Besides testing fire suppression systems against a standard protocol, SFI Spec 17.1 also includes certain requirements that users of the products should know. First, there is a 2-year recertification period. The system must be inspected ONLY by the original manufacturer or their approved agent. No manufacturer may inspect or recertify another's system. As a convenience to their customers, some manufacturers have personnel at the track that will inspect and recertify systems out in the field. If the system is determined to be acceptable for continued use, the manufacturer will apply a new SFI 17.1 certification label along with the new inspection date. That system is then good for another two years from the inspection date. If a racer needs to contact the manufacturer of their system for recertification, all participating manufacturers in this program are listed under Spec 17.1 on the participating manufacturers page.

Any racer should be familiar with his or her safety equipment on their car, so with that in mind, he or she should know what type of cylinder contains their suppression agent. Cylinders are manufactured to different Department of Transportation (DOT) specs that not only mandate their construction, but also how they are used. Here's a quick breakdown of the different cylinders specified in SFI 17.1 and their uses as mandated by the DOT:

DOT 39: This standard is for non-reusable (non-refillable) steel or aluminum cylinders. If your system has a DOT 39 cylinder and is discharged, federal regulations prohibit the cylinder from being refilled.

DOT 3AL: This standard is for refillable aluminum cylinders.

TC 3ALM: This is the Canadian equivalent to DOT 3AL.

DOT 4B360: This standard is for refillable steel cylinders.

DOT 4DS: This standard is for steel spherical cylinders. (As of this writing, this type of cylinder is pending final approval for addition to Spec 17.1)

Currently Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 are acceptable agents per SFI Spec 17.1. However, as of January 1, 2008, Halon agents will not be allowed in the field. That means that all certified Halon systems currently in use will expire on December 31, 2007, regardless of the system's manufacture or recertification date. This is in response to regulations set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Concerns about Halons include their ozone-depleting properties as well as the human health effects (toxicity) when discharged in small areas.

Also contributing to the removal of Halons from SFI Spec 17.1 is the fact the there are alternative agents available for use which are less harmful to the environment, less toxic to humans, and pass the fire suppression tests required by the spec. For a complete list of manufacturers with systems certified to SFI Spec 17.1, click here or contact SFI at 858-451-8868 for more information.

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