Appendix 4 - Information regarding the selection of personal protective equipment
| SF6gas compartment | Degree of decomposition products anticipated | Work on SF6gas compartments | Work in SF6gas compartments |
|---|---|---|---|
| SF6 gas compartments without electric arcing, excluding switch | None | Protective gloves | Protective gloves, protective helmet, respiratory protection device (self-contained breathing apparatus) in the event of oxygen deficiency |
| Isolating switch, load break switch, circuit breaker without significant fault shut-offs | Low | Acid resistant protective gloves | Acid resistant protective gloves, filtering respiratory protection, respiratory protection device (self-contained breathing apparatus) in the event of oxygen deficiency, disposable protective suit with hood, disposable overshoes, protective helmet, possibly safety goggles |
| Circuit breaker with significant fault shut-offs | High | Acid resistant protective gloves, respiratory protection device (self-contained breathing apparatus), disposable protective suit, possibly protective goggles | Acid resistant protective gloves, respiratory protection device (self-contained breathing apparatus), disposable protective suit with hood, disposable overshoes, protective helmet, possibly safety goggles |
| SF6 gas compartments with electric arcing | High |
Protective gloves should be liquid-tight and acid-resistant, as well as solvent-resistant when cleaning with solvents. Always contact the manufacturer for information on this.
The use of skin protection is recommended - draw up a skin protection plan.
The simultaneous use of skin protection products and liquid-tight protective gloves must be coordinated with the company physician.
Protective goggles and/or glasses should conform to application area 5 (protection against gas and fine dust particles) in accordance with DIN EN 166.
Protective suits should be dust-proof.
The use of disposable articles is recommended for protective suits and overshoes.
If respiratory protection is required, filter devices with combination filters (combined gas and particle filters) or respiratory protection devices that work independently of the ambient atmosphere (self-contained breathing apparatus) must be used.
Normally, filter units with combination filters are sufficient. The gas filter section should cover the range of protection found in gas filter types A, B, E and K (e.g. A2B2E2K2). P3 filters should be used for the dust area. Gas filter type B also protects against low SO2 concentrations. Filter units may only be used if it is ensured that the oxygen content of the air is at least 17 % vol. Insulation devices, e.g. compressed air breathing apparatus or regeneration devices, offer universal protection.
Respiratory protection devices with full masks offer the advantage that it is not necessary to wear protective goggles when using them.
If it is necessary to enter a contaminated SF6gas compartment, it is recommended to use protective suits with hood and respiratory protection devices (self-contained breathing apparatus) that work independently of the ambient atmosphere.
If protective gloves are worn for longer periods (more than two hours) or if heavy physical work that generates sweat secretion is involved, additional cotton undergloves should be worn or special skin protection preparations should be used to counteract sweat secretion and swelling of the skin (see also TRGS 401 "Hazards due to skin contact - Determination - Assessment - Measures").
Depending on the plant, a safety helmet and safety shoes may be required to protect against mechanical hazards. This must be determined and specified in the risk assessment.
For any occupational health precautions that may be necessary when using respiratory protection devices, refer to the German ArbMedVV and DGUV Information 240-260 "Instruction manual for occupational medical examinations according to the DGUV Principle G 26 "Respiratory protection devices"".
Keeping in proper condition means that the employer must ensure that personal protective equipment is properly cleaned, maintained, stored and inspected after use or disposed of properly.
Refer also to the DGUV rules in German:
"Use of protective clothing" (DGUV rule 112-189)
"Use of respiratory protection devices" (DGUV rule 112-190)
"Use of eye and facial protection" (DGUV rule 112-192)
"Use of protective gloves" (DGUV rule 112-195)