Effective Date : 25/06/2015

SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6) Procedure No: WI.GN.03

SWITCHGEAR Issue : 01 Revision : 00
Page 1 of 9
Approved by:
WI.GN.03

DISTRIBUTION SAFETY INSTRUCTION

(DSI-03)

SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6) SWITCHGEAR

Prepared by: Date:

HSEQ Manager - S/S Dept. Manager

Reviewed by: Date:

EMD Division Manager

Approved by: Date:

Executive Operation Director

Effective Date: 25/06/2015

This Document is the property of ADDC, and cannot be used nor given to outside party without prior authorisation. Print outs from soft copies are
Uncontrolled, unless stamped in red as “Controlled Copy”
 Effective Date : 25/06/2015
SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6) Procedure No: WI.GN.03
SWITCHGEAR Issue : 01 Revision : 00
Page 2 of 9
Approved by:
WI.GN.03

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents
1. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
2. DEFINITIONS................................................................................................................................................................. 4
3. IDENTIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................................ 4
4. DANGERS....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
5. SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE GAS CHARACTERISTICS.......................................................................................... 5
5.1 SF6 HAZARDS ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
5.2 SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: ...................................................................... 5
5.3 HEALTH EFFECTS OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE: .............................................................................................. 6
5.4 FIRST-AID MEASURES ............................................................................................................................................ 6
6. PREPARATION FOR WORK ON SF6 SWITCHGEAR ............................................................................................... 7
6.1 GAS PRESSURE ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
7. MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................................................... 9
8. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) ............................................................................................................. 9

This Document is the property of ADDC, and cannot be used nor given to outside party without prior authorisation. Print outs from soft copies are
Uncontrolled, unless stamped in red as “Controlled Copy”
 Effective Date : 25/06/2015
SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6) Procedure No: WI.GN.03
SWITCHGEAR Issue : 01 Revision : 00
Page 3 of 9
Approved by:
WI.GN.03

AMENDMENTS SHEET

ISSUE/ PAGE SUBJECT OF THE

APPROVED BY DATE
REV # NUMBER AMENDMENT
Executive
All First issue after re-structure of the 01/04/2015
01/00 Operation
System Safety Rules Director

This Document is the property of ADDC, and cannot be used nor given to outside party without prior authorisation. Print outs from soft copies are
Uncontrolled, unless stamped in red as “Controlled Copy”
 Effective Date : 25/06/2015
SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6) Procedure No: WI.GN.03
SWITCHGEAR Issue : 01 Revision : 00
Page 4 of 9
Approved by:
WI.GN.03

1. SCOPE

This Distribution Safety Instruction applies the principles established by the Company
System Safety Rules to achieve Safety from the System for personnel working on
switchgear which contains, or has contained, Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) gas, including
brief General Safety guidance for maintenance work in such type of switchgear.

2. DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this document the following definitions apply

Gas Zones - Discrete items of Equipment which may be independently Isolated and
drained of Sulphur Hexafluoride. A Gas Zone may comprise

A single-phase enclosure

A single enclosure containing the three phases of an item of Equipment

Three single-phase enclosures of a common item of Equipment connected by inter-phase

pipe work.

Terms printed in bold type are as defined in the Company System Safety Rules.

3. IDENTIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT

All Equipment on which work is carried out must be readily identifiable. A means of
temporary identification must be attached where necessary, which will remain effective
throughout the duration of the work.

4. DANGERS

The main Dangers to personnel from Equipment containing Sulphur Hexafluoride gas
are

 Oxygen deficiency within a confined space it may cause asphyxiation

 Electric shock or burns
 Release of stored mechanical energy or hydraulic pressure
 Exposure to toxic gas breakdown products which are formed within the
Equipment
 Gaining access to Live conductors as a result of human error.

This Document is the property of ADDC, and cannot be used nor given to outside party without prior authorisation. Print outs from soft copies are
Uncontrolled, unless stamped in red as “Controlled Copy”
 Effective Date : 25/06/2015
SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6) Procedure No: WI.GN.03
SWITCHGEAR Issue : 01 Revision : 00
Page 5 of 9
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WI.GN.03

5. SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE GAS CHARACTERISTICS

5.1 SF6 HAZARDS

Sulphur Hexafluoride is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-flammable and chemically

stable gas. The decomposed gas products are not an explosion or fire risk. The gas is
heavier than air and therefore any leakage collects at the lowest levels by displacing air
from cable trenches, basements, pits, etc. near or below floor level.

The main health hazard associated with releases of this gas is asphyxiation, by
displacement of oxygen. The liquefied gas will rapidly boil at standard temperatures and
pressures. This product is not flammable or reactive under typical emergency response
situations

Periodic gas tests must be undertaken, as a routine maintenance activity, and these should
concentrate on the lower level spaces where the gas may collect. It is essential that proper
and effective ventilation is provided before personnel access is permitted and those
conducting gas tests must be particularly careful and vigilant.

5.2 SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE:

The most significant route of over-exposure for this gas is by inhalation.

INHALATION:

High concentrations of this gas can cause an oxygen-deficient environment. Individuals

breathing such an atmosphere may experience symptoms which include headaches,
ringing in ears, dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, and depression
of all the senses.
Under some circumstances of over-exposure in confined space, death may occur, due to
the displacement of oxygen.

The following effects associated with various levels of oxygen are as follows:

CONCENTRATION SYMPTOM OF EXPOSURE

12-16% Oxygen: Breathing and pulse rate increased, muscular coordination
slightly disturbed.
10-14% Oxygen: Emotional upset, abnormal fatigue, disturbed respiration.
6-10% Oxygen: Nausea and vomiting, collapse or loss of consciousness.
Below 6%: Convulsive movements, possible respiratory collapse, and
death.
An additional inhalation hazard can occur if Sulfur Hexafluoride is subjected to electrical
discharge. Under this event Sulfur Hexafluoride can produce lower fluorides of sulfur,

This Document is the property of ADDC, and cannot be used nor given to outside party without prior authorisation. Print outs from soft copies are
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 Effective Date : 25/06/2015
SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6) Procedure No: WI.GN.03
SWITCHGEAR Issue : 01 Revision : 00
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some of which are toxic. Inhalation of Sulfur Hexafluoride after electrical discharge must
be avoided.

5.3 HEALTH EFFECTS OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE:

Over-exposure to Sulfur Hexafluoride may cause the following health effects:

ACUTE:
The most significant hazard associated with this gas is inhalation of oxygen-deficient
atmospheres. Symptoms are explained above

CHRONIC:
There is currently no known adverse health effects associated with chronic exposure to
this product.

TARGET ORGANS:
Respiratory system.

5.4 FIRST-AID MEASURES

WARNING: RESCUERS ATTEMPT TO RETRIEVE VICTIMS OF EXPOSURE TO

SF6 SHALL BE EQUIPPED WITH ADEQUATE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT. At a minimum, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus should be worn.

1. Remove victim(s) to fresh air, as quickly as possible.

2. Ask for help, CALL Emergency
3. Perform first aid as per the training (only trained first aider shall perform first aid)
4. Examine victim(s) If not breathing, give artificial respiration.

5. SKIN EXPOSURE:

If Sulfur Hexafluoride gas or liquid contaminates the skin, immediately begin

decontamination with running water.
Minimum flushing is for 15 minutes.
Remove exposed or contaminated clothing, taking care not to contaminate eyes.
Victim must seek immediate medical attention. Frozen tissue is painless and appears
waxy, with a possible yellow color. Frozen tissue will become swollen, painful and
prone to infection when thawed. If the frozen part of the body has been thawed by the
time medical attention has been obtained, cover the area with a dry sterile dressing and
a large bulky protective covering.

This Document is the property of ADDC, and cannot be used nor given to outside party without prior authorisation. Print outs from soft copies are
Uncontrolled, unless stamped in red as “Controlled Copy”
 Effective Date : 25/06/2015
SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6) Procedure No: WI.GN.03
SWITCHGEAR Issue : 01 Revision : 00
Page 7 of 9
Approved by:
WI.GN.03

6. EYE EXPOSURE:

If liquid is splashed into eyes, or if irritation of the eye develops after exposure to
liquid or gas, open victim's eyes while under gentle running water. Use sufficient force
to open eyelids.
Have victim "roll" eyes. Minimum flushing is for 15 minutes.
Seek medical assistance immediately.

6. PREPARATION FOR WORK ON SF6 SWITCHGEAR

6.1 GAS PRESSURE

Where the integrity of an High Voltage Point of Isolation is dependent on the presence
of SF6 gas, the gas density must be monitored throughout the period of work. This
function may be performed by an automatic alarm system. Care must be taken that if
such a system is used it is in service and that it has been regularly tested and maintained.
Where reasonably practicable, the alarm system must be tested to prove its operation at
low density immediately prior to the establishment of an High Voltage Point of
Isolation. Any loss of gas density shall be reported immediately to the Authorized
Person / Senior Authorized Person in charge of the work and the Control Person at
the Distribution Control Center.

6.2 BOUNDARY IDENTIFICATION OF SAFE WORKING AREAS

The boundaries of the Equipment on which it is safe to work shall be clearly identified.
Demarcation can be difficult in integrated Sulphur Hexafluoride substations because of
the close proximity of adjacent circuits. This shall be done carefully and in accordance
with the requirements of the Company System Safety Rules.

Presence of Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

The unlikely presence of significant quantities of these gasses may be determined by use
of a stain tube indicator or gas titration. The method of use is described in the literature
that comes with the tubes. It should be remembered that Hydrogen Fluoride is produced
when the arc products make contact with moisture.

Once moisture is introduced into the Gas Zone e.g. after breaking vacuum with air, the
Hydrogen Fluoride readings may change due to the introduction of moisture. Therefore
measurements will need to be taken both inside the chamber and in the vicinity of the
arc products exposed to ambient air to determine if Danger exists.

Workplace Exposure Limits are:

HF = 1.8 parts per million by volume
SO2 = 2.0 parts per million by volume
This Document is the property of ADDC, and cannot be used nor given to outside party without prior authorisation. Print outs from soft copies are
Uncontrolled, unless stamped in red as “Controlled Copy”
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SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6) Procedure No: WI.GN.03
SWITCHGEAR Issue : 01 Revision : 00
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6.3 WHEN GAS DEPRESSURIZATION IS NOT REQUIRED

If depressurizing is not required to allow work to be done, the following precautions

must be taken to achieve Safety from the System, either

6.3.1 Limiting the work or work area, followed by the issue of a Limited Access Permit if
appropriate, or

6.3.2 Applying appropriate safety precautions, followed by the issue of a Permit to Work or
Sanction for Test.

6.4 WHEN GAS DEPRESSURIZATION IS REQUIRED

When depressurization is required the following precautions must be taken to achieve

Safety from the System

6.4.1 Where work is to be undertaken that will expose the High Voltage connections within
the switchgear, it shall first be disconnected from all possible sources of electrical
energy and Points of Isolation established.

6.4.2 The conductors shall be Earthed between all Points of Isolation and the work in
accordance with the Company System Safety Rules. Detailed provisions for earthing
High Voltage Equipment are contained in DSI-01.

6.4.3 The Equipment Gas Zone(s) shall be drained of SF6 gas and this must be carried out in
accordance with an Approved procedure taking in consideration the above physical
characteristics of the gas and MSDS “Material Safety Data Sheet of the SF6 gas

6.4.4 If an Authorized Person / Senior Authorized Person may requires a specific

information or recommendations for General Safety for work with SF6, such
information shall be collected for manufacture or specialist, a Permit to Work shall be
issued to the appropriately qualified specialist to allow internal access to the Gas Zone

6.4.5 A Permit to Work or Sanction for Test shall be issued for the work to proceed and
where appropriate the recommendations for General Safety Report must specify the
further precautions to be taken to deal with any arc products that may be present. The
removal, using a special dedicated vacuum cleaner and disposal of any arc products
which may be contaminated by toxic product must be in accordance with an Approved
procedure.

This Document is the property of ADDC, and cannot be used nor given to outside party without prior authorisation. Print outs from soft copies are
Uncontrolled, unless stamped in red as “Controlled Copy”
 Effective Date : 25/06/2015
SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6) Procedure No: WI.GN.03
SWITCHGEAR Issue : 01 Revision : 00
Page 9 of 9
Approved by:
WI.GN.03

7. MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

7.1 Normal opening of the circuit breaker causes the Sulphur Hexafluoride gas to partially
decompose. This also happens for an internal electrical fault within any Gas Zone, as a
result of the electrical arcing. Solid as well as gaseous secondary products of the gas
decomposition are formed and visible as dust deposits. When the decomposition
products are exposed to humid air, they combine to form sulphur dioxide and
hydrofluoric acid and have an unpleasant odor.

7.2 The maintenance inspection of Gas Zones or chambers, which have contained Sulphur
Hexafluoride gas, shall be undertaken with caution. Cover plates giving access to
portable maintenance earthing positions shall be clearly identified. Each position shall
also be uniquely identified on the enclosure adjacent to its access cover. They must not
be opened for inspection until the switchgear room has been thoroughly ventilated to the
external environment. Particular care shall be exercised with the effective ventilation of
all lower level spaces where gas may collect.

7.3 Personal protective clothing shall be worn which includes protective gloves and an
effective facemask with an air filter. It is important that the decomposed gas is not
inhaled, and therefore that the facemask has an effective seal to the face.

7.4 Products of decomposition shall not be allowed to make contact with the skin. Should
accidental skin contact occur, then any contact with moisture must be avoided until the
solid decomposition products have been carefully removed. Following removal any
affected skin must be liberally washed with large quantities of water as mentioned
above.

7.5 When gas depressurization are not required and High Voltage terminal will not be
touched for maintaining fixed type circuit breaker mechanism applicable operation
procedure shall be followed

8. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)

8.1 SF6 Gas

8.2 HYDROGEN FLUORIDE (HF)
8.3 SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2)

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