SAFETY & HAZARDOUS AREAS SAFE AND SOUND
Ronald van Leeuwen, global product manager for IEC low-voltage switchgear, ABB Distribution Solutions, explores the concept of safety by design and safety by operation for the latest switchgear products
increasing, and manufacturers are investing more in the safety of their products to safeguard people, assets and the environment against accidents. Even well- established, trusted products like switchgear are the subject of further safety innovation. Our electricity system is changing fast. As
F
we look towards future decarbonisation, automakers and manufacturers continue to break new ground in the electrification of accessible transportation which is being met with growing uptake. Many existing coal and nuclear power plants around the world are now closed, while cost reductions in solar and wind turbines have been widely received, and key innovations, such as smart grid technologies, are evolving fast. The result of this progress is that we are all
more dependent on electricity than ever before. Studies show that global electricity use is increasing faster than the world population, which now stands close to 8 billion1
, leading to
an increase in the average amount of electricity consumed per person. Naturally then, driving better electrical safety standards remains high on the agenda.
rom electric cars and connected homes to digitalised businesses, the level of electrical power we are exposed to is
Over the years,
governments have introduced more stringent regulations, while industry has implemented various measures to mitigate risks to safety, including more rigorous assessments of work done on equipment and the development of arc energy limitation technologies. But there is more to be done. One key area of focus is safety by design.
The electrification market is more fluid than 20-30 years ago, with workers tending to shift between companies and roles. The result has been an industry drive to become less dependent on people when it comes to safety and for more intelligent equipment, which not only meets the strictest safety standards set out in IEC 61439-1/-2 and IEC TR 61641, but comprises built-in safety measures to reduce the margin for human error. Alongside this sits a greater focus on robust
and regular safety education and training. With companies experiencing greater staff turnover levels, training is imperative to maintain the level of awareness required to ensure the highest safety standards. Today’s electrical workers not only need to manage the complexities of modern installations but
RESOLVE AND PROTECT AGAINST GAS EXPOSURE RISKS
Recent discussions within gas detection sectors have revealed a growing number of customers who are looking for solutions that are reliable, long lasting and offer high levels of personal protection. ION Science’s latest development, the Cub 11.7 eV personal solution, provides protection against harmful VOCs while delivering on key areas such as lifespan, reliability and compliance.
Detecting the 11.7 range of gases is essential for protecting staff and the public due to the potential risks posed. Within the 11.7 detection range are VOCs such as methylene oxide, trichloromethane and tetrachloroethane, all of which are harmful at low levels. Monitoring and reducing personal exposure to these is critical in protecting against dangerous long term health effects. Having a personal gas detection device that can be relied on to record VOC exposure without compromise is the turning point in resolving customer pain points within the 11.7 range.
Unlike other detectors in the 11.7 range, the Cub 11.7 has a robust, reliable sensor lamp that draws on ION Science’s experience in delivering superior PID (photoionisation detection). The lamp of the Cub 11.7 has an average lifespan of one year, and is resistant to extreme temperatures, humidity and other environmental sensitivities. As the Cub 11.7 is intended to be worn on the person, it’s lightweight design at only 111g makes it possible to wear all day without discomfort. The detector works to provide continuous, reliable data around VOC exposure that can be collected and analysed to further increase protection and reduce exposure risks.
ionscience.com have a thorough grasp of new technologies, the different benefits and relevant legislation. An equally important safety consideration is
the protection of personnel working on or near electrical equipment – with manufacturers and producers continuing to introduce new technologies to help in this. Take, for example, the latest switchgear.
Inherently, the chances of a switchgear failure happening may be minimal. However, because the potential impact could be devastating in terms of the risk to human life, safety must be managed very carefully. In response, the next generation of NeoGear
technology from ABB has been purposely designed to elevate safety standards ready for the future of electrical distribution. NeoGear features a fully encapsulated and
insulated bus plate design in a laminated technology – adopting the technology used in industries such as automotive and aerospace to combine parts into a single component. The result is an unprecedented level of
safety with no exposure to live parts. Its design also enables an arc ignition protected zone, keeping maintenance personnel safer when performing routine works and repairs, while also reducing the risk of arcs caused by mechanical failures - one of the most serious safety risks that switchgear operators encounter. To put this into context, even if a screwdriver falls into the busbar area during maintenance work, it would be a remote possibility to ignite an arc. Adding to its vast safety credentials,
NeoGear has 90 percent less electrical joints than traditional systems. As reductions in electrical joints in switchgear proportionally increases reliability, this provides even greater integrity in line with overall safety measures. As industry prepares to meet the green
economy challenge, it’s never been a better time to review electrical safety procedures, considering ways to go beyond regulation and incorporate best practice, both by better
safety by design and by operation. 1
ABB Distribution Solutions
new.abb.com
12 OCTOBER 2021 | PROCESS & CONTROL
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=4 4095
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66
