Personal Protective Equipment; Handling Of Insulating Gases And Gas Mixtures - WIKA GDI-100-D Mode D'emploi

3. Safety
3.5

Personal protective equipment

The personal protective equipment is designed to protect the skilled personnel from
hazards that could impair their safety or health during work. When carrying out the various
tasks on and with the instrument, the skilled personnel must wear personal protective
EN
equipment.
Follow the instructions displayed in the work area regarding personal protective
equipment!
The requisite personal protective equipment must be provided by the operating company.
Wear safety goggles!
Safety goggles in accordance with EN 166, class 2. Protection of the eyes
from flying parts during coupling or releasing of the quick connections under
pressure.
Wear protective gloves!
Protect hands from friction, abrasion, cuts or deep injuries and also from
contact with hot surfaces.
3.6

Handling of insulating gases and gas mixtures

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 insulating gases
Colourless and odourless
■
Chemically neutral
■
Inert
■
Not flammable
■
Heavier than air
■
No toxicity
■
No damage to the ozone layer
■
Detailed information is given in IEC 60376 and IEC 61634.
Danger of suffocation caused by insulating gases and gas mixtures
High concentrations of gases can lead to asphyxiation, since breathable air is displaced
from the lungs with the inhalation of 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 SF
gas is colourless and odourless and thus may be imperceptable to people.
10 WIKA operating instructions, model GDI-100-D
6