DGUV Information 213-013e - SF6-Switchgear and Equipment

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SF6-Switchgear and Equipment
(DGUV Information 213-013)

Information

g_bu_2075_as_1.jpgDGUV
Deutsche Gesetzliche
Unfallversicherung
Spitzenverband

Stand der Vorschrift: Oktober 2021

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Table of ContentsAbschnitt
Preliminary Remarks
Scope of Applicability1
Definition of Terms/Explanations2
Determination of Information and Risk Assessment3
General3.1
Physical and chemical properties of SF63.2
Health risks3.3
Equipment room work (fault-free operation)3.4
SF6 gas compartment work 3.5
Work in equipment rooms following malfunctions with gas leak3.6
SF6 gas container work 3.7
Documenting the risk assessment pursuant to GefStoffV3.8
Operating instructions and training pursuant to GefStoffV3.9
Examples of risk assessment documentationAppendix 1
Sample operating instructionsAppendix 2
Information regarding technical, organizational and personal protective measuresAppendix 3
Information regarding the selection of personal protective equipmentAppendix 4
Rules and RegulationsAppendix 5
1. Laws, Directives and Ordinances
2. DGUV regulations, rules and information for occupational safety and health
3. Standards/VDE regulations
4. Miscellaneous

Preliminary Remarks

Information from the German Social Accident Insurance (hereinafter referred to as DGUV Information) containing knowledge and recommendations aimed at simplifying the practical application of rulings and regulations related to a specific subject area or subject matter.

This DGUV Information is primarily intended to provide guidance to companies as they implement obligatory state rules and regulations for occupational safety and health, as well as accident prevention regulations for the prevention of work-related accidents, disease and health risks.

In particular, by applying the knowledge and recommendations contained in this DGUV Information, an employer can be assured of having taken the appropriate measures towards the prevention of work-related accidents, disease and health risks. Other solutions are possible if safety and health protection are guaranteed in the same manner. If technical rules have been published to substantiate state occupational protection regulations by the committees established for this purpose, these take priority.

Legally binding information related to national occupational health and safety regulations and reproduced in this DGUV Information is indicated in bold text or listed in the Appendix. Explanations and, in particular, exemplary solutions are depicted with corresponding remarks in italics.

This DGUV Information was compiled by the German Social Accident Insurance Department for Energy, Textiles, Electrical and Media Products (BG ETEM) in collaboration with the working group "SF6 in equipment used in the transmission and distribution of electrical power > 1 kV", the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), the German Association of the Energy and Power Supply Industry (VIK), the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers" Association (ZVEI) and Solvay Fluor GmbH.

Switchgear and electrical equipment are important components in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. The network"s transmission power and the transmission distance determine the respective level of voltage applied.

Switchgear can be designed as an air-insulated and/or gas-insulated configuration. The primary components in a switchgear system are the bus bars, switchgear, current and voltage transformers, power and cable connections, as well as components required for controlling/monitoring, network protection and automation. Cables can also be designed as gas-insulated lines (GIL). When SF6 is used, a general differentiation is made between insulation and switching (i.e. extinguishing of switching arcs)..

SF6 switchgear and equipment with a rated voltage greater than 52 kV can be designed for indoor or outdoor usage. As a rule, the switching of high-voltage switchgear at greater than 52 kV is subject to the use of SF6. Furthermore, SF6 is used as an insulation medium for interior installations. SF6 can also be used as an insulation medium for devices, components and/or equipment used in modern outdoor installations.

For SF6 switchgear and equipment with rated voltages greater than 1 kV up to and including 52 kV, a distinction is made between the primary and secondary distribution levels.

At primary distribution levels, gas-insulated circuit breaker switchgear is commonly used. Circuit breakers in the medium-voltage range are preferably designed using vacuum switching chambers. The vacuum switching chambers are installed together with all other live components in compartments filled with SF6 insulation medium. At secondary distribution levels, gas-insulated load break switch systems, or ring main units (RMU), are primarily used. The SF6 load break switch in this switchgear must switch load currents while also serving the activation of electrical equipment and power supplies in conjunction with work being performed. At these secondary distribution levels, the most common gas-insulated switchgear technology uses SF6 as a combined insulating and switching medium in gas-filled compartments.

SF6 does not harm the ozone layer but is designated a greenhouse gas under the Kyoto Protocol and has global warming potential (GWP) of 22,800 according to Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 Annex I Group 3. SF6 emissions are to be avoided because of their relevance to the climate.

According to Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 of the European Parliament and Council related to certain fluorinated greenhouse gases dated 16 April 2014, Regulation (EU) 2015/2066 of the Commission dated 17 November 2015 establishing the minimum requirements and conditions for mutual recognition with a view to the certification of natural persons carrying out installation, servicing, maintenance, repair or decommissioning of electrical switchgear containing fluorinated greenhouse gases or recovery of fluorinated greenhouse gases from stationary electrical switchgear, and the Regulation on climate protection against changes caused by release of certain fluorinated greenhouse gases (German Chemical Climate Protection Ordinance), work with SF6 on SF6 plants, systems and equipment (installation, maintenance, servicing, repair or decommissioning) may be carried out only by trained personnel. These personnel must have a proof of requisite qualification or a certificate 1) for environmentally friendly handling of SF6. This work includes in particular the recovery, recycling, processing and destruction of SF6.

This DGUV Information contains instructions and information regarding occupational health and safety as related to work tasks performed in or on SF6 plants, systems and equipment. Other environmental protection requirements remain unaffected.

The technical solutions contained in this DGUV Information do not exclude other, at least equally as safe solutions, which may be contained in the technical regulations issued by other Member States of European Union or Turkey or other contracting parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area.

Certificate according to Regulation (EU) 2015/2066