Handling Sulfur Hexafluoride; Safety Precautions When Handling Sf6; Oxygen Displacement; Mechanical Handling - GE GL 311 F3/4031 P/VE Operating Instructions Manual

3

Handling Sulfur Hexafluoride

3.1 Safety Precautions When Handling SF
3.1.1

Oxygen Displacement

3.1.2

Mechanical Handling

REV7
/REV3
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF
less, chemically neutral, non-combustible and approximately five
times heavier than air. It is non-toxic and is not an ozone-depleting
substance.
Pure SF is completely safe for human beings and animals physio-
6
logically. Because of its weight, however, it can displace the air in
poorly ventilated, lower-lying or underground spaces (e.g. base-
ments, cable ducts and maintenance shafts).
SF is not classified as a hazardous substance in European chemi-
6
cals legislation.
It has no ecotoxic potential and does not contribute to destruction of
the ozone layer. Because of its high global warming potential
(22,200), it can contribute to the greenhouse effect if it is released
into the atmosphere. Therefore do not dump or otherwise discharge
SF to the atmosphere, and reduce incidental emissions wherever
6
possible.
If SF is used to fill electrical switchgear, it must comply with stan-
6
dard IEC 60376.
Standards governing SF
- IEC 60480 Guidelines for the checking and treatment of sulfur
hexafluoride taken from electrical equipment and specification for
its re-use.
- IEC 62271-4 Use and handling of sulphur hexafluoride (SF
high-voltage switchgear and controlgear.
SF is five times heavier than air and can accumulate in underg-
6
round rooms or poorly ventilated spaces if it gets into the work env-
ironment in large quantities. In such cases air is displaced, which
consequently reduces the amount of oxygen available. If the oxy-
gen concentration drops below 16% (IEC 62271-4), there is the
danger that personnel working in the surrounding area will suffoca-
te. Poorly ventilated or non-ventilated underground spaces such as
basements, cable ducts, maintenance shafts and drainage systems
are especially vulnerable.
The SF operating pressure in the switchgear unit is higher than the
6
atmospheric air pressure. To avoid the danger of injury resulting
from mechanical breakage of housing components, personnel must
comply with the safety precautions specified in the appropriate
chapters of this operating manual.
OI 250 (EN)
H S
ANDLING ULFUR
) is an inert gas that is colorless and odor-
6
handling
6
6
H
EXAFLUORIDE
) in
6
13 / 146