HSE
HSEP0915 – SF6 Management
Purpose:
To provide a procedure for managing environmental risks associated with the purchase, storage, transport,
transfer, use, and disposal of SF6 and satisfy reporting requirements.
Table of Content
1 SCOPE and OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................... 2
PROCESS DETAIL......................................................................................................................... 2
1 1 Overview ......................................................................................................................... 2
2 Hydro Liability for SF6......................................................................................................... 2
3 Contaminated SF6 .............................................................................................................. 2
4 Purchasing .......................................................................................................................... 2
4.1 Considerations for Purchasing
2
4.2 Receipt of SF6
3
5 Storage ............................................................................................................................... 3
5.1 Precautions During Storage
3
5.2 SF6 Inventories
3
5.3 Labelling of Cylinders
4
5.4 Storage of equipment containing SF6
4
5.5 Transport
4
5.6 Transfer
5
6 Use of SF6........................................................................................................................... 6
6.1 Safe Work Practices
6
6.2 Personal Protective Equipment
6
6.3 Precautions During Handling
6
6.4 Spill Management
7
7 Monitoring ......................................................................................................................... 7
8 Waste Management and Disposal ..................................................................................... 7
9 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................ 8
10 DEFINITIONS....................................................................................................................... 8
11 RELATED DOCUMENTS & RESOURCES ............................................................................... 8
12 REVISION HISTORY ............................................................................................................. 9
Appendix A – SF6 spill Emergency Response Process…………………………………………………………8
Hydro Tasmania Document
Owner(s): OH&S Manager;
Environment Manager
Approver: Manager – Sustainability and Safety
Revision 1
Revision Date:
19th Dec 2012
HSEP0915 – SF6 Management
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SCOPE and OBJECTIVES
Scope:
This procedure applies to Hydro Tasmania staff, contractors, sites, and activities where SF 6 is purchased, stored,
used, transferred, transported, or handled.
Context:
Hydro Tasmania uses Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) in generation assets at the high voltage interface between the
generation and transmission systems for insulation, arc quenching, and current interruption in gas-insulated
switchgear and circuit breakers.
Under ambient conditions, SF6 is an unreactive, stable and dense gas, and is not flammable. It is not classed as
poisonous, but could be considered to pose a health threat if released in a confined area such that oxygen is
displaced. If subjected to electrical stress (a normal condition during its working cycle) or fire, SF 6 can decompose
into toxic by-products that present a health threat, potentially fatal, for working personnel in the event of
exposure.
SF6 is a very potent greenhouse gas with an atmospheric warming potential 23,900 times that of carbon dioxide
with an atmospheric lifetime of 3,200 years.
In the event of a viable alternative emerging that provides like for like performance then utilise the alternative for
greenfield sites and phase in at the end of life of existing equipment, where appropriate.
PROCESS DETAIL
Procedure:
1
1
Overview
2
Hydro
Liability for SF6
3
Contamina
ted SF6
Description
The key process areas for managing SF6 to minimise the
likelihood of harm to people or environment are:
a) Storage;
b) Transport;
c) Transfer;
d) Use; and
e) Waste.
Responsibility
Not applicable
Hydro Tasmania’s liability in transporting purchased SF6 to its store or
disposal of used / waste SF6 from its sites is governed by the
contractual arrangement agreed to by Hydro Tasmania and the
supplier or the purchaser respectively.
EOM/ Project
Manager
The management and response to SF 6 that has been exposed to
arcing requires special management to minimise health and
environmental impacts.
EOM and
Project Manager
See GS-AM-019 Handling Of Contaminated Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF 6)
And Its Arc Products for additional information regarding storage,
transport, transfer, and disposal of contaminated SF6.
4
4.1
Purchasing
Considerati
ons for
Purchasing
New SF6 switchgear and instrument transformers will include some
amount of SF6 gas for transport purposes to mitigate ingress of
moisture and dust.
EOM/ Project
Manager
The person responsible for acquiring SF6 shall consider relevant Hydro
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Tasmania technical specification standards, if any exist.
If the voltage of the equipment is less than 36-60 kV then
consideration should be made to alternative forms of insulation of
gas insulated equipment (for example vacuum or air insulation
technologies).
SF6 may be a requisite in electrical equipment that is space
constrained. If no such factors dictate the use of SF6 alternatives
should be considered wherever possible.
4.2
SF6
Receipt of
All SF6 received from suppliers (including SF6 containing equipment)
shall be inspected upon receipt by the accountable person for their
receipt and storage. This inspection includes items in the technical
specification standard, plus the following:
1
2
3
4
EOM/ Project
Manager
Proper identification of equipment;
Condition of containers and numbering;
Availability of SF6 safety and handling equipment; and
What was ordered, was received.
If a problem is encountered, the supplier shall be contacted and
remedial action requested.
On receipt of additional SF6 for storage, the SF6 inventory for that
worksite must be updated as well as the state-wide register
HSER0915.1 - SF6 Inventory Register STATE WIDE.
To update the state-wide inventory contact:
-the Technical Specialist (Technical and Operations) – SF6
5
Storage
5.1 Precautions
During Storage
5.2 SF6
Inventories
Storage facilities for SF6 shall in be in compliance with any
requirements of AS 2791 – Use and handling of sulphur hexafluoride
(SF6) in high-voltage switchgear and control gear.
SF6 has the potential to asphyxiate at high concentrations (see the
SF6 Material Data Sheet). SF6 is an inert gas with a density greater
than air meaning that the gas can pool in pits.
 Store and use with adequate ventilation
 Firmly secure cylinders upright to keep them from falling or being
knocked over.
 Screw valve protection cap firmly in place by hand.
 Store only where temperature will not exceed 125°F (52°C).
 Store full and empty cylinders separately. Use a first-in, first-out
inventory system to prevent storing full cylinders for long
periods.
 Ensure cylinders and equipment are appropriately labelled
SF6 inventories shall be maintained for all sites where SF6 is stored
or used.
SF6 held on-site should represent the minimal risk practical, while
maintaining appropriate levels for completion of planned work.
EOM/ Project
Manager
EOM/ Project
Manager
EOM/Project
Manager
Inventories must be updated whenever SF6 is transferred from
storage to equipment, purchased or spilt.
A state-wide inventory of SF6 is maintained for all SF6 in stock.
Refer to HSER0915.1 - SF6 Inventory Register STATE WIDE.
To update the state-wide inventory contact:
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5.3 Labelling of
Cylinders
5.4 Storage of
equipment
containing SF6
Revision 1
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-the Technical Specialist (Technical and Operations) – SF6
All SF6 cylinders supplied to, be used , or handled in the workplace
shall be appropriately labelled to assist in correct usage e.g. as new
SF6, used SF6, contaminated SF6. Where no label is available, use
HSEF0921.5 - Chemical Label. If a cylinder is not labelled correctly,
action must be taken to correctly label the cylinder. If the contents
are unknown this shall be clearly stated in the container label and the
container stored in isolation until contents are identified. If the
contents cannot be identified they shall be disposed of in an
acceptable manner in consultation with the environmental regulator.
Additional guidance for labelling is given in HSEP0921 – Chemical
Management.
Before storing equipment containing SF6 consider removing the SF6
and decontaminating the equipment prior to storage. An alternate
gas can be used for storage, whilst still protecting the equipment
from moisture, such as dry nitrogen or dry argon. Equipment stored
containing SF6 will require a monitoring plan and will need to be
recorded on the state-wide SF6 inventory register.
EOM/ Project
Manager
Responsible
Person
Equipment that is stored containing SF6 must be appropriately
labelled. Labels can be created from ChemWatch.
In all circumstances the pressure in the equipment should be reduced
from working pressure to a storage pressure of 1.5 bar.
Ensure that the operators of the storage facilities are made aware of
the hazards associated with SF6 (see section 5.1). This is applies also
to third party storage facilities storing our equipment.
5.5 Transport
Where equipment is to be stored containing SF6, a monitoring
program must be implemented to monitor for any loss of SF6 to the
environment (see section 7).
When Transporting gas cylinders containing SF6 –
1) Ensure that cylinders are correctly
labelled and placards are applied
to the transport vehicle where
loads exceed 500 L with a
250mmx250mm placard (see
ADGC7);
2)
Responsible
Person
Complete Safe Transport of Gas
Cylinders - CL-07-05
When transporting equipment containing SF6 Transport of new equipment:
Follow manufacturers guidelines for transport and installation of new
equipment containing SF6.
Transport of used equipment to be maintained for future use:
Assets that are being transported/moved and stored should be
drained of SF6 and refilled with dry Nitrogen whilst waiting to be
recommissioned. Alternately the pressure of SF6 in the equipment
can be reduced to 1.5 bar for transport and storage. If SF6 is left in
the equipment ensure that the SF6 register is updated upon storage
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as outlined under section 5.4 and implement monitoring as per
section 7.
Transport and disposal of redundant equipment:
Redundant equipment must be decommissioned with SF6 removed
for re-cycling or disposal and the equipment decontaminated prior to
transport and disposal.
5.6 Transfer
SF6 inventories (HSER0915.1 - SF6 Inventory Register STATE
WIDE.xlsx) must be updated whenever necessary if transporting SF6
to or between sites.
Significant environmental risks exist due to the possibility of leaks or
spills during the transfer of SF6.
EOM/ Project
Manager
The accountable person responsible for the transport or transfer of
SF6 shall ensure appropriate precautions are taken prior to and
during these operations. Relevant items described in AS 2791 – Use
and handling of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) in high-voltage switchgear
and control gear and shall be considered.
Pre-requisites:
 Received training in the safe handling of SF6.
 Received training in the use of SF6 trailer and top up cylinder.
 Read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for SF 6.
 Equipment to be worked on must be out of service, isolated and
permits issued.
 Have a SF6 spill kit available
Before transfer:
 Ensure exit way is marked and clear of obstructions.
 Ensure all of work crew are aware of gas pressure to be achieved.
 Ensure all equipment is in good condition.
During transfer:
 Closely observe gas fittings and driving pressure.
 If draining ensure gas vents down wind and drain hose has
correct filters attached.
 If indoors ensure room is well ventilated.
After transfer:
 Follow safety training when cleaning up any residue.
 Ensure good clean up of self.
 Properly dispose of any contaminated material.
 Update SF6 inventory.
SF6 inventories (HSER0915.1 - SF6 Inventory Register STATE
WIDE.xlsx) must be updated whenever necessary if transporting SF6
to or between sites.
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Use of SF6
6.1
Safe Work
Practices
Due to the greenhouse intensity of SF6 leaks and spills of SF6 to the
atmosphere must be minimised. Risks to workplace safety must be
assessed and control measures risks implement. There are three
main sources of SF6 emissions from the electricity supply industry:
 Escaped gas and deliberate venting during handling, decanting,
recycling etc;
 Gradual leakage of SF6 from storage cylinders, transformers and
switchgear through loose nuts, split seams, perished seals, rusted
covers etc; and
 Equipment failure.
Safe working practices shall be used to manage SF6.
Key steps to be considered by the individual carrying out the task are:
 Preparation: Identification of hazards/risks and control
measures prior to commencing use of the SF6.
 Handling: Implementation of required control measures.
 Clean up: Management of waste.
EOM and
Project Manager
EOM and
Project Manager
GS-AM-019 Handling Of Contaminated Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)
And Its Arc Products provides guidance for the requirements and
precautions that shall be taken for the handling of Sulphur
Hexafluoride (SF6) which has been subjected to decomposition by
electric arcing and the resulting solid by-products.
Requirements for electrical safety work performed on equipment
containing uncontaminated SF6 gas, handling of uncontaminated SF6
and the treatment and disposal of end of life SF6 equipment, are
covered in AS 2791 – Use and handling of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
in high-voltage switchgear and control gear.
6.2
Personal
Protective
Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) shall be worn when identified
by the risk assessment and/or policy. Personal protective equipment
should not be used as a substitute for engineering, work practice,
and/or administrative controls. Personal protective equipment may
be used in conjunction with these controls.
EOM and
Project Manager
Refer to Procedure HP-053 Personal Protective Equipment, GS-AM019 Handling Of Contaminated Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) And Its Arc
Products and AS 2791 – Use and handling of sulphur hexafluoride
(SF6) in high-voltage switchgear and control gear for assistance in the
appropriate selection of PPE.
6.3 Precautions
During Handling
Training shall be provided on the protective limitations of personal
protective equipment, and on its proper use and maintenance.
 Protect cylinders from damage.
 Use a suitable hand truck to move cylinders; do not drag, roll,
slide, or drop.
 Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its cap; the cap is intended
solely to protect the valve.
 Never insert an object (e.g., wrench, screwdriver, pry bar) into
cap openings; doing so may damage the valve and cause a leak.
 Use an adjustable strap wrench to remove over-tight or rusted
caps.
EOM and
Project Manager
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
6.4 Spill
Management
Open valve slowly. If valve is hard to open, discontinue use and
contact your supplier.
All spills of SF6 must be recorded as Incidents in accordance with EP9
Incident Management and quantities of spilled SF6 recorded in the
State-wide SF6 Register (HSER0915.1 - SF6 Inventory Register STATE
WIDE).
EOM and
Project Manager
Specific guidance on spill management, including reporting
requirements, is provided in the site Emergency Information Manual
and Procedures HSEP1401 - Incident Management and HSEP1201 Emergency Preparedness.
Refer to Attachment A for the SF6 Emergency Response Plan.
7
Monitoring
Monitoring of SF6 loss from assets is a legal compliance requirement
under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Legislation
(see HSEP0918 - Energy and Emissions Reporting and HSEP0918 Appendix 7 SF6) and to assist in the detection of any leakages into
the atmosphere a Trending report on monitoring is available at
(Trending Report SF6 2012) this report shows any changes in the SF6
equipment.
Monitoring results are recorded in the State-wide SF6 Register:
HSER0915.1 - SF6 Inventory Register STATE WIDE
8
EOM and
Project Manager
Waste Management and Disposal
Waste SF6, as well as equipment containing contaminated
SF6, has the potential to cause health and safety and/or
environmental problems if not managed appropriately.
EOM/ Project
Manager
These materials shall be managed as described in HSEP0914 Resource Use and Waste Management. Also refer to GS-AM-019
Handling Of Contaminated Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF 6) And Its Arc
Products and AS 2791 – Use and handling of sulphur hexafluoride
(SF6) in high-voltage switchgear and control gear.
Recycling of SF6 should be prescribed wherever possible.
Equipment that is to be decommissioned must include consideration
of draining and testing SF6 gas and subsequent decontamination of
the equipment, which must be performed by a suitably qualified
service provider.
Waste SF6 must be sent to a certified agency for disposal/recycling
and a disposal certificate must be obtained and kept on
record(recycling can be provided by ABB and Alstom and Schneider
can dispose of waste SF6 in approved fashion).
A Disposal Certificate must be provided by an accredited disposal
company for any SF6 and SF6 containing equipment that is disposed
of in an approved manner. Should the equipment be sold or given to
a fellow authority such as Transend Networks then a record of this
transaction is required from that company. This record needs to
include:
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-the identity of the authority taking over the equipment
-the quantity of SF6 gas that was in the redundant circuit breaker
-the date on which this transaction occurred
In addition the state-wide SF6 register must be updated.
9
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific responsibilities
10
As outlined in the right hand column of section 4 to 11 of this procedure.
DEFINITIONS
Accountable Person: any person who has control of a workplace or has a responsibility or an obligation for the
health and safety of any person(s) in a workplace or for environmental impacts of the activities undertaken.
JHA - Job Hazard Analysis: The process used to record hazards, job steps and appropriate control measures to
manage risks. This includes safety, environmental, financial and production hazards.
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet. Documents that provide the information necessary for the safe handling of
chemicals including Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Any equipment, device or clothing worn by a person to protect against all
variety of hazards which may be found in worksites such as water, noise, chemicals, falls, lack of oxygen, presence
of harmful gases/chemicals, etc.
Responsible Officer: The person appointed as the responsible officer under the Section 10 of Workplace Health
and Safety Act 1995.
Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6): A gas used in in gas-insulated switchgear and circuit breakers.
Transfer and Transport: Transfer is the deliberate moving of SF6 from one containing vessel to another, while
transport is the movement of SF6 from one site to another (including non Hydro sites).
Worksite: Any working area under Hydro Tasmania control.
11
RELATED DOCUMENTS & RESOURCES
Operational
 GP-AM-511 - Circuit Breaker SF6 Gas Sampling and Testing Procedure
 GS-AM-018 Filling SF6 Switchgear from a Cylinder of SF6 Gas
 GS-AM-019 Handling of Contaminated SF6 and its Arc Products
 GS-AM-020 SF6 Gas Insulated Switchgear Measurement, Control and Removal of Moisture.
 TJh2B SF6 gas Sample Collection Instruction Sheet.
 Shipping Advice for the Transportation of SF6 Gas Sampling Units 2010-2011.doc DMS-121404
Legal
 AS 2791 – Use and handling of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) in high-voltage switchgear and controlgear
 IEC 60480 2004-10 Guidelines for the checking and treatment of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) taken from
electrical equipment and specification for its re-use
 Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment [NOHSC:3008
(1995)]
 Hazardous Substances Information System (www.nohsc.gov.au/applications/hsis)
 Workplace Health and Safety Act 2012
 Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012
 Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail
HSE
 HSEP0921 - Chemical Management
 HSEP1201 - Emergency Preparedness
 HSEP0914 - Resource Use and Waste Management
 HSEP0918 - Energy and Emissions Reporting
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



12
Print Date: 12/02/2016
HSEP0918 - Appendix 7 SF6HSEP0601 - HSE Awareness Training and Competency
HSEP0301 - Hazard Identification and Risk Management
HSEP1401 - Incident Management
HSER0915.1 - SF6 Inventory Register STATE WIDE
REVISION HISTORY
Revision
number
Revision date
0
10th May 2012
Converted to HSE from ESMS template
B. Lunstedt
1
19th December
2012
Updated with additional transport
requirements
B. Lunstedt
Appendix A
Detailed revision description
Reviewed by
Approved by
Sustainability and
Safety Manager
Sustainability and
Safety Manager
SF6 spill emergency response process
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SF6 SPILL
EMERGENCY NUMBER
Dial 0 first for an outside line.
6238 4956
DAYTIME– Liapootah
To contact Team Leader, Duty Operator, Regional Manager.
Or if no Response phone:
GENERATION CONTROL - 6230 5569
or for AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY SERVICES 000
THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON
Check for safety issues
 Need for rescue or evacuation
 Threat of fire or explosion
 Any hazardous properties
 Personnel or environment
threatened.
CONTAIN THE SPILL
 Plug the hole
 Contain leak if possible
 Block off any drains, cable
tunnels, possible escape routes.
Emergency SF 6 kits are available in
all stations.
NEED FOR EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE IF
NECESSARY CALL




Fire Service
Police (if public access involved)
DPIWE (environmental threat)
Hydro Tas. Personnel and/or
contractors
DETERMINE A RESPONSE PLAN
 Emergency control point
 protection against ignition of spilt material and
fire






electrical isolation of equipment
personnel and PPE
clean up equipment,
containers, hoses etc.
determine correct disposal of wastes.
reporting requirements (DPIWE, Council)
Clean up procedures
All persons performing the clean up operations must wear protective clothing and respiratory protection (air supplied
breathing apparatus is recommended for indoor clean up).
All persons performing clean up operations must be appropriately trained.



Clean up deposits (vacuum cleaner & lint free rags)
Force ventilate the room or enclosed space.
Place contaminated PPE, contaminated rags and vacuum cleaner filter bags or cartridge s in hazardous material
plastic bags for disposal. (Bags marked contaminated Hazard 75UM). For outdoor areas use a knapsack spray hose
or fire trailer to wash equipment and area down. Some method of collecting and disposing of the liquid waste.
1.) Contents







of emergency spill kit
2 x Disposable overalls.
2 x pairs disposable overboots.
Nitrile gloves 2 pairs
Respirator & 2 sets of filters.
Sodium Bi -carbonate 2 packets
Plastic bags (Contaminated Hazard 75um)
Danger signs (SF6 Contaminated Area)
REPORT THE INCIDENT
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