HSE publishes new guide to electrical switchgear safety

HSE Press Release E210:02 - 4 November 2002

New guidance promoting the safe use of high and low-voltage electrical switchgear was launched today by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

'Keeping electrical switchgear safe' is aimed primarily at owners and operators of this equipment in industrial or commercial organisations, although electricity distribution companies or equipment suppliers may also find the advice useful.

The guidance is intended to assist managers, engineers and other relevant personnel in the selection, operation, care and maintenance of three-phase electrical switchgear with voltage ratings from 400 V alternating current (ac) up to and including 33 kV ac. It deals with circuit-breakers, switches, switch fuses, isolators and high-voltage (HV) contactors.

Failures of electrical switchgear are rare, but when they do occur the results may be catastrophic. Tanks may rupture, and, in the case of oil-filled switchgear, can result in the ejection of burning oil and gas clouds, causing death or serious injury to persons and major damage to plant and buildings nearby.

Modern insulating media such as vacuum or sulphur hexafluoride have removed the hazard of burning oil, but inevitably have introduced other risks that need to be managed. These matters are dealt with in this new guidance.

HSE has previously issued a free Information Document ID 483/27 giving guidance on managing older and dependent manual operation oil-filled switchgear. This latest guidance extends that information to incorporate more modern types of switchgear.

This guidance was developed in conjunction with EA Technology limited and in consultation with the switchgear manufacturers.

Copies of 'Keeping electrical switchgear safe' (HSG230), ISBN 0 7176 2359 9, price £9.50, are available online at: http://books.hse.gov.uk

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