General Safety Instructions - WIKA GFU08 Manual De Instrucciones

2. Safety
Protective gloves
Based on the gas properties, it is possible that the gas, due to the quick
expansion, gets very cold if the cylinder is opened very quickly.
Wear protective gloves to protect from freezing.
EN
If, with an operator risk analysis, contaminated gases should be detected, for
any subsequent maintenance operations, protective measures appropriate to the
contamination should be taken.
Respirator
For maintenance work, the respirator must correspond to the protection
level specified for the corresponding gas in the material safety data sheet.
Protective suit
For maintenance operations, specific protective clothing must be worn
during the entire duration. The protective clothing protects the body from
contaminated SF₆ gas. The operator must select the specific protective
clothing correspondingly.

General safety instructions

Contents of the general safety instructions
This chapter deals with the general safety in the handling of SF
filling cart. The safety instructions relevant for the task can be found at the start of the
respective chapters (e.g. transport, commissioning, ...) and must be followed.
Handling SF₆ gas
SF₆ gas is a greenhouse gas which is listed in the Kyoto Protocol. SF6 gas must not be
released into the atmosphere, but must be collected in suitable containers.
Properties of SF6 gas
Colourless and odourless
■
Chemically neutral
■
Inert
■
Not flammable
■
Five times heavier than air
■
Non-toxic
■
No damage to the ozone layer
■
Detailed information is given in IEC 60376 and IEC 61634.
Risk of asphyxiation through SF6 gas
High concentrations of SF₆ gas can lead to asphyxiation, since breathable air is
displaced from the lungs with the inhalation of SF₆ gas.Since SF₆ gas is heavier than air,
it collects, especially, at ground level or lower-lying rooms below the reference level (e.g.
cellars). This is particularly dangerous since SF6 gas is colourless and odourless and
thus may be imperceptable to people.
10 WIKA operating instructions SF
gas and the SF
6
gas filling cart, model GFU08
6
gas
6