NFPA World Safety Conference, Booth # 801 -- May 23-26, 2004 -- 3M today announced the global availability of fire protection systems incorporating 3M(TM) Novec(TM) 1230 fire protection fluid, a clean extinguishing agent based on sustainable technology, from leading fire suppression systems original equipment manufactures (OEMs).

"The global availability of Novec 1230 fluid couldn't have come at a better time," said John Schuster, business manager at 3M. "Demand for sustainable technologies that offer a longer-term solution for fire suppression has increased significantly. Specifiers are calling for systems that have an exceptional environmental and safety profile, like Novec 1230 fluid.

Novec 1230 fluid is designed to balance the need for human safety and low environmental impact, while not compromising extinguishing performance. With a zero ozone-depletion potential, an atmospheric lifetime of just five days and a global warming potential of one, Novec 1230 fluid is uniquely positioned to meet current halon replacement regulations and those of the foreseeable future. Leading OEMs and their entities/affiliates and brands that now offer systems incorporating Novec 1230 fluid include:

Kidde plc, via its operating companies, is in the process of bringing to market a full-range of clean agent fire suppression systems featuring the Novec 1230 fluid for a wide range of applications, both land-based and marine. These companies include, but are not limited to:

In Europe & Scandinavia:

• Kidde-Deugra, based in Germany, manufactures and markets the KD-1230 System featuring Novec 1230 fluid through distributors, agents and sister-companies in Europe.
• Kidde Fire Protection of the United Kingdom, markets the KD-1230 System in the United Kingdom through its distributors and agents, as well as to various regions.
• Ginge-Kerr of Denmark, markets the KD-1230 System through distributors in the Scandinavian region.
• Ajax Fire Protection of the Netherlands, designs, installs, commissions and provides after-market services for KD-1230 Systems in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemboug.

In the Americas:

• Kidde Fire Systems of the United States, manufactures and markets Enviro-1230 through distributors and agents in the North America and export markets throughout the world.
• Fenwal Protection Systems of the United States, manufactures and markets EcoTek-1230 through distributors and agents throughout the world.
• Chemetron Fire Systems of the United States, manufactures and markets Novec 1230 fluid-based systems through distributors and agents throughout the world, as well as offering systems integration and services direct to end users.

Kidde's launch of Novec 1230 fluid-based suppression systems in Europe has been well received, particularly where the prominence of environmental issues has resulted in customers paying attention to suppression agent selection. The NFPA World Safety Conference in Salt Lake City acts as the backdrop for Kidde's launch of Novec 1230 fluid-based systems into the markets of North America and those influenced by North American standards.

Modular Protection Corp. manufactures and markets the SEVO Fire Suppression Systems. The SEVO Fire Suppression System was the first UL listed total flooding system incorporating Novec 1230 fluid.

Siemens Building Technologies currently manufactures and markets Novec 1230 fluid-based fire suppression systems through Siemens Building Technologies Cos. in Europe.

Tyco Fire & Security, the world's largest fire protection company, was the first organization to launch an engineered system using Novec 1230 fluid. Marketed under the SAPPHIRE name globally, Tyco's customers are using the new systems to help protect data processing centers, telecommunications switches, shipboard machinery and other high value critical business assets. Tyco has launched SAPPHIRE in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. SAPPHIRE Suppression Systems are available through Tyco's leading brands such as ADT, ANSUL, HYGOOD, and WORMALD.

"Novec 1230 fluid has been very well received by the fire protection industry, and demand for fire suppression systems incorporating the fluid is growing. In three short years, the fluid was introduced and received regulatory approvals and clearance in major countries and regions around the world. And, it has been incorporated into systems and now is available from some of the fire protection industry's leading OEMs," said Schuster. "In addition, demand for the fluid is increasing in the marine industry and the fluid is receiving national consumer recognition from news programs such as 'Good Morning America' and networks such as CNBC which featured Tyco Fire & Security SAPPHIRE Suppression Systems."

Additionally, Novec 1230 fluid has been generating increasing interest among ship owners, operators, insurers and fire protection professionals because of its ability to offer a long-term fire production solution for occupied spaces, continued Schuster. 3M currently is working closely with Tyco Fire & Security on their Tyco Marine initiative to market systems incorporating Novec 1230 fluid. To date, Tyco's Fire Suppression Products group has obtained several significant marine approvals such as Lloyd's Register, Det Norske Veritas, and the United Kingdom's Maritime and Coastguard Agency based upon 3M successfully passing IMO Circular 838 fire performance tests for Novec 1230 fluid. The approvals allow even more wide-spread global commercialization of systems incorporating Novec 1230 fluid in the marine industry.

Systems charged with Novec 1230 fluid are ideal for use in the marine industry. Novec 1230 fluid is noncorrosive and nonconductive, and it evaporates rapidly so it will not harm delicate electronics or important paper documents. Novec 1230 fluid leaves no messy residue to clean up, so systems can remain operational. The fluid, which is stored as a liquid, becomes a gas on discharge and is therefore easier to handle and store, allowing for more efficient use in tight spaces. In addition, there is a distinct advantage in handling a low-vapor pressure liquid agent like Novec 1230 fluid as it can be shipped safely by air in bulk quantities without regulations or restrictions. And because it's a nonpressurized liquid, refilling after discharge is far more simple that filling from a cylinder of a gas. This eliminates the need to move containers offsite. Systems charged with Novec 1230 fluid can be used in streaming and flooding applications, localized flooding systems and directional spray type applications. The fluid also is ideal for special hazard applications in industries such as electronics, telecommunications and banking as well as hospitals, cultural institutions, libraries, historical landmarks and the military.

For more information about 3M Novec 1230 fire protection fluid, visit www.3M.com/novec1230fluid or call 800-810-8513. 3M Company will be exhibiting at Booth # 801 at NFPA World Safety Conference, in Salt Lake City, May 23-26, 2004.

About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include icons such as Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon are trademarks of 3M.

LaBreche MurrayStephani Simon, 612-392-7613Cell: 612-384-1968ssimon@labrechemurray.comor3MPublic Relations:Colleen Horn Harris, 651-733-1566www.3M.com/profile/pressbox/media_contacts.jhtml