FROM GLOBAL ATMOSPHERE DIVISION
02.23.1993 15:14
NO. 7
F. €
PARA GRAPHS FOR TELEGRAM
1. Essential uses
The new phase out schedules for CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride and 1,1,1 trichloroethane include provision for continued production for a limited number of essential uses after phase out. The Protocol Parties agreed (Decision IV/25) a set of stringent criteria for essential uses, together with a procedure and a timetable for agreement on these uses. HMG has recently clarified with the Protocol Secretariat the dates by which nominations for essential use status must be lodged with them. The date for halons is 31 March 1993. The date for CFCs, carbon tetrachloride and 1,1,1 trichloroethane is 30 September 1993. This is not a 'one-off' exercise. The essential use list will be subject to review at subsequent meetings of the Parties.
Halons (fire fighting chemicals)
It is extremely unlikely that DTS will have applications that the UK does not have. The Department of the Environment carried out a study in the use of halons and the scope for substitution in 1991 (copies available on request). This study showed that there were very few uses for halons for which there were no substitutes at that time. Other methods of fire protection have been found for more areas of application since the report was written. Those that remain are defence applications, some transport uses and some offshore oil uses. The Ministry of Defence is to set up a 'bank' of halons for use in equipment until the end of the equipments' life. This includes installations in Dependent Territories. HMG is expecting to nominate civil aviation applications and some offshore oil/gas applications.
Any Dependent Territory with a unique use for halons after 1/1/94 which meets the criteria in Decision IV/25 should contact DOE (Ann Godfrey 071 276 8621) as soon as possible.
CFCS 11, 12, 113, 114, 115
These have many uses: notably refrigeration and air conditioning, as solvents and in medical aerosols. HMG recently carried out two studies (copies available on request) one into refrigeration, the other into solvent uses. There were no refrigeration uses for which alternatives were not available, and very few solvent uses. HMG is shortly to go out to public consultation on possible essential uses for these substances for which continued production might be allowed. It is unlikely that DTS would have applications that would not be covered by an HMG bid.
Dependent Territories are asked to look at their applications and submit any they consider might need continued production after 1/1/96 by the end of April 1993 to ESED. DTS should also submit the information set out in Decision IV/25. Enquiries to DOE (Ann Godfrey 071 276 8621).
Other fully halogenated CFCs, carbon tetrachloride and 1,1,1 trichloroethane
For uses see para 4 ESED telegram 27 February 1993. HMG is shortly to go out to public consultation on possible essential