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Safe handling of PCBs in fluorescent light capacitors

Contents

  1. What are PCBs?
  2. What products contain PCBs?
  3. What effects can PCBs have on people?
  4. How can fluorescent light capacitors be handled safely?
  5. If spilt
  6. If equipment is contaminated

1. What are PCB's?

"PCBs" is an abbreviation for Polychlorinated Biphenyls, a group of synthetic chlorinated organic compounds, which has played an important part in many industrial products.

PCBs are very stable chemicals that resist change from the passage of time, wide temperature variance and the influence of acids and alkalis.

2. What products contain PCBs

Even though importing PCBs was banned in 1976, they can be present in transformers and capacitors in the electrical industry, and in a wide range of other products that take advantage of their great stability.

Small PCB filled capacitors are fitted to electric motors, welders and fluorescent lights.

Typically they contain about 50gm PCBs.

Normally, PCBs are in a metal container carrying no label signifying PCB content. Metal cased capacitors usually contain PCBs.  A plastic capacitor usually does not. Most capacitors with metal cases that are labelled "Thermonol AEE" or "Ducon" Type APS, APF, APB, APD, APU, GPU, APA, APC, or GPA do contain PCBs. There may be others not listed here. Florescent lights in buildings built or renovated before 1980 are likely to have PCB filled capacitors.

A booklet "Identification of PCB-containing capacitors", containing a list of capacitors known to contain PCBs, is available from the federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (search "PCB capacitor").

3. What effects can PCBs have on people?

PCBs can enter the body in three ways:

  1. Swallowed in contaminated food and drink.
  2. Absorbed through the skin.
  3. Inhaled as vapour (though vapour given off at room temperature is not significant).


PCBs tend to lodge in body fat, and stay there for a long time. The very stability that makes PCBs so useful also prevents the body from eliminating them quickly.

Excessive amounts of PCBs can cause irritation to the eyes and long term health problems with skin, hair and liver. A persistent pungent body odour may be experienced. Other health problems have been reported as a result of careless use or accidental exposure to these chemicals.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organisation) has classified PCBs as Group 2A, Probably Carcinogenic to Humans.

4. How can fluorescent light capacitors be handled safely?

Consultation

Consultation and co-operation between employers and employees is the key to safety in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 requires employers and employees to meet to discuss hazards and formulate and put into practice effective safety and health controls.

Removal

All leaking capacitors must be replaced with non PCB capacitors, and the work must be carried out by a licensed electrical worker.

Unless accurate information on PCB content is available (eg label stating "No PCBs"), all leaking capacitors must be treated as if they do contain PCBs, and adequate personal protective equipment and clothing must be worn. Swab samples of the leaking capacitor fluid or the capacitors themselves can be sent for laboratory analysis if confirmation is needed.

Leaking capacitors which have been removed should be properly packed in a sealed container, then into a secondary container (eg steel drum) containing absorbent for transport to an approved disposal facility.

Non-leaking PCB capacitors can be left in place, however plans should be made for their eventual replacement. Regular walk-through surveys should be made to check for oil leaks under light fittings, and leaking capacitors should be replaced.

Safe disposal of PCBs

Correct disposal of spills, waste PCBs and contaminated material will prevent PCBs entering the food chain and the general environment. PCBs cannot be dumped or hosed away safely because of their potential to enter the food chain. Contact the Department of Environment and Conservation, telephone (08) 6364 6500, for information on approved disposal facilities. Ordinary incinerators are NOT effective and must NOT be used.

Personal protection

Personal protective equipment and clothing required for the handling of PCBs and PCB contaminated equipment in light fittings includes:

  • chemically impervious disposable overalls;
  • mid-arm nitrile rubber gloves;
  • safety glasses; and
  • rubber boots.

Note:
At room temperature, PCBs do not readily vaporise. However if vapours are suspected due to a characteristic burnt smell which can occur if a capacitor begins to leak and overheats, then suitable respirators (cartridge-type suitable for chlorinated vapours) should be used.
If skin contamination occurs, the liquid should be wiped off immediately and the skin washed with soap and water. Water alone is not sufficient. If clothing is contaminated it should be quickly removed and disposed of as recommended. Organic solvents like kerosene or petrol should NOT be used to wash the skin.

5. If spilt

Soak up spilt PCB liquid with an absorbent (eg vermiculite, clay, rags) as would be used for oil. Place the material in plastic bags and store in a sound steel drum. Any contaminated protective clothing should be treated the same way. The drum should be clearly labelled for easy identification, and stored in a separate, secure place where there is no risk of fire prior to disposal at an approved facility.

6. If equipment is contaminated

Contaminated equipment and tools should be cleansed with a cloth soaked in a small amount of suitable solvent (eg kerosene). The contaminated material should then be placed in a suitable container and packed with absorbent material inside a sound steel drum.

Electricians working with capacitors and transformers should be aware of the points mentioned above. 

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