Equipment end of life
Instructions on the handling of used SF
6
gas
and decomposition products
P81--0001EN/02
4/4
01--2011
© ALSTOM 2010. All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is indicative only. No representation or warranty is given or should be
relied on that it is complete or correct or will apply to any particular project. This will depend on the technical and commercial circumstances. It is
provided without liability and is subject to change without notice. Reproduction, use or disclosure to third parties, without express written authority, is
strictly prohibited.
GRID
Summary of instructions
Reminder
Sulphur hexafluoride, le SF
6,
is not toxic
.
The electrical discharges and
arcs or faults can break the molecule up, with recombination possibly
creating by--products with varying degrees of toxicity. In a few seconds,
even before there is any danger, characteristic signs (sharp and
unpleasant odour, mucous gland, mouth and eye irritation) alert personnel
to the danger, in time to take the necessary preventive safety measues in
the rpesence of gaseous by--products. Dust by--products irritate the skin.
SF
6
, some five times heavier than air, can form layered deposits on the
ground. If it is not diluted by turbulence, the SF
6
replaces and rarifies the
oxygen, until there is a risk of asphyxiation.
Recommendations
The following table summarises the instructions to respect
when handling
used SF
6
gas and by--products :
Nº Recommendation
1 Immediately leave the room where the characteristic sharp and
unpleasant odour signals the presence of gaseous by--products.
Only return after the air has been replaced by ventilation or
appropriate respiratory apparatus (with a filter or independent of the
location).
2 In the event of a high concentration of SF
6
do not enter the room
without an respiratory device independent of the ambient air , for so
long as the ventilation has not made the air breathable, with a
minimum proven oxygen content of 17%.
3 Do not enter rooms located below and communicating with an SF
6
apparatus room without first cold--ventilating them and checking the
minimum breathable oxygen content (17%), or wearing appropriate
individual respirator.
4 Maintain efficient ventilation throughout all SF
6
apparatus--related
work: draining, opening, cleaning, filling.
5 In the presence of solid by--products, avoid contact of the dust with
the skin and do not inhale or swallow . Make sure the workstation
and all clothing are clean. Wash abundently in the event of physical
contact. Wear special clothing, to be taken off when work has
finished.
6 Rinse any part of the skin that comes in contact with switchgear
dust freely and immediately! Before breaks and at the end of work,
wash the face, neck, arms and hands with soap, and rinse freely
and carefully.
7 Do not stir up dust by--products. Dry--wipe sticking dust and vacuum
up detached dust with an appropriate vacuum cleaner equipped with
a paper filter. Carefully dispose of used filters and cleaning material
in such a way as to avoid scattering the gathered duct. Neutralise
all polluted materials.
8 Do not keep nor drink nor eat beverages or food in the presence of
open SF
6
equipment with switchgear dust. Do not smoke.
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