Safety Analysis of a High Voltage Test Lab

by
David Wallace

for
ISE 6173
Instructor: Dr. Kari Babski-Reeves
Spring 2015
ABSTRACT
In the production of electrical transformers, dielectric test must be performed to certify the transformer will function properly in the field. These tests are conducted in a high voltage test lab (HVTL) where voltages can reach in excess of 500,000 volts. This health and safety assessment was performed on a HVTL to identify potential safety and health hazards within the lab and apply engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment to mitigate the hazard. This assessment was accomplished through the use of risk assessment, deviation analysis, job safety analysis, HAZOP and fault tree analysis following a five step method. Each hazard was quantified based on the consequence and the probability of occurring and classified based on the type of risk and the acceptance of the risk. From this analysis, the ten most critical hazards were chosen. These ten were then mitigated using the various controls listed above.

* TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACTii
INTRODUCTION1
METHODS2
2.1 Safety and Health Analysis Tools2
2.1.1 Risk Assessment Analysis2
2.1.2 Deviation Analysis3
2.1.3 Job Safety Analysis5
2.1.4 Hazard and Operability Analysis5
2.1.5 Fault Tree Analysis6
2.2 Procedures for Five-Step Analysis6
2.2.1 Risk Assessment Analysis of Building and Facility7
2.2.2 Deviation Analysis of Hazardous Substances7
2.2.3 Job Safety Analysis of Noise and Climate7
2.2.4 Hazard and Operability Analysis of Fixed Fire Extinguishers8
2.2.5 Fault Tree Analysis of Foam Fire Suppression System8
2.3 Data Analysis9
2.3.1 Risk Assessment Data Analysis9
2.3.2 Deviation Data Analysis10
2.3.3 Job Safety Data Analysis10
2.3.4 Hazard and Operability Data Analysis11
2.3.5 Fault Tree Data Analysis11
RESULTS11
* 3.1 Risk Assessment