Improvement in Materials for Workers on Hydro Generator Sites

The health and safety of workers using chemical compounds (resins, paints and solvents) when installing, refurbishing or maintaining hydro generators is paramount. Recently observations have necessitated technological development to better achieve this goal. The uses of such chemical compounds include generator rewinds, painting of the stator winding and core, stator frame, rotor field poles, rotor mechanical assembly, etc. and the clean up when the work is ongoing and finally completed. An analysis of the types of chemical compounds shows significant health and safety risks for workers such as Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reproductive (CMR). While Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is reasonably effective in minimizing short term exposure, longer term exposure is still a concern. A new and preferred approach is the reformulation of the chemical compounds to eliminate the substances that pose risk. The authors of this paper have been working collaboratively to develop and qualify chemical compounds that eliminate these known health risks while still ensuring that the technical efficacy remains as good or better than the original.