SOP Flashcards
What is a dielectric fluid found in many transformers
and capacitors?
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
What are PCBs used for?
increasing or decreasing electrical power
what are the four types of coolants for transformers?
- Air
- Mineral oil
- askarel
- Silicone
What is Askarel?
insulating fluid which contains 50% PCBS
Are askarel and PCBS materials chemically stable and have low flammability?
true
What are the trade names for PCBS and askarel?
Inerteen and Pyranol
Why are mineral oils dangerous??
they are used for coolants for transformers and contaminated with PCBs
Does silicone coolant fluids contain PCBs?
False
Why are PCBS the most stable organic chemicals known?
Low dielectric constant and high boiling point make them ideal for use as dielectric fluid fluids in electrical capacitors and transformers.
What are some of the advantage of PCBs?
low dielectric constant
low volatility
good fire resistance
low water solubility
high solubility in organic solvents
good ageing properties, with no deterioration in service
What are some of the disadvantages of PCBs fluid?
non-biodegradable
persistent in the environment
able to accumulate in fatty tissues in the body
suspected of being carcinogenic
What is created if PCBs is burning?
very toxic chemicals are formed. PCBs produced furans because of their great stability and oleophilic nature which means the fatty tissues of humans and animals easily absorb them.
what are the side effects of PCBs on humans?
Failure of kidneys and other human organs
excessive and intensive headaches if inhaled and chloracne if absorbed through the skin.
What companies serviced transformers?
Electric utility companies ie MBTA, Conrail, B&M
What are the two types of labels used to identify locations and where equipment containing PCBs are found?
- a yellow 9in diamond shaped placard with black lines containing DOT number for PCBs (2315)
- second label is attached directly to transformers and other high voltage equipment 6 in square with bold black letters
What type of transformers are a source of PCBs?
Railroad transformers its classified separately by the federal government
Does capacitors and pole transformers present the same problems as transformers in vaults?
no because its found outside on poles, have fewer fire incidents and contain lesser amount of fluid.
What are the procedures for capacitors and pole transformers incident?
avoid contact with fluid
isolate the area and wait for utility employees to take charge of the spill
do not flush with water
doke and contain if possible
never assume that the unit has been de-energized
if fire occurs, wear full PPE and SCBA and use DRY Chemical
never contact any downed wires or lines
What to do in the event of an unknown condition of the transformer?
implement the BFD/ICS
initial size up wearing PPE and SCBA
informed conditions ie location of fire, material involved, extent and magnitude of fire
What to do if a confirmed PCB incident occurs?
Incident commander shall upgrade the incident to Level 3 Hazardous materials
What are involve in electrical incidents in manholes?
Cables only or cables and high voltage transformers and switchgears
What is the incident commander duty when responding to electrical incident?
determine who owns the manhole
Due to the potential for explosion or the release of toxic fumes what should be worn?
All protective gear including SCBA
Who should Fire Alarm office dispatch involve a Eversource manhole incident?
One Engine, one Ladder and the nearest Hazmat company with the special FireIce retardant and application equipment.