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Cleaning underground substations

  • Cleaning underground substations

    Posted by Matthew Sadgrove on 16 December 2024 at 2:49 pm

    Hey Team,

    Does anyone here clean, dust and access the condition of underground assets (transformers) in confined spaces. If so what equipment do you use to do it? (PPE, harness, davit arm, gas detectors, extraction fans ???

    Brian Ballantyne replied 1 month, 3 weeks ago 3 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • Shaun Colley

    Member
    16 December 2024 at 3:01 pm

    Hi Matt,

    We have removed our UG subs but when we were working in them, we had a dedicated safety observer monitoring the atmosphere at all times including a period of time prior to entry, a tripod removal system for rescue, harness and full general PPE (safety glasses, safety boots, full cover 8cal overalls, safety hard hat, gloves suitable for the tasks undertaken, and non-synthetic undergarments).
    Our subs had internal extractor fans, so these were on at all times prior to and during entry.
    A confined space permit was also in force for the duration of the entry.

    Any other works were case by case with site specific arc flash calcs undertaken/provided by the asset management/engineering team.

    Can get you specifics for equipment etc if required 🙂

    Regards Shaun

  • Brian Ballantyne

    Member
    16 December 2024 at 3:02 pm

    Hi Matt, Due to the age of some of the assets and Arc Flash risk in confined space, we have in most of our underground Sub Stations a no entry while live and deenergize to make safe policy. All of our Underground Subs are Confined Spaces and require gas monitoring and permit entry and tripod rescue set up. Have a longer-term project to move as many as possible above ground.

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