Publications

PDF file

• National Halon Program, India (PDF - 39 KB)

The Goal

To decrease the impact of halons on the ozone layer by assisting India in developing a National Halon Management and Banking Program.

The Challenge

Halons are one of the world’s most common fire-fighting and explosion suppression agents. They are also the most aggressive ozone depleting substance now controlled under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The Protocol banned the production and consumption of halons in developed countries in 1994 (except for essential uses). Halons are due to be phased out of developing countries by 2010.

Australia’s National Halon Bank is managed by DASCEM Pty Ltd on behalf of the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment and Heritage and safely stores, reclaims and destroys halons and chlorofluorocarbons. Australia has used this expertise to assist other countries, and identified the management of halons in India as an important step in the international phase out of halons. India did not previously have the capability to manage halons, but is one of the world’s major producers and consumers of halons.

This Case Study

The National Halon Management and Banking Program was developed by Australia and Canada and approved under the Montreal Protocol. The program was designed to enable India to phase out halons in an environmentally responsible and economically sustainable manner, whilst maintaining a supply of halons for critical uses, thereby meeting their obligations under the Montreal Protocol.

How did we make it happen?

The program was jointly funded by Australia and Canada and implemented in India in 2001. Using expertise from Australia’s Halon Bank, an Australian consultant, assisted by DASCEM, implemented the program and installed a National Halon Bank and Management system in India, with cooperation from India’s Defence Institute of Fire Research and Ministry of Environment and Forests.

How far have we come?

The program has made some significant achievements, including:

• Establishment of the physical premises and equipment for decanting, recycling, reclaiming and storing halons in India;
• Establishing a critical halon users and protected facilities database for determining quantities of recycled halons required for ongoing critical use;
• Establishing a Halon Management Group/Advisory Forum to provide expert advice to the Indian government on determination of critical use applications;
• Development of correct procedures, operational guidelines, monitoring and reporting activities;
• Development and implementation of technical training and associated support requirements for halon bank operators and major halon users;
• Development and implementation of a program for the collection, storage and transportation of halons; and
• Development and implementation of public and technical personnel education and awareness activities.

What have we learnt?

This program has illustrated the need for strong national policy frameworks in order to assist countries to develop environmentally sustainable capabilities. In this case, strong technical and policy support has enabled the project to be completed successfully.

For more information on the Australian Halon Management Strategy visit:
http://www.deh.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone/ods/halon/index.html#strategy