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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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?

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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