The AIM Act was put in place to phase out chemical agents that negatively affect the environment and replace them with agents that are safer and more eco-friendly.
Fire safety and suppression is an industry that is forever changing. Codes and mandates are always being reevaluated, and safety measures are being updated to keep people—and the environment—protected. The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, or AIM Act, was recently issued for this very purpose. Its aim is to continue to reduce the effect fire suppression systems have on the environment by phasing out environmentally harmful chemicals known as hydrofluorocarbons and replacing them with cleaner alternatives that are still highly effective.
What is the AIM Act?
The AIM Act was issued as a final regulation by the USA EPA on October 5, 2021. The AIM Act mandates the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which have global warming potentials upwards of a thousand times greater than CO₂. The phasedown approach is to reduce HFC production to 85% by 2036.
HFCs are used in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosols, and fire suppression. Some of the familiar names in fire suppression are FM-200, FE-25 (Ecaro), and FE-13. You can read more details and specifics regarding the AIM here: Final Rule – Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Establishing the Allowance Allocation and Trading Program under the AIM Act | US EPA.
What does this mean for the fire protection industry?
It means that FM-200 and the above-mentioned agents have been included under this mandate. Since this mandate has taken effect, manufacturers and OEMs alike have opted out of selling and supplying FM-200 or any other HFC fire suppression due to the limited supply being produced. This is not going to limit the supply of other fire suppression systems, however, as there are still many available. Systems being phased out are already being replaced by updated options such as Novec 1230.
What does this mean for existing systems?
If you already have and use FM-200 fire suppression, there’s no rush to change out your system if you do not wish to. In fact, there is enough reclaimed agent on-hand that companies like WESCO or A-GAS can recharge any of your existing systems now and in the foreseeable future should you have a need to do so.
Dealing with constant changes and updates to fire suppression systems can be difficult at times, but these mandates are critical for pushing the fire protection industry forward. We strive to be at the forefront of innovation so that we can continue to create solutions that go beyond saving human lives by also ensuring they are safe for the environment. Please contact us today to discuss the alternatives or any other of your fire protection needs.
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