Abstract :
There is now general recognition that old oil filled switchgear with manual dependent initiation (DMI) operating mechanisms has reached the end of its safe working life and must be replaced. Such switchgear however remains a significant problem because of its continued use. HSE has brought the matter to the attention of industry and the profession and will continue to ensure that industry has properly identified and controlled the risks arising from the use of old oil filled switchgear. Following concern about the safety of certain types of old oil filled switchgear, research was commissioned by HSE to determine how the equipment would perform under fault conditions. The report recommended that all such equipment still in service should be replaced as soon as practicable. An action plan to deal with the problem of the continued use of old oil filled switchgear was included in HSE´s plan of work for 1995-1996. As a consequence of the extent of the problems identified, the project was extended in the plan of work for 1996-1997. In this paper the development of British standards and legislation relating to switchgear are discussed
