nozzles have different profiles – some require minimum clearance areas, some have smaller coverage areas Need to complete documentation Considerations for installation / commissioning / re-training site personnel Need to consider pressure relief venting Example – many of the alternatives have a different pressure excursion in the hazard than a HFC system and will require different or increase pressure relief venting

Consider the Cylinder Location When changing to an alternative consider: Location – distance from the Hazard, effect on hydraulics of the system Space for cylinders/Some alternatives have a much larger footprint Manual Handling for alternatives is different Access for installation, servicing, decommissioning Floor Loading Example – 500m3 FM200 System – Floor Loading Approx. 570kg Example – 500m3 IG-55 System – Floor Loading Approx. 2000kg May not have cylinders (Watermist pump or ORFPS) – but may need water available/tanks or other equipment

Consider the Pipe Network When changing to an alternative consider: Pipework design/layout – usually different Layout might have more restrictions Different pipe size/No pipe at all Different pipe ratings/fittings class Penetrations through walls Bracketing changes – support more/heavier pipe

Consider the Control and Alarm When changing to an alternative consider: Is the detection method in combination with an alternative still appropriate for a hazard? Changes to actuation and monitoring Any additional valves, switches, controls Is there a change required to batteries? Does the control and alarm meet the current standards? Does equipment need to maintain an IP or IEC rating?

Consider the Downtime When changing to an alternative consider: Downtime in changeover Manage the risks with changeover Consider reserves – connected or unconnected Refilling locations – access to refilling Consider different verticals – Marine will have different considerations to mining

Consider the Maintenance When changing to an alternative consider: New maintenance requirements – different systems have different requirements Manufacturers recommendation on new equipment Changes in baseline data Consider whole of life costs Ongoing running costs

Decommissioning Things to consider when disposing of / decommissioning a system: Licensed Person/Company Have transport methodology pre-determined Safe procedures when removing cylinder(s) Cylinders containing HFC are sent to licensed company for reclaim/recycling/destruction Other items can be recycled or correctly disposed of i.e., Steel pipe, brackets, nozzles, signage, etc Review and detection and control system to ensure it is fit for purpose/compliant for what remains

Summary When you will trigger an opportunity for changing out a system with HFC for an alternative Evaluate what alternatives may be suitable for your specific application Ask your service/system provider for advice and use a licensed provider for any changes including decommissioning