Finding ways to assure the quality and safe handling of fire extinguishing agents has led to the development of two new ASTM International standards, D 7323, Practice for Handling, Transportation and Storage of IG-100 (Nitrogen), and D 7325, Practice for Handling, Transportation and Storage of IG-541, N2, Ar, CO2. The new standards were developed by Subcommittee D26.09 on Fire Extinguishing Agents, under the jurisdiction of ASTM International Committee D26 on Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents.

According to Mark L. Robin, vice chair of Committee D26 and technical services consultant, DuPont Fluoroproducts, both of the new standards would be used in the design of fire suppression systems for the protection of computer rooms, electronic data processing facilities, military facilities and vehicles and museums. Architects and engineers who are involved in the design and specification of fire suppression systems will be among those who will use D 7323 and D 7325.

Robin notes that, while the subcommittee is currently of a healthy size, it could always benefit from additional expertise. “We are seeking participation by developers of other types of suppression systems, for example, aerosol type fire extinguishers,” says Robin.

For further technical information, contact Mark L. Robin, DuPont Fluoroproducts, Wilmington, Del. (phone: 302/999-5002; mark.l.robin@usa.dupont.com). Committee D26 meets Jan. 30 in Tampa, Fla. For membership or meeting information, contact Nancy Morrissey, Technical Committee Operations, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9736; nmorriss@astm.org).

Release #7873