Any person or company possessing halon, which is for use in fire protection equipment or systems, must hold a halon special permit (HSP).
Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995, it is an offence of strict liability to possess halon without the appropriate permit.
A HSP is not required for containers of halon physically attached and forming part of an installed fire protection system or extinguisher or where the ozone depleting substance is contained within the equipment (e.g. a portable extinguisher containing halon).
How to apply for a halon special permit
A halon special permit (HSP) may be granted by the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board (FPIB) where it is satisfied that:
- the applicant is appropriately experienced and the use of the halon is to protect human life or operate equipment that is critical to the community
- there is no practicable and safe alternative available at reasonable cost.
To apply for a HSP, an application form must be fully completed and submitted to [email protected]
A risk management plan must also be completed and submitted to the FPIB as part of the application process. A HSP holder may also need to hold an extinguishing agent trading authorisation (EATA) if they trade in that halon.
