Hazard Sheet 30

PCBs

Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PCB
PCB is a hazardous material that is unlikely to be used in modern processes and products as it is now banned
in many countries across the world. However there is still a very real risk for ABB staff doing service or repair
work on transformers, that those have been filled with oil containing PCB, or have been contaminated in earlier
times with PCB by using an oil treatment plant, which contained PCB oil, or topping up oil from drums or tanks,
which were PCB contaminated.

PCB chemical compounds are odourless, tasteless and clear to pale-yellow viscous liquids.
The name PCB was given in 1994, earlier these substances were known as Phenols or chlorinated
biphenyls.
The following trade names have been used in different countries:
Brazil

United States

Japan
Ascarel

Former Czechoslovakia
Delor
France

Kanechlor (used by Kanegafuchi)

Santotherm (used by Mitsubishi)
Pyroclor
Former USSR
Sovol
Sovtol

Phenoclor
Pyralne (both used by
Prodolec)

United Kingdom
Aroclor xxxx (used by Monsanto
Company)
Askarel

Germany

Aroclor xxxx (used by Monsanto

Company)
Asbestol
Askarel
Bakola131
Chlorextol - Allis-Chalmers trade
name
Hydol
Inerteen (used by Westinghouse)
Noflamol
Pyranol/Pyrenol (used by General
Electric)
Saf-T-Kuhl
Therminol

Clophen (used by Bayer)

Italy
Apirolio
Fenclor

PCB is banned for use in new equipment in most countries since latest 1981.
Nature of Hazard
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can affect you, when breathed in, when taken with the food, or by passing
through your skin. They are CARCINOGENS and extreme precautions need to be taken for handling. In case
they are involved in a fire, they can break down into Dioxins and Furans, which belong to the most toxic
substances known, being more deadly than cyanide.
Acute Health Effect:
- handling of the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose and throat
- exposure in high concentration can damage the liver
Chronic Health Effect:
- can cause skin cancer or liver cancer
- can affect the reproductive system of adults
- can be passed on through mothers milk to children
- can cause a severe acne called chloracne lasting for years
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Hazard Sheet 30

PCBs

Polychlorinated Biphenyls Cont

Control
Before accepting any maintenance or repair work on oil filled transformers, an oil sample need to be tested by an
independent laboratory or an ABB laboratory on content of PCB. This has to be done, when the maintenance or
repair work includes any handling of the oil of the transformer. The test has to be performed within 90 days prior
to the work start and the report has to have a direct reference to the identification number of the transformer.
National legislation needs to be known and followed, in case of it being stricter, than ABB rules.
-

In case the report shows 0 ppm PCB content no further actions are required.
For PCB content between 1 and 50 ppm extra precautions need to be taken, including training of all workers
involved on handling PCB. The taken measures have to ensure, that no contact between operator and PCB
oil can occure.
In the case of PCB content above 50 ppm, only specialized companies are allowed to handle such orders.

No ABB workers or contractors shall be exposed to equipment containing PCBs greater than 50 ppm or PCB
contaminated material.
Environmental considerations
Due to their low vapor pressure, PCBs accumulate primarily in the hydrosphere, in the soil and in organisms. In
the oceans a significant quantity of PCBs is dissolved. A small quantity of PCBs is also spread in the
atmosphere, mostly in urbanized areas.PCBs exhibit a wide range of toxic effects. These effects may vary
depending on the specific PCB.
PCBs disposal
The PCB containing material must be stored in a closed container in the hazardous waste storage area of the
customer or ABB. Only certified disposal companies are allowed to be hired for the disposal of this material.
Records need to be kept to proof the correct disposal for at least 5 years, if country legislation does not state a
longer period of time. The methods of destruction on PCBs are physical, microbial or chemical. In any case the
process has to be kept in specific parameters to avoid products like Dioxins or Furans.
At no time is ABB to be considered the generator of PCB containing material, including but not limited to
insulating oil and contaminated rags, cloths, absorbants, gloves and protective clothing. The customer shall
provide properly labeled drums, totes, or tankers for PCB containing material. The customer is then responsible
for the handling, storage, transportation and disposal of these containers.

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