THE USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WHEN APPLYING A POLYMER COATING TO EXTERNAL INSULATION IN EXISTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Abstract

The application of hydrophobic coatings based on organosilicon polymers is one of the effective methods of ensuring the required level of reliability of electrical equipment insulation operation on the surface of which a layer with high electrical conductivity can form. An important aspect of such works is protection of life and health of workers from harmful and dangerous factors by means of personal protective equipment. It is noted that the formation of requirements for their use, as well as the rules of selection and provision is carried out according to the assessment of risks for the health of workers. Improvement of the labor protection system at Ukrainian enterprises is based on the Order of the Ministry of Social Policy of 29.11.2018, which actively cooperates with the International Labor Organization. The purpose of the study is to determine the most likely risks when performing work on polymer coating at the existing power facilities, the analysis of existing personal protective equipment against these risks assessment of the convenience of their application. For this purpose the data from the Registers of risks of the enterprises where the works were performed, own observations, impressions and recommendations of the team members were used. The overwhelming majority of equipment which was covered with the coating falls on the voltage classes of 110 kV and above. The size and location of such equipment require the mandatory use of safety harnesses and safety helmets. The technological procedure of coating deposition was considered and the factors which can cause damage to the health of the employees were singled out. The principles of operation of different types of personal protective equipment against these factors and peculiarities of their application when working at the operating power facilities are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to respiratory protection equipment. Signs are marked, at appearance of which it is necessary to perform operative replacement of protective means. The conclusions from the study defined the minimum equipment of personal protective equipment which must be provided to the employees of the teams for applying hydrophobic polymer coating.