Bromotrifluoromethane

Halons are nonconductors of electricity and can be used in fighting flammable liquids and most solid combustible materials. Halon is not effective on fuels containing their own oxidizing agents or highly reactive metals, such as sodium or potassium. There are two (2) types of Halon (121 and 1301). Halon 121 is more commonly used in hand-held fire extinguishers because it discharges mostly as a liquid stream. On the other hand Halon 1301 discharges mostly as a gas, allowing it to penetrate behind obstacles and tight spaces, such as baffles and bulkheads. Unfortunately, the EPA banned Halon fire extinguishers back in 1994 because it was determined to cause depletion in the ozone layers. However, properly maintained commercial systems were “grandfathered” and can remain in use. These include the aircraft industry and certain technology marketplaces. Operators should wear approved PPE equipment including impervious clothing footwear, gloves, and safety glasses when handling this product.

What is Bromotrifluoromethane?

Bromotrifluoromethane, commonly known as Halon 1301, R13B1, Halon 13B1 or BTM is a colorless, non-flammable gas primarily used for fire suppression.

In the United States, Bromotrifluoromethane or Halon is a “tight-fill” (closed-loop) loading operation and is loaded or unloaded into rail cars via chemical hoses or carbon steel loading arms. Bromotrifluoromethane, if not handled properly can be harmful and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required. Additionally, because operators are on top of the vehicles during the loading process, robust, well-designed fall prevention is essential to ensure increased throughput, without compromising operator safety.

Although no two Bromotrifluoromethane loading solutions will be identical, the product itself determines much of the critical design criteria that will ensure that optimum safety and productivity can work together in harmony.

Bromotrifluoromethane is typically shipped in 26,000 gallon DOT-110 insulated or non-insulated tank cars or Ton Containers with safety valves and/or vents. The rails cars themselves are ~ 9′ outside diameter with an overall length of ~45’ to 55′, with a 6’ x 6’ center opening or off-set crash box openings.

Bromotrifluoromethane is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and is classified as a non-flammable gas with the DOT identification number UN 1009.

Exposure to Halon includes throat, eye and nasal irritation, lightheadedness, and an increased heart rate. First aid measures for exposure include – removing operators from the source of exposure and into fresh air. If respiratory arrest occurs, provide artificial respiration or oxygen by trained personnel. Contact with skin may cause burns or frostbite, due to the rapidly expanding gas. Flush contaminated skin with plenty of water, and wash clothing before reuse.

Halon is a pressurized gas. In a fire or if heated the container may burst or explode. This chemical may also displace oxygen and cause rapid suffocation.

Best practice includes storing product in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Hazardous thermal decomposition products include the following: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, halogenated compounds and carbonyl halides.