cleaning transformers

[kerisa]

Is there any data or information regarding cleaning dry type transformers. We have been given a scope that includes: Thoroughly clean unit (for 1 Phase and 3 Phase transformers over 10kva) using a non-lint type cloth and vacuum while energized.
it has been our practice to only do this while de-energized. I'm trying to find something to support our practice.
Thanks.

 

[roger]

Mr President, (if you are in fact the President) even if this is at the White House the transformers could be shut down.

Go to OSHA 1926 part K

The following is just a part of the sub section.

?1926.416 General requirements.

(a) Protection of employees -- (1) No employer shall permit an employee to work in such proximity to any part of an electric power circuit that the employee could contact the electric power circuit in the course of work, unless the employee is protected against electric shock by deenergizing the circuit and grounding it or by guarding it effectively by insulation or other means.

Roger

 

[charlie tuna]

never heard of cleaning transformers ---- i've worked on many that were fourty or more years old --- some have more dust than others -- but i've never witnessed a transformer that had enough dirt in it to effect it's operation. and now this is illegal to consider while energized............

 

[hardworkingstiff]

Back in 1980, the cleaning of transformers was a yearly PM at the General Hospital of Va. Beach.

 

[zog]

Regular cleaning of dry type transformers is recommended by NETA MTS and IEEE 902. However, this should always be done de-energized!

 

[H.L.]

We do this every other year. This type of work would be covered by OSHA 1910.300 Subpart S.

1910.333(a)

"General." Safety-related work practices shall be employed to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contacts, when work is performed near or on equipment or circuits which are or may be energized. The specific safety-related work practices shall be consistent with the nature and extent of the associated electrical hazards.

1910.333(a)(1)

"Deenergized parts." Live parts to which an employee may be exposed shall be deenergized before the employee works on or near them, unless the employer can demonstrate that deenergizing introduces additional or increased hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. Live parts that operate at less than 50 volts to ground need not be deenergized if there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric arcs.

Note 1: Examples of increased or additional hazards include interruption of life support equipment, deactivation of emergency alarm systems, shutdown of hazardous location ventilation equipment, or removal of illumination for an area.

Note 2: Examples of work that may be performed on or near energized circuit parts because of infeasibility due to equipment design or operational limitations include testing of electric circuits that can only be performed with the circuit energized and work on circuits that form an integral part of a continuous industrial process in a chemical plant that would otherwise need to be completely shut down in order to permit work on one circuit or piece of equipment.

Note 3: Work on or near deenergized parts is covered by paragraph (b) of this section.