High voltage in nuclear applications: Occupational safety aspects and standards

Abstract

High voltage (HV) plays diverse and critical roles that in both nuclear power generation and nuclear instrumentation, contributing to the efficiency, safety, and precision of various processes within the nuclear domain. The basic detection component of nuclear instruments is the nuclear detector, which needs direct current HV power supply. Exposure to HV electrical systems can cause serious injuries, fatalities, and damage to equipment if proper safety measures are not followed. Comprehensive safety measures, such as proper training, adherence to safety procedures, use of personal protective equipment, equipment maintenance, regular inspections, and compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations, are essential to mitigate hazards arising from HV applications. HV safety and standards are critical aspects of HV occupational practices as they ensure the protection of personnel, machine, and workplace safety. A close study points to certain inadequacies and weaknesses in the existing standards. These include a lack of universal standards, insufficient coverage of nonelectric hazards or indirect safety hazards, deficient or no focus on human factors, and limited consideration of evolving and new technologies. In the last portion of this article, the standards followed at the High Voltage Pulsed Power Lab, Control Instrumentation Division, BARC are discussed along with the safety practices that are observed in the routine operation of different high voltage systems.

Keywords

• high-voltage safety
• high-voltage standards
• nuclear power and instrumentation
• risk assessment