Switchgears, can comprise some potential risks, some examples are:
- The enclosures, if any, may be pressurized with gas;
- Pressure-relief devices may open due to exceptional conditions, e.g. resulting from an internal arc.
- Commissioning, maintenance activities may require special attention due to the switchgear internal parts which are mostly not visible.
List:
- limit access to the installation to people who are trained and authorized
- keep operators and other personnel instructed regarding risks and safety requirements including local regulations
- keep switchgear maintained and up to date acc to standard and manuals
- use remote control and have the interlocking system working as intended
- select equipment that minimizes the risk to personnel from improper operation (example: earthing switches on lines)
- coordinate the protection system with product properties (example: do not reclose on internal faults)
- prepare earthing procedures considering the difficulty of referring to and understanding the complex arrangement and operation of the switchgear
- label equipment clearly for easy identification of individual devices and gas compartments