PCB Management Guidance

Maintenance, Handling, Transport and

Interim Storage of Liquids Containing PCB
and Equipment Contaminated with PCB

PCB Elimination Network (PEN)

This document was produced by the Thematic Group on Inventories of the PCB Elimination Network
(PEN). The electronic version is available for download on the webpage of the UNEP Chemicals and
Waste Branch at
http://www.unep.org/chemicalsandwaste/POPs/ChemicalsManagementandReduction/PhasingoutPCBco
py/PCBEliminationNetworkCopy/tabid/1061160/Default.aspx and from the PEN’s Webpage at:
http://chm.pops.int/Implementation/PCBs/DocumentsPublications/tabid/665/Default.aspx

For questions, please contact:

Science and Risk Team
Chemicals and Waste Branch
Division of Technology, Industry and Economics
United Nations Environment Programme
11-13 Chemin des Anémones
CH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, Switzerland
Contact person: Ms. Jacqueline Alvarez, Senior Programme Officer
E-mail: science.chemicals@unep.org
PCB Management Guidance i

Table of contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1
2. International Legal Framework ............................................................................................ 2
2.1. Stockholm Convention ........................................................................................ 2
2.2. Basel Convention ................................................................................................. 3
2.3. Rotterdam Convention ........................................................................................ 4
3. Identification of Potential User Sectors ............................................................................... 5
4. Responsibilities of Owners ................................................................................................... 8
5. Information management .................................................................................................... 9
5.1. Creating a Database and Tracking System .......................................................... 9
5.2. Maintaining the Database and Monitoring Equipment .................................... 10
6. Management of PCB Liquids and Equipment .................................................................... 11
6.1. Management of Transformers Prior to Testing ................................................. 11
6.2. Preliminary Sampling and Testing ..................................................................... 12
6.3. False Positive Results ......................................................................................... 12
6.4. Laboratory Analysis to Confirm Preliminary Results ......................................... 13
6.5. Isolation of Equipment ...................................................................................... 13
6.6. Handling of In-service Equipment ..................................................................... 13
6.7. Pollution Prevention and Reduction.................................................................. 14
6.8. Waste Disposal .................................................................................................. 14
6.9. Training .............................................................................................................. 14
6.10. Security and Control Measures at the Work Place ............................................ 15
6.11. Disclosure of Information to the Public ............................................................. 15
6.12. Packaging ........................................................................................................... 15
6.13. Labelling ............................................................................................................. 16
7. Transport ............................................................................................................................ 18
7.1. National Transport Manifest ............................................................................. 18
7.2. Documents for Transboundary Movement ....................................................... 19
8. Temporary Storage ............................................................................................................ 20
8.1. Selecting a Location ........................................................................................... 20
8.2. Structural Conditions ......................................................................................... 20
8.3. Regulations for the Storage of Hazardous Substances...................................... 21

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ii PCB Management Guidance

8.4. Containers and Conditions for Correct Packaging ............................................. 22

8.5. Lessons Learned from Improper Storage .......................................................... 22
9. Emergency Plans ................................................................................................................ 23
9.1. Procedure in Case of Leakage and Spills............................................................ 23
9.2. Procedure in Case of Fire ................................................................................... 24
10. Unsound Management ...................................................................................................... 25
10.1. Cross-contamination ......................................................................................... 25
10.2. Soil Pollution ...................................................................................................... 25
10.3. Unsound Disposal .............................................................................................. 25
10.4. Economic Costs .................................................................................................. 26
11. Frequent Causes of Accidents ............................................................................................ 27
Annex A: Important and Useful Sources of Information ............................................................ 28
Annex B: Glossary of Terms ........................................................................................................ 29
Annex C: PCB Trademarks ........................................................................................................... 30
Annex E: Transformer Brands that Used to Use PCB .................................................................. 33
Annex F: PCB Applications .......................................................................................................... 34

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PCB Management Guidance iii

Abbreviations
COP Conference of the Parties

GC-MS Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer

IMDG International Maritime Dangerous Goods

PBB Polybrominated biphenyls

PCB Polychlorinated biphenyls

PCDD Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins

PCDF Polychlorinated dibenzofurans

PCTs Polychlorinated terphenyls

PEN PCB Elimination Network

POPs Persistent Organic Pollutants

TMN Transboundary Movement Notification

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PCB Management Guidance 1

1. Introduction
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, consisting of two benzene rings
linked by a carbon-carbon bond. The hydrogen atoms can be substituted by up to ten chlorine atoms. PCB
exist as viscous liquids or resins and may be colourless or yellowish with a strong, characteristic smell.
One of the most important characteristics of PCB is that they have excellent dielectric properties, are
resistant to chemical and thermal degradation (they decompose at high temperatures above 1000 °C),
are not affected by light and are not flammable.
Due to their physico-chemical properties, PCB were manufactured worldwide for use in a wide range of
applications, most importantly as insulating fluids in transformers. PCB were also used in other types of
closed and semi-closed applications, such as capacitors, as well as in so-called ‘open applications, such as
paints, sealants and carbon paper.
However, PCB can cause serious health effects in humans and animals, including reproductive
impairment and immune system dysfunctions. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
classified PCB as Group 1 “carcinogenic to humans”. PCB Among POPs, the second highest
concentrations in human milk is for PCB. In some cases, observed levels for indicator PCB were several
orders of magnitude higher than the WHO safety level1. Once in the environment, PCB enter the food
chain: More than 90% of human exposure to PCB is through food.
PCB are therefore regulated under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) 2.
The Convention bans the production and new uses of PCB and requires Parties to eliminate the use of
PCB in equipment by 2025 and to ensure the environmentally sound waste management of liquids
containing PCB and equipment contaminated with PCB by 2028.
However, countries still face many challenges in ensuring the environmentally sound management of
PCB. The purpose of this PCB Management Guidance is to support stakeholders engaged in the
maintenance, handling, transport and interim storage of liquids containing PCB and equipment
contaminated with PCB, taking into account practical experience and applicable international obligations.
Based on collected experiences and lessons learned from experts, countries and companies, existing
guidelines on inventories and handling of PCB, and relevant regulations taking into account regional
variations, the guidance lists and explains relevant technical guidelines, outlines important procedures
and provides practical recommendations for implementation. The guidance also features a bibliography
and links sections, where the reader can find references to documents of international organizations and
other stakeholders that were consulted to prepare the present guidance document.
The guidance is intended for use by government agencies, institutions, companies, and individuals
involved in the processes of maintenance, handling, transport and interim storage of liquids containing
PCB and equipment contaminated with PCB, including related steps and procedures. It primarily targets
developing countries and countries with economies in transition in need of assistance to ensure the
environmentally sound management to developing countries or countries in economic transitions that
have started the management process or that are still working on it.

1
See for instance the monitoring reports under the Stockholm Convention at :
http://chm.pops.int/Implementation/GlobalMonitoringPlan/MonitoringReports/tabid/525/Default.aspx
2
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, full text available at: http://www.pops.int

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2 PCB Management Guidance

2. International Legal Framework

PCB are regulated under three international conventions, namely the Stockholm Convention, the Basel
Convention and the Rotterdam Convention.

2.1. STOCKHOLM CONVENTION

The objective of the Stockholm Convention on POPs, which entered into force in 2004 is to protect
human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants. The convention includes the
following aspects:
a) The implementation of measures to reduce or eliminate the intentional production and use of
POPs.
b) The implementation of measures to reduce or eliminate emissions from unintentional production
of POPs.
c) The implementation of measures to reduce or eliminate stocks and wastes consisting of or
containing POPs.
PCB were one of the initial twelve POPs. They are listed in Annex A on Elimination, which stipulates that
the production of PCB is prohibited. It also stipulates that PCB may only be used in articles in accordance
with the provisions of Part II of the Annex, i.e.:
Each Party shall:
(a) With regard to the elimination of the use of polychlorinated biphenyls in equipment (e.g.
transformers, capacitors or other receptacles containing liquid stocks) by 2025, subject to review
by the Conference of the Parties, take action in accordance with the following priorities:
(i) per cent polychlorinated biphenyls and volumes greater than 5 litres;
(ii) Make determined efforts to identify, label and remove from use equipment containing
greater than 0.05 per cent polychlorinated biphenyls and volumes greater than 5 litres;
(iii) Endeavour to identify and remove from use equipment containing greater than 0.005
percent polychlorinated biphenyls and volumes greater than 0.05 litres;
(b) Consistent with the priorities in subparagraph (a), promote the following measures to reduce
exposures and risk to control the use of polychlorinated biphenyls:

(i) Use only in intact and non-leaking equipment and only in areas where the risk from
environmental release can be minimised and quickly remedied;

(ii) Not use in equipment in areas associated with the production or processing of food or
feed;

(iii) When used in populated areas, including schools and hospitals, all reasonable measures
to protect from electrical failure which could result in a fi re, and regular inspection of
equipment for leaks;
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph 2 of Article 3, ensure that equipment containing polychlorinated
biphenyls, as described in subparagraph (a), shall not be exported or imported except for the
purpose of environmentally sound waste management;

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PCB Management Guidance 3

(d) Except for maintenance and servicing operations, not allow recovery for the purpose of reuse in
other equipment of liquids with polychlorinated biphenyls content above 0.005 per cent;
(e) Make determined efforts designed to lead to environmentally sound waste management of
liquids containing polychlorinated biphenyls and equipment contaminated with polychlorinated
biphenyls having a polychlorinated biphenyls content above 0.005 per cent, in accordance with
paragraph 1 of Article 6, as soon as possible but no later than 2028, subject to review by the
Conference of the Parties;
(f) In lieu of note (ii) in Part I of this Annex, endeavor to identify other articles containing more than
0.005 per cent polychlorinated biphenyls (e.g. cable-sheaths, cured caulk and painted objects)
and manage them in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 6;
(g) Provide a report every fi ve years on progress in eliminating polychlorinated biphenyls and submit
it to the Conference of the Parties pursuant to Article 15;
(h) The reports described in subparagraph (g) shall, as appropriate, be considered by the Conference
of the Parties in its reviews relating to polychlorinated biphenyls. The Conference of the Parties
shall review progress towards elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls at five year intervals or
other period, as appropriate, taking into account such reports.

2.2. BASEL CONVENTION

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their
Disposal3, which entered into force in 1992, aims to protect human health and the environment from the
harmful effects of hazardous wastes.
The requirements of the Convention are based on its main objectives:
a) Reduction of hazardous waste generation and promotion of environmentally sound management
of hazardous wastes wherever final disposal takes place.
b) The control or restriction of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes, except where the
movement is necessary to achieve environmentally sound management of the wastes.
c) A regulatory system applicable to transboundary movements that are permitted in particular
cases.
Annex I of the Convention contains a list of categories of wastes or waste streams that need to be
controlled. Within this list of waste streams is the category Y10, which concerns: "Waste substances and
articles containing or contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and/or polychlorinated
terphenyls (PCTs) and/or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)”.
All wastes, equipment, oils, substances or materials contaminated with PCB at a concentration greater
than 50 mg/kg are considered toxic4. Exports of equipment and oils contaminated with PCB above this
threshold must be in compliance with the regulations under the Basel Convention. Among others, this
means that PCB wastes can only be exported with the written prior informed consent of the importing
state and for environmentally sound management. All equipment containing coolant liquids at
concentrations below 50 mg/kg PCB are internationally recognized as being PCB-free and having no
special requirements.

3
http://www.basel.int/TheConvention/Overview/TextoftheConvention/tabid/1275/Default.aspx
4
Category A3180 of List A3, Annex VIII

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4 PCB Management Guidance

Under the Basel Convention, ‘technical guidelines for the environmentally sound management of wastes
consisting of, containing or contaminated with PCBs, PCTs or PBBs, including HBB’ are available to guide
Parties.

2.3. ROTTERDAM CONVENTION

The ‘Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals
and Pesticides in International Trade’5, which entered into force in 2004, aims to:
a) to promote shared responsibility and cooperative efforts among Parties in the international trade
of certain hazardous chemicals in order to protect human health and the environment from
potential harm;
b) to contribute to the environmentally sound use of those hazardous chemicals, by facilitating
information exchange about their characteristics, by providing for a national decision-making
process on their import and export and by disseminating these decisions to Parties.
The Convention covers pesticides and industrial chemicals that have been banned or severely restricted
for health or environmental reasons. PCB are included in Annex III, which lists chemicals subject to the
prior informed consent procedure.

5
http://www.pic.int/TheConvention/Overview/TextoftheConvention/tabid/1048/language/en-US/Default.aspx

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PCB Management Guidance 5

3. Identification of Potential User Sectors

Detailed guidance on the identification of relevant sectors is available in the ‘PCB Inventory Guidance’6.
Even though PCB were used extensively between 1920 and 1980 and despite the fact that nowadays their
production and sale are prohibited, PCB still continue to be used in equipment in operation with a limited
life-time and are therefore still considered environmental liabilities. PCB can be found in closed
applications, partially closed applications and open applications. Below is a list of concerned equipment,
materials or uses in the different sectors to facilitate easy identification.
ELECTRICITY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
a) Transformers and capacitors
- Voltage regulators (high voltage power lines)
- Starting aid (single-phase motors)
- Power factor correction: rectifiers, induction motors, ovens
- Electrical consumer goods: refrigerators, televisions, washing machines
- Pumps for wells
- Lamp Ballasts: Fluorescent high intensity discharge
- Electrical cables
b) Switch gear
- Capacitors and transformers
c) Manufacturing of machinery
- Capacitors, transformers and related switch gear
d) Mineral oils contaminated with PCB
- Cross contamination resulting from oil changes in transformers.
TRANSPORTATION (RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE, PORTS, AIRPORTS)
a) Transformers
b) Large capacitors
c) Voltage regulators
d) Circuit breakers
MILITARY (HIGH VOLTAGE EQUIPMENT SUCH AS RADARS)
a) Transformers
b) Large and small capacitors
c) Voltage regulators
d) Circuit breakers
e) Lamp ballasts
f) Hydraulic fluids
MINING (OPEN PIT AND UNDERGROUND)
a) Transformers
b) Large capacitors
c) Units of power factor correction
d) Hydraulic fluids
e) Voltage regulators

6
http://www.unep.org/chemicalsandwaste/POPs/tabid/1061034/Default.aspx

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6 PCB Management Guidance

f) Circuit breakers
INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES AND CASTING OF METALS (ALUMINUM, COPPER, IRON AND STEEL; CEMENT, PLASTICS AND
SYNTHETIC PRODUCTION; AND PETROLEUM REFINING)

a) Transformers
b) Large and small capacitors
c) Units of power factor correction
d) Heat transfer fluids
e) Hydraulic fluids
f) Voltage regulators
g) Fluid-filled cables
h) Circuits breakers
i) Lamp ballasts
AGRICULTURE
a) Large and small capacitors
b) Units of power factor correction
c) Submersible pumps
LARGE BUILDINGS, SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITY, ADMINISTRATION, ETC.
a) small capacitors
b) Circuits breakers
c) Lamp ballasts
LOCAL OR MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES (WATER TREATMENT, DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS, WATER TREATMENT PLANTS AND
PUBLIC LIGHTING)

a) Vacuum and submersible pumps

b) Small capacitors
c) Units of power factor correction
RESEARCH LABORATORIES
a) Vacuum pumps
b) Lamp ballasts
c) Small capacitors
d) Circuits breakers
SOLIDS CONTAMINATED WITH PCB
a) Cleaning material
b) Personal protective equipment
c) Maintenance machinery
d) Soil, sand, asphalt, sediment
e) Used test kits
f) Anti-corrosion coatings
OPEN SYSTEMS
a) Ingredient of adhesives
b) Ingredient in paints and other coatings
c) Ingredient in inks
d) Ingredient in lubricants, sealants and caulking material

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PCB Management Guidance 7

e) Plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride, neoprene and other synthetic resins

f) Pesticide diluents
g) Flame retardant in fabrics, carpets, polyurethane foam
h) Lubricants for microscopes, brake linings, knifes, etc.
i) Waxes
j) Asphalt
k) Gas pipeline capacitors
l) Plasticizers

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8 PCB Management Guidance

4. Responsibilities of Owners
The environmentally sound management of liquids containing PCB and equipment contaminated with
PCB falls primarily under the responsibility of the owners of these items. This responsibility covers
undertaking of the inventory until final disposal in an environmentally sound manner.
Once an equipment with PCB above the relevant threshold reaches the end of its lifespan, it is necessary
to initiate the disposal process. This involved draining the oil from the equipment and placing it in UN-
approved metal containers. The container has to be in good condition, without any damage and it cannot
be leaking. If necessary, the liquids need to be appropriately re-packaged. Once the equipment is
drained, it must either be stored in an environmentally sound manner pending final disposal or be sent to
a facility approved for the treatment of liquids containing and equipment contaminated with PCB. Several
possible solutions for decontamination and disposal of PCB oils are discussed in further detail in this
guidance.
If applicable, the owners have a responsibility to submit documents required for the notification of a
transboundary movement of hazardous wastes to the competent authority of their country.

Thematic Group on Maintenance PCB Elimination Network (PEN)

PCB Management Guidance 9

5. Information management
5.1. CREATING A DATABASE AND TRACKING SYSTEM FOR EQUIPMENT AND
MATERIALS CONTAMINATED WITH PCB
The result of the initial inventory of liquids containing and equipment contaminated with PCB should be
compiled in a national database. This database is the starting point for continuing the identification of
liquids and equipment and for initiating the removal of identified stocks. As such, it should be regularly
updated and maintained.
The inventory information can be inserted into many different types of databases, but the simplest way is
to use an Excel spreadsheet. The sheet should contain information on the characteristics of the liquids
and equipment, including the type of equipment, date of manufacture, solid and liquid weight, and PCB
content. It is also recommended to insert information on the owners of the liquids and equipment.
A possible structure of an Excel sheet is shown below:

Table 1: Excel structure for the information on the liquids and/or equipment, including the owner
Description Value/Standard table
Type of equipment Transformer, capacitor, lamp
ballasts, circuit breaker, etc.
GPS coordinates
Manufacturer
Serial number
Current range (KVA)
Year of manufacture
Weight (kg) oil
Weight (kg) housing
Appearance
Name of oil
Range of liquid PCB content (mg/kg)
Exact PCB content (mg/kg)
Analysis performed (yes or no)
Method of analysis
Date of analysis
Information source
(inventory/maintenance)
Operational status (in operation/out
of use)
Filled (yes or no)
Date of filling
Oil filled
Date when became waste (taken out
of use)
Next maintenance service date
Equipment identification
Name of the PCB owner

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10 PCB Management Guidance

Address
Telephone number
Fax number
Name of the contact person
E-mail
Type of business
This database could be kept only for liquids equipment and oils that (potentially) contain/are
contaminated with PCB, but for greater control and to avoid possible cross-contamination it is
recommended to track this information for all transformers in use and out of use.

5.2. MAINTAINING THE DATABASE AND MONITORING EQUIPMENT

A database is a tool that allows keeping track of the location and use of the contaminated liquids and
equipment by using labels and geo-referencing or, as a more basic procedure, by keeping track of the
physical location of the equipment.
Once the database is established on the basis of the initial inventory, it is very important to regularly
update the information. Thus, as liquids and equipment are taken out of use and placed in storage or sent
for treatment and disposal, these should be added to the database, unless they have already been
included.
In most cases, the database is updated with information as equipment enters the maintenance process
and/or reaches the end of its lifespan. As the equipment is taken out of use, tests should be conducted to
ascertain whether it is contaminated with PCB. The information on the equipment should then be
included in the existing database. This process will need to be undertaken for a number of years until a
full inventory of stocks of PCB liquids and equipment has been completed.
Liquids and equipment that are found to contain/be contaminated with PCB should be added to the
database. Liquids and equipment that have successfully been decontaminated or destroyed can be
removed from the inventory (it may be advisable to indicate this accordingly). If the equipment is shipped
abroad for treatment or destruction, it is necessary to include in the database a reference to the
respective documentation under the Basel Convention, the date of shipment, the country of destination
and the receiving facility.

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PCB Management Guidance 11

6. Management of PCB Liquids and Equipment

PCB liquids and equipment, whether in use or out of use, need to be monitored throughout their life-
cycle. Likewise, the environmentally sound interim storage of liquids and equipment pending
decontamination or final disposal, needs to be secure7.

6.1. MANAGEMENT OF TRANSFORMERS PRIOR TO TESTING

If there is reason to suspect that a transformer is potentially contaminated by PCB, all appropriate
precautionary measures for handling it must be considered. The following steps should be followed:
1) Read the plate of the equipment carefully trying to identify all information including its brand
name, serial number, voltage ratio, wattage, manufacturing date, origin and type of insulating
fluid. It is very important to note the AC power (KVA or MVA), because it will be used to
estimate the weight of the equipment and the oil, which will then be used to estimate costs
for disposal.
2) If the equipment has a label, which indicates a name of insulating fluid different than mineral
oil or silicone, look immediately at the list of brands and types of PCB that are attached to
this guidance in the Annex. There you should find the fluid that you are looking for. If this is
the case, your equipment is certain to contain pure PCB or be contaminated with PCB.
3) If the equipment has no label or if this does not indicate the type of dielectric fluid used, the
strong and irritating characteristic odour of PCB and its density approximating 1.5 (compared
to oils whose density is between 0.85 and 0.9) can give a first indication of the presence of
PCB8.
4) In both of the situations described above, the equipment should be isolated immediately and
labelled.
5) Check the transformer cover and see if the seal has been opened and if a seal different than
the original is used. If that is the case, the oil information on the label is not valid and it
should be investigated if in the past the equipment underwent some kind of maintenance,
during which the oil was extracted and re-filled with another oil. If that was the case,
investigate where the extracted oil was put.
6) In parallel to this research, carry out a PCB test of the equipment using a Chlor-N-OIL kit. If
the result if positive, it means that the oil contains chlorine. This is not yet a confirmation of
PCB content. Indicate this on the label and put the equipment in a covered place, protected
from water and sun and inform the staff in charge to not manipulate the equipment in any
way.
7) Send an oil sample to a chemical laboratory where a gas chromatography analysis can be
carried out to determine whether the oil contains PCB and, if so, to quantify the
concentration and to find out whether you are dealing with pure PCB or contaminated oil. In
the latter case, it means that the original fluid was extracted and the equipment re-filled with
another fluid. In this case you should investigate where the original oil was put in order to

7
“Training Manual for the preparation of a national Environmentally Sound Management plan for PCBs and PCB-
contaminated equipment in the framework of the implementation of the Basel Convention”, UNEP/Secretariat
of the Basel Convention, 2003, ISBN: 92-1-158674-7.
8
“PCB Transformers and Capacitors - From Management to Reclassification and Disposal”, UNEP, 2002.

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12 PCB Management Guidance

safeguard it.
8) In both cases, if a PCB content of over 50 mg/kg is confirmed, the equipment containing the
liquid should be properly labelled and transferred securely to the temporary storage facility.
Alongside, all the information on this equipment must be incorporated into the database.
9) In the event that the result of the gas chromatography analysis shows a negative result of the
presence of PCB, the equipment can be handled as a normal piece of equipment.
10) If the result shows a value below 50 mg/kg, although the equipment will be considered non-
toxic, it should be kept under control for future maintenance activities. Due to the fact that
PCB are accumulative and not biodegradable, even small concentrations may accumulate in
the future to higher concentrations and become a problem.

6.2. PRELIMINARY SAMPLING AND TESTING

The methods commonly used methods in the field and ‘in situ’ (i.e. on-site) to detect PCB in dielectric oil
samples are the the Chlor-N-OiI test kits and the L2000DX Analyser. These can be used to detect chlorine
content in the sample. It is important to note that a positive result does not necessarily confirm the
presence of PCB. and therefore the presence of PCB. In both cases, either for sampling or for
implementation of the method, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer's specific instructions.
The following personal protective equipment should be used:
 Nitrile gloves
 Laboratory safety glasses
 Apron or lab coat
After performing the analysis, the waste from the kit must be properly disposed of, since the wastes
contain chemicals.

6.3. FALSE POSITIVE RESULTS

When performing a gas chromatography analysis on a sample that was tested positive with the test kit,
the result might be that there is no presence of PCB or that the concentration is less than 50 mg/kg.
Thus, the test kits may give ‘false positive’ results. This may be due to the following reasons:
1) The test kits only detect chlorine content in the sample, which must not necessarily be due to the
presence of PCB. A laboratory analysis is therefore always necessary to confirm the presence of
PCB and the concentration of PCB in the sample. Where this is not possible, the equipment
should be labelled as suspected to contain PCB.
2) False positive results with the kit are due to the presence of water in the oil sample. One way of
overcoming this limitation of the test kit is to extract the water from the oil sample through a
mechanical process of centrifugation. During this process the sample is centrifuged at a speed
and time set to ensure the removal of the water. Afterwards, the test kit is reapplied: if the false
positive result was due to the presence of water, the result of the test should now be negative.
This method of removing water from oil is recommended because being a mechanical method,
the matrix of the sample is not changed, as it would be if you added a chemical that would react
with the oil or PCB molecules.

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PCB Management Guidance 13

6.4. LABORATORY ANALYSIS TO CONFIRM PRELIMINARY RESULTS

One of the most recommended and applied analyses to confirm the presence of PCB is by gas
chromatography using electron capture detector. There are other more complex types of analyses such as
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
The chromatographic analysis is a physical method of separation to characterize complex mixtures, which
is applied in all branches of science and physics. It is a set of techniques based on the principle of
selective retention, which aims to separate the different components of a mixture, allowing to identify
and determine the amounts of these components.
During a gas chromatography the sample is passed through a mobile phase consisting of a gaseous fluid
which carries the sample through a solid stationary phase. The components of the mixture interact in
different ways with the stationary phase. Thus, the components pass through the stationary phase at
different speed and get separated. After the components have passed through the stationary phase and
have been separated, they pass through a detector which generates a signal depending on the
concentration and type of compound.
This detector is very selective, and is sensitive to the presence of molecules with electronegative groups
such as halogens, peroxides, quinones and nitro groups, groups containing halogen atoms (chlorine,
bromine, and iodine), oxygen and nitrogen. It is applied to detect molecules containing halogens,
especially chlorine, for example in some pesticides or polychlorinated biphenyls.

6.5. ISOLATION OF EQUIPMENT

Once you have confirmed the presence of PCB in out of service equipment at a concentration over 50
mg/kg, it is essential to isolate it from PCB free equipment, label it and safeguard it in a shelter to avoid
cross-contamination and human exposure.
If the equipment does not leak and will be stored only temporarily, the oil can be left in the equipment
without draining it, placing a drip tray below it as a precaution. However, if the equipment has leaks or
the storage time is unknown, the oil must be drained into containers in good condition, fully sealed and
approved by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code for this purpose, and labelled in
accordance to international regulations.

6.6. HANDLING OF IN-SERVICE EQUIPMENT

If it has been confirmed that in-service equipment, which cannot be taken out of use, contains more than
50 mg/kg PCB and, it may continue in service provided that no leak occurs and that the following security
measures are taken:
 Label the equipment indicating its status.
 Inform the personnel about the danger, the necessary precautions and measures to take in case
of accidents.
 Isolate the equipment and apply a tape indicating its hazard.
 Put a drip tray or absorbent material barrier below the equipment, in case of leakage.
 If leaks occur, the equipment needs to be taken out of use immediately, the oil removed and the
equipment stored securely.
 Check the impermeability of the equipment periodically.

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The concerned pieces of equipment should be inspected and monitored thoroughly.

The main objectives of proper handling of equipment contaminated with PCB in service are:
 to prevent leaks and spills in the environment;
 to protect the equipment from electrical failures that may cause accidents and fires;
 to protect the equipment from external fire hazards to which they may be exposed; and
 to maximize safety precautions for personnel in charge and when servicing the equipment.

6.7. POLLUTION PREVENTION AND REDUCTION

The most important aspect of preventing and minimizing cross-contamination of PCB in equipment, soil,
water and air is to ensure the environmentally sound storage of contaminated equipments, whether still
in service or out of service9.
The tools and other equipment used for handling PCB must be isolated and safeguarded, but can still be
used for future tasks of handling PCB. More detail is provided below.

6.8. WASTE DISPOSAL

All solid and liquid wastes contaminated with PCB need to be shipped for environmentally sound
treatment. Such waste may include:
 Kits used to detect chlorine content or expired test kits: These are not only potentially
contaminated with PCB, but may also contain other toxic chemicals such as mercury. Used and
expired test kits should be eliminated using an appropriate treatment methodology.
 Desiccant (sawdust, fabric), tools, gloves, clothes, rags, etc. These must be properly placed in
plastic or metal containers, sealed and marked with the appropriate label for waste PCB.
 Transformers containing or having contained mineral oil with PCB
 Parts of equipment containing or having contained PCB
 Containers that are no longer usable that used to contained PCB;
 Washing liquids containing more than 0.5 ug/L of PCB
 Soil and debris

6.9. TRAINING
The basis for protecting the personnel working with (potentially) contaminated equipment and
containers is to keep them well informed and trained about:
 the significance of PCB, including their health effects and their potential impacts on the
environment;
 relevant domestic and international regulations and guidelines; and
 environmentally sound handling and related precautionary and safety measures, including
labelling, transport and storage.

9
“PCB Transformers and Capacitors - From Management to Reclassification and Disposal”, UNEP, 2002.

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Targeted face-to-face trainings can be complemented (but not replaced) by lectures, workshops,
exhibitions and dissemination of information through posters.

6.10.SECURITY AND CONTROL MEASURES AT THE WORK PLACE

The following basic security measures should be followed in areas with PCB liquids and equipment:
 adequate ventilation;
 concrete floors; and
 appropriate fire extinguishing systems.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
For any work involving the handling of PCB liquids and equipment (including suspected liquids and
equipment), the staff must at all times have proper protective materials and equipment:
 A protective apparel that resist penetration by most organic chemicals and toxic dusts, made of
chemicals resistant materials such as TYVEK
 Chemical splash goggles
 Chemicals resistant gloves like nitrile disposable gloves, these are made of a copolymer that
provide protection from chlorinated substances
 Footwear that protects against chemicals
 A protective mask of organic gases, vapours, solid and toxic particles (the recommended filter is
A2P2)
The exact type and amount of security accessories needed depend on the activity that will be carried out.
If equipment or containers need to be handled for taking only a sample or doing an inspection, it is not
necessary to wear the kimono and the mask. If the activity involves the re-filling of oil, it is absolutely
necessary to use all the accessories listed above.

6.11.DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC

Although PCB can represent a danger to the population if not handled properly, spreading wrong
information or misinforming people can create unnecessary panic and can be counterproductive. The
population should be duly informed of the issue to avoid both unnecessary panic and alarm and a
dangerous and risky carelessness.
Communities should be informed about PCB and their potential health effects, environmental impacts,
actual exposure risks, what to do and who to call in case of encountering a suspicion on the presence of
PCB.

6.12.PACKAGING
The UN has stipulated requirements for containers suitable for the transport of hazardous substances.
These requirements specify certain characteristics that the packing materials have to comply with. The
coding used on the packaging is referred to as the UN certified packing system code.
In the particular case of the storage and transport of materials containing or contaminated with PCB, the
containers must meet the UN specifications of and be identified with the packing code on the outside for
this substance. The containers should be packed up to a maximum of 90% of its total capacity.

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An example of how to interpret the UN certified packaging system code is as follows: 1H2 / Y1.8 / 100 /
06 / F / OA30900, where:
1: Type of container, which can be drums, barrels, bags, etc
H: Material of the container, which can be steel, aluminium, wood, fibre, plastic, etc.
2: Category, open top container (used for solids) or closed with only a small opening for filling or
draining (used for liquids).
Y: Packing group for which the container was tested:
X: for packing groups I, II, III
Y: For packing group II and III
Z: for packing group III
Group I: High level of risk
Group II: Medium level of risk
Group III: Low level of risk
1.8: Specific density or gravity of the packed material
100: Hydraulic pressure in kPa
06: Year
F: Country where the container was manufactured
OA30900: Manufacturer Code
It is recommended that if the container has been recycled and there are no certified codes, it should not
be used as it does not comply with the terms of the original brand. It is also recommended to check the
year of manufacture of the container, to verify that it is not over 5 years old when used.

6.13.LABELLING
The purpose of labelling equipment and containers with PCB is to alert persons involved in the handling,
storage and transport of these substances on the risks and precautions that need to be taken to ensure
their safety.
The UN has established codes to label equipment and containers. The information on the containers
should include those provided in the table below. Liquid PCB wastes must be packed in sealed containers
and solid waste in wide-mouth containers.

Table 2: UN Labelling Format

UN code Safety data sheet
Group Nº 90201 Chlorine content Between 42 and 62%
UN Code 2315 Melting point -19ºC
IMO10 class 9 Evaporation 325ºC
temperature

10
IMO= International Maritime Organization

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Packing group II Flash point 176ºC

Labelling 9 Density 1,5
IMDG PCB code 9036

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7. Transport
7.1. NATIONAL TRANSPORT MANIFEST
The transport of PCB liquids and equipment within the national territory requires a transport manifest.
The information to be included in this manifest is as follows:
a) General information on the carrier
1) Name of transporter or carrier
2) Address
3) Telephone
4) Fax
5) E-mail
6) License plate of the transport vehicle (cab, container, truck)
7) National license to transport hazardous materials if required by the country
b) Information on the owner of the PCB equipment and oil
1) Name of the company or individual person
2) Address
3) Telephone
4) Fax
5) E-mail
c) Information on the person/company receiving the load
1) Name of the company or individual
2) Address
3) Telephone
4) Fax
5) E-mail
d) Information on the cargo
1) Type of equipment or container
2) Model
3) Serial number
4) KVA and voltage
5) Total weight (kg)
6) Volume of oil
7) If they are containers, indicate on its four side walls UN 2315 (PCB liquids), UN 3432 (PCB
solids) and Class 9 (Marine pollutant) labels

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8) PCB concentration (mg/kg) indicated on each piece of equipment and oil container,
including the type of analysis applied

7.2. DOCUMENTS FOR TRANSBOUNDARY MOVEMENT

To export PCB liquids or equipment to another country, a notification of transboundary movement under
the Basel Convention must be prepared.
In order to do a notification of transboundary movement, the documentation indicated below has to be
submitted to the competent authority of the Basel Convention in the country to which the PCB liquids or
equipment will be exported.
An implementation manual and templates for the documents to be submitted can be found on the
website of the Secretariat of the Basel Convention11.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:
1) Transboundary Movement Notification (TMN)
2) Movement document included within the TMN
3) Document indicating the route of the shipment including all ports starting from the port of origin,
until arrival at the final destination, including transit ports
4) Non-commercial contract indicating the exporter and importer of the hazardous waste, the total
weight and length of validity; the contract need not mention any indication of the cost of disposal
or transportation service
5) The transboundary movement must be protected by an insurance policy, surety bond or any
other security as requested by the importing country or any country of transit under paragraph
11 of Article 6 of the Convention
6) Notification and consent must be received from those transit countries through which the
shipment will pass; this is part of the notification process that must be completed
Once all documents have been submitted, the competent authority of the exporting country sends the
notification of the intent to export hazardous waste and the importing country's competent authority
responds to the notifier.

11
http://www.basel.int/Procedures/NotificationMovementDocuments/tabid/1327/Default.aspx

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8. Temporary Storage
The main objective of proper storage of PCB liquids and waste before their treatment or final elimination
is to prevent contamination of the environment and to avoid any exposure to humans. The storage
process necessarily involves the implementation of safety and security measures to reduce the risks of
spills and fires, including through natural disasters, which are the main threats during this process.

8.1. SELECTING A LOCATION

Selecting an appropriate location is the first step to ensure environmentally sound storage.
 Choose a site away from urban, commercial and industrial centres, especially where there are
factories for food processing, medicines and easily combustible chemicals and potable water
tanks, as well as recreation centers
 The location should be distant from sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, water bodies,
treatment plants, etc.
 The ground should not be floodable or aslope
 The location should not be prone to natural disasters

8.2. STRUCTURAL CONDITIONS

 The materials to be stored, such as electrical equipment, containers, etc., must be completely
isolated from the environment, i.e., without contact to soil, vegetation, groundwater and rain.
 The compound should be completely roofed and single-storied.
 Good drainage and river water runoff around the storage facility must be ensured.
 The spill containment system must be a closed perimeter with the ability to contain spills with a
volume greater than the liquid stored in equipment and containers (generally 50% of the total
storage).
 A very good ventilation system must be in place, sufficient to ensure adequate air circulation to
prevent vapour accumulation of PCB, taking into account that PCB vapours may be heavier than
air. This system can be natural ventilation through openings in the top and bottom of the storage.
If a mechanical ventilation system is in place, it should be controlled by a switch outside the store
and be switched on a few minutes before entering it.
 All materials used in the construction of the storage facility must be non-combustible.
 The floor must be made of concrete to carry the weight of the load to be deposited as well as
movement of heavy equipment and vehicles such as forklifts or cranes. The floor must be
smooth, anticorrosive and it is recommended to seal it with an epoxy paint resistant to PCB, fire,
liquids with a pH from 1 to 13 and a temperature of up to 70°C12.
 Channels or dams, including a collection tank at one end of the storage area, must be in place.
 There must be an emergency exit.
 A locker room with toilets, shower, eye wash and a sink for emergencies should be close to the

12
Manual de Manejo de PCBs para Colombia. Proyecto CERI-ACDI, 1999

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storage area. Lockers for personal protective equipment and disposable clothing intended for
workers who perform work on site must also be in place.
 It is advisable to install a lightning conductor and a safety electricity installation.

8.3. REGULATIONS FOR THE STORAGE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

 The storage site must have all appropriate safety equipment, including equipment for fire
protection and spills.
 Authorized personnel for entering and conducting work within the storage area must at all times
wear the personal protective equipment. They must also have at their immediate disposal means
of communication such as a telephone, cellular or radio, to report any incident occurring in the
area.
 It must be prohibited to smoke, eat or drink within the storage area and to do work that involves
a heat source.
 The PCB equipment and containers must be completely airtight, be in a well ventilated place,
protected from oxidizing or corrosive materials, stowed on pallets without being stacked,
accessible, with access roads for inspection, preserving corridors for internal circulation of
forklifts and easily visible identification.
 Qualified staff should be assigned to be responsible for the storage area, including for the
following activities:
- daily inspections, which should be noted in a register;
- recording equipment or containers that enter the collection centre with all information
available;
- recording of incidents such as spills, fires or other abnormalities; and
- the staff should be trained to handle all equipment that could cause an incident.
 Security procedures should be placed in the warehouse in prominent locations.
 Next to the storage area there should be an area for the storage of materials, tools and
equipment required to transfer PCB from one equipment or container to another.
 The lighting of the storage area must be connected through a device that is outside the storage
area.
 There should be automatic fire detection sensors.
 The entrance should be labelled with a sign indicating the prohibition of unauthorized personnel
and indicating also the type of hazardous material stored for preventive purposes.
 The store should be closed with a safety lock and telephone numbers for emergency calls should
be available outside the storage area.
 It is necessary that the storage has an emergency plan that includes the fire-fighters and the
emergency medical services.

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8.4. CONTAINERS AND CONDITIONS FOR CORRECT PACKAGING

PACKAGING ALTERNATIVES RECOMMENDED FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF WASTE CONTAMINATED WITH PCB
The types of containers typically used to store liquid PCB waste are the same metal drums used to
package new dielectric oils from factories. These drums are considered eligible to store such wastes as
they have the certified UN code to meet the requirements for resistance, thickness of the metal and
sealing. When reusing these containers to package oil contaminated with PCB, it is very important to
check that they have the UN code and that they are in perfect condition, i.e. no bumps, no cracks, no
corrosion and that they still have covers and seals. Once the liquid has been packaged, it must be ensured
that the container is tightly capped and sealed and then labelled following the instructions given above.
In the case of solid waste containing PCB, such as transformers parts, cardboard, absorbent material,
clothes, etc., those can be packaged in the same metal containers mentioned above and labelled in the
same way.
Transformers that have been drained should be packed, and tied together and fastened to the side walls
of the container with tie downs to make sure there is no movement or tipping over during the shipment.
STORAGE AND TREATMENT OF WASTES OF USED AND EXPIRED TEST KITS
In the case of used test kits, two situations can occur:
1) The test was positive and therefore those parts of the kit that came in contact with the oil are
contaminated and need to be stored and treated like PCB-suspected waste.
2) When the test was negative, the used kits should be treated as hazardous chemical waste and
must be shipped to certified facilities for treatment, since the kits may contain components such
as mercury. The same treatment applies for expired test kits.

8.5. LESSONS LEARNED FROM IMPROPER STORAGE

Several cases of equipment or containers containing PCB wastes have been documented where poor
storage practices caused spills, meaning that PCB likely have reached groundwater or other water
sources. Poor storage is often a result of lack of knowledge, resources or commitment by the authorities
to prioritize this issue.
Such bad practices are likely to increase the challenges related to environmentally sound management of
PCB, as they cause significant additional costs to remedy the situation, such as human health costs,
remediation of the soils and investigation of the degree of contamination in the groundwater.

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9. Emergency Plans
The potential risks that may arise in the case of storage of PCB liquids and equipment include spills, leaks,
fires and explosions.
The most important aspects that an emergency plan should provide are:
1) Personnel that has been trained to respond appropriately to such emergencies and to carry out
first aid.
2) An efficient communication system with competent authorities that need to be notified in case of
emergency. A list of relevant telephone, cellular and/or radio numbers should be readily
available. Relevant competent authorities include environmental governmental authorities, the
fire brigade, the emergency medical services, hospitals, etc.
3) A response action plan, which should indicate the role and responsibilities of each person in an
emergency situation.
4) An adequate alarm system, which has visual signs, such as flashing lights, and sound, such as
sirens.
5) All required tools, equipment and materials for both the emergency and first aid, including the
following:
- Personal protective equipment (kimono, goggles, gloves, shoes, masks)
- Appropriate fire extinguishers
- First aid kits
- Eyewash and emergency shower
- Absorbent material (blankets, sawdust)
- Brooms, shovels, rags
- Appropriate containers
- Pumps for repackaging

9.1. PROCEDURE IN CASE OF LEAKAGE AND SPILLS

The response in case of leaks and spills must be immediate and include the following steps:
 The staff must be equipped with clothing and accessories for personal protection.
 Stop and contain the spill source, close a valve, seal the container and apply absorbent material
in the venue.
 Communicate the emergency to the authorities.
 Assess the magnitude of the emergency and proceed accordingly.
 If the spill is on a flat surface, apply absorbent blankets or sawdust and then deposit blankets or
sawdust with shovels into containers that are kept for this purpose.
 If the spill was caught in a catchment tank, it needs to be pumped and deposited in containers.
 After the spill has been cleaned up, samples need to be taken to check whether the soil has been
contaminated.

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 If the contamination persists on the surface, it might be necessary to remove the contaminated
layer to subsequently eliminate it.
 Personal protective clothing and accessories which are contaminated, need to be stored and
disposed of as PCB waste.
 All contaminated tools and equipment made of metal should be stored as such, but separately
from other waste to verify the possibility to decontaminate them.
 All contaminated waste arising from the operation, such as water used for washing, absorbent
material, clothing, debris, etc. should be placed in airtight containers for destruction by an
authorized entity later on.

9.2. PROCEDURE IN CASE OF FIRE

Although PCB are classified as inflammable liquids, they can burn at high temperatures. Therefore, they
should be stored separately from other flammable products such as oil, coal, wood products and
compressed gases.
During the combustion and pyrolysis of PCB, polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated
dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) can be formed. These substances can be even more toxic than PCB and they can
be the main hazard from a PCB fire13.
In the case of a fire, the following steps should be taken:
 Immediately upon noticing the fire, set off the alarms.
 Notify the appropriate authorities and fire-fighters.
 The personnel assigned for this procedure must be equipped with clothing and accessories for
personal protection.
 Apply suitable extinguishing material on the fire. Materials used to extinguish fires involving PCB
are chemical foam, carbon dioxide, nitrogen flow and dry chemicals. Water should not be used as
it will become contaminated and increase cleanup costs.
 All waste products of the fire should be cleaned similarly to the procedure detailed for spills.
 The personal protection clothes and accessories which are contaminated should be stored as PCB
waste.
 Clothes worn should not be washed for re-use, but should be considered as contaminated waste.
 After the fire has been extinguished, the affected area should be closed off by fencing, to
perform the clean-up.

13
Otto Hutzinger, Ghulam Ghaus Choudhry, Brock G. Chittim and Les E. Johnston. Formation of Polychlorinated
Dibenzofurans and Dioxins during Combustion, Electrical Equipment Fires and PCB Incineration. 1985.
Environmental Health Perspectives. Vol. 60

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10. Unsound Management

10.1.CROSS-CONTAMINATION
The dissemination of PCB occurs mainly through cross-contamination. During the handling of PCB
equipment and containers it is therefore very important to avoid cross contamination, which can occur
for several reasons:
 Mixing PCB-free equipment with contaminated equipment is a frequent cause of cross-
contamination.
 Cross-contamination can also occur if PCB dielectric is replaced in a transformer by draining the
liquid and refilling it with mineral oil. PCB have the ability to easily impregnate the porous parts
of the transformer, i.e., wood, cardboard, paper and resins. A similar situation occurs when a
transformer filled with PCB is topped up with mineral oil.
 Dielectric oils are sometimes send for regeneration or treatments performed in the field, such as
filtration with filter presses or vacuum forming, in which a service provider uses equipment,
tanks, pumps and hoses already contaminated with PCB for other customers.
 Another very important form of dissemination of PCB is the transfer of oil and contaminated
equipment to recyclers or scrap merchants. In addition to disseminating PCB, is also a very
effective way of contaminating soil and water, as those who usually receive these materials do
not have adequate stores and often do not apply safety rules for handling PCB. These two
activities, the sale of scrap for smelting and of oil for refining or burning can grow into serious
environmental problems, as they constitute a cause of release of emissions of dioxins and furans
into the environment.
It is important to note that a small volume of PCB oil is enough to contaminate large volumes of mineral
oil to over 50 mg/kg.

10.2.SOIL POLLUTION
The contamination of soils may, among others, occur as a consequence of cross-contamination,
accidental spills, losses during transport, leaks or fires in equipment or products containing PCB, and
uncontrolled thermal destruction. PCB are stable until 170°C and start to decompose between 200°C and
450°C, evaporating dioxins and dibenzofurans. Dioxins are have been shown to be carcinogenic.
The initial basic steps that need to be taken to manage a soil area that has been contaminated by PCB
include preventing human contact with the contamination (isolating the area), removing the
contamination (it can be dug up), and containing the contamination in the area (it can be backfilled with
clean soil). The contaminated material removed must be put in a safe storage area for later treatment.
There are several techniques for the treatment of contaminated soils, such us incineration,
biodegradation, thermal desorption, removing with solvent, etc.

10.3.UNSOUND DISPOSAL
Prior to its strict regulation, PCB were discharged routinely without taking necessary precautions.
Sometimes PCB were voluntarily released into the environment, for example to reduce dust emissions
from unpaved roads. As a result, large volumes of PCB were introduced into the environment through
open or incomplete burning; vaporization of paints, coatings and plastics; direct input or leachate into

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collectors or streams; disposal in (unsafe) landfills; and other unsound disposal practices. In some cases,
PCB continued to be illegally disposed of.

10.4.ECONOMIC COSTS
Non-compliance with the Basel and Stockholm Conventions is likely to cause significant costs, including
economic costs in the health system and for the environment14. The costs will rise if appropriate steps are
delayed.
As an example and to have a parameter for calculating such costs, an average transformer occupies an
area of one square meter, so in case of leak of PCB, at least that square meter floor will be affected. If a
collection centre has about 100 transformers with PCB contamination that leak and that are improperly
stored, it is expected that the area that could become contaminated is at least 100 square meters. As
time passes, in addition to contaminating the soil, the contamination could reach groundwater or surface
water, affecting also the aquatic flora and fauna. The pollution will also reach humans. At this point,
economic, environmental and health costs will increase considerably.

14
MVADT, “Evaluación de las Implicaciones Sociales y Económicas del uso y reducción de los COP”, Colombia,
2007, ISBN 978-958-97978-7-7.

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11. Frequent Causes of Accidents

In the case of in-service equipment, the most frequent causes of accidents are voltage spikes and
insulation defects that cause an electrical arc that releases hydrochloric gas, which increases the internal
pressure, produces a crack in the shell and causes leakage of insulating material as liquid or aerosol. In
addition to the emission of PCB, significant amounts of hydrochloric acid can be produced, which can
represent a problem when carrying out emergency work.
Accidents can also be induced by physical problems that break the seal or oxidation points of the casing
causing leakage of PCB through the exposed points. If the equipment does not have a containment
system, the PCB can easily disperse over a large area and even penetrate rapidly into the ground with the
possibility of reaching groundwater. Such accidents can occur in equipment in service, out of service or
even when being transported.
In cases where fires or thermal decomposition of PCB occur, due to the presence of oxygen, the
decomposition of PCB may generate dioxins and furans. The smoke and soot containing these
compounds can be dispersed widely.
The origin of a fire in a transformer can be a short circuit or voltage overload. An example of the latter
was what happened in Reims in 1985, when a transformer containing PCB exploded in the basement of
an apartment building of 6 floors. As a result of the explosion the smoke spread through the staircase,
the waste disposal and ventilation duct upstairs to all floors, which required the complete evacuation of
the building.
An example of a fire caused by a short circuit occurred in a 18-story building in Binghampton, USA, in
1981. The circuit breaker caused the pyrolysis of 400 litres of PCB contained in a transformer. The fire
produced a large cloud of smoke that spread through the ventilation system causing contamination of the
entire building. In addition to an important contamination by PCB, high concentrations of dioxins and
furans were also generated, which is why the building had to be evacuated completely. The
decontamination of the building took 4 years and incurred costs of USD 30,000,000.
When a transformer with PCB is exposed to high temperatures, it is very likely that a decomposition of
these compounds to produce hydrogen chloride and carbon monoxide takes place. The chlorine gas can
cause serious irritation of the respiratory tract, areas of exposed skin and mucosa of the eyes, which can
cause pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and eye inflammation. If the concentrations are very high there is
a risk of acute pulmonary edema. Therefore, we recommend never sniffing a transformer that has been
exposed to high temperatures or that is damaged.

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Annex A: Important and Useful Sources of Information

1) Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants: www.pops.int
2) Secretariat of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and their Disposal (UNEP/SBC): www.basel.int
3) European Commission: www.europa.eu.int
4) Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for Latin America and
Caribbean: www.desechospeligrosos.org
5) Environmental Protection Agency, United States of America: www.epa.gov
6) Basel Implementation Manual: http://archive.basel.int/pub/pub.html
7) Como eliminar falsos positivos de PCBs en aceites dieléctricos: www.miradoralsur.com
8) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): www.unep.org
9) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov//nisoh
10) How to read UN Packaging Codes: www.dabox.com
11) Customer Guide to UN Packaging: www.foxvalleycontainers.com
12) PCB Management and Disposal under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants: www.unece.org/trans/danger/danger.htm
13) Dexil Corporation: www.dexil.com

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Annex B: Glossary of Terms

Askarel = Trade name of PCBs cooling fluid (USA, Monsanto).
Ballast = Control device located inside a fluorescent, mercury, sodium and neon lightning. Among others
it is comprised of a small capacitor, which could contain PCBs.
Bioaccumulation = Property of certain chemicals to accumulate in living organisms.
Biodegradation = Process by which an organic substance is decomposed into simpler ones by the action
of microorganisms.
Capacitor / condenser = Device that collect and maintains an electric charge.
Closed application = Applications in which PCBs are in a totally enclosed equipment. Under these
conditions, PCBs only enter the environment in limited cases, such as leaks or spills of equipment
(examples: transformers, capacitors).
Conference of the Parties = the supreme organ of a treaty made by all its parties.
Congener = In the case of PCB, different configurations of links and number of chlorine atoms, which
cause different chemical properties and toxicity.
Contaminated oil = Dielectric oil contaminated with PCBs at a concentration generally below 500 mg/kg.
Dechlorination = Removal of chlorine atoms from PCB molecules.
Decontamination = The process of removing contaminants from a substance or alterating their chemical
nature to transform them into harmless substances.
Dielectric oil = Insulation oil, which has the property of resisting an electrical potential gradient and
preventing the passage of an electric current.
Dioxins = generic name for the chemical group of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) that may
originate from the combustion of materials containing PCBs.
Hazardous waste = A substance that due to its corrosive, reactive, explosive, toxic, flammable, radioactive
or infectious characteristic(s) causes damage to human health and the environment.
Heat transfer fluid = Oil used to transport heat or cold between two areas of a surface of a process or the
surface of an equipment.
mg/kg= Concentration unit, expressed as milligrams per litre or milligrams per kilogram.
Persistence = The capacity of a chemical to remain unchanged in the environment for a long period of
time. Usually described in terms of average life.
Persistent Organic Pollutants = organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation
through chemical, biological, and photolytic process. They are persistent in the environment, are capable
of long range transport, they bio accumulate in human and animal tissue, and bio accumulate in food
chains and have potential significant impacts on human health and the environment.
Polychlorinated biphenyls = organic compound composed of two benzene rings bonded together by a
chemical bond with carbon and chlorine atoms substituting hydrogens. Pyrolysis = a thermochemical
decomposition of organic material at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen ( or any halogen).
Transformer = device used to raise or lower the voltage. They are used in power generating facilities,
substations, buildings, etc.

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Annex C: PCB Trademarks

Trademark Manufacturer or Origin
Asbestol, American Corp, USA
Adkarel
Asbestol, Monsanto, USA
Askarel, UK and USA
Auxol, Monsanto, USA
Aceclor, ACEC, Belgium
Aceclor, France
Arochlor, Monsanto, USA
Apirolio, Caffaro, Italy
Apirolia, Caffaro, Italy
Aroclor, UK and USA
Areclor (t)
Arubren
ASK
Bakola 13,1 Monsanto, USA
Biclor ( c )
Chorextol
Chlorextol, Allis Chalmers, USA
Chloroextol, Allis Chalmers, USA
C(h)lophen A30 Bayer, Germany
C(h)lophen A50 Bayer, Germany
Clophen A60
Clophen Apirorlio
Chlorphen Jard Corp, USA
Chloresil
Chlorintol
Chlorinol USA
Chlorinated Diphenyl
Clorphen (t)
Deler
Delor Czech Republic
Dialor (c )
Diaclor USA
Diachlor Sangamo Electric
Diachlor Sangamo Electric
Diaconal
Diconal
Disconon (c )
Dykanol USA

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Duconal UK
DK Italy
DP 3, 4, 5, 6.5
Educarel
EEC-18 Power Zone Transformer, USA
Electrophenyl PCT, France
Elaol Bayer, Germany
Elemex (t, c)
Elexem McGray Edison, USA
Eucarel
Fenclor 42, 54, 64, 70 Caffaro, Italy
Hexol Russian Federation
Hivar (c )
Hydol USA
Hyvol Aerovox, Italy
Inclor
Inclar Caffaro, Italy
Inerteen 300, 400, 600 Westinghouse, USA
Kan(e)chlor (KC) 200-600 Kanegafugi, Japan
Kanechor
Kaneclor
Kaneclor 400
Kaneclor 500
Keneclor
Kennechlor
Leromoli
Leromoll
Magvar
MCS 1489
Montar
Nepolin USA
Niren
No-Famol
No-Flamol Wagner Electric, USA
NoFlamol
Non-Flamable Liquid ITE Circuit breakers, USA
Phenoclar DP6 Baylor, Germany
Phenoclor DP6 Prodelec, France
Plastivar UK
Pydraul USA
Pyroclar Monsanto, UK
Pyroclor Monsanto, UK

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Pyrochlor
Pyranol USA
Pyronal General Electric, UK
Pysanol
Physalen
Phyralene Prodelec, France
Pyralene 1460 Prodelec, France
Pyralene 1500, 1501 Prodelec, France
Pyralene 3010, 3011 Prodelec, France
Pyralene T1 Prodelec, France
Pyralene T2 Prodelec, France
Pyralene T3 Prodelec, France
Safe-T-America
Safe-T-Kuhl Kuhlman Electric, USA
Saft-Kuhl
Sant(h)osafe Mitsubishi, Japan
Santosol
Santvacki Monsanto, USA
Santovac
Santovac 1
Santovac2
Santowax
Santothern FR UK
Santotherm France
Sant(h)othern FR Mitsubishi, Japan
Saut(h)otherm Mitsubishi, Japan
Siclonyl (c )
Solvol Monsanto, USA
Sorol So(1) vol, USSR
Sovol So(1) vol, USSR
Therminol USA
Therminol FR USA
Terpenylchlore PCT, France

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Annex E: Transformer Brands that Used to Use PCB

Brand Country of origin

Westinghouse USA
General Electric Company USA
Research-Cottrell USA
Niagara Transformer Corp. USA
Standard Transformer Co. USA
Helena Corp. USA
Hevi-Duty Electric USA
Kuhlman Electric Co. USA
Electro Engineering Works USA
R.E. Uptegraff Mfg Co. USA
H.K. Porter USA
Van Tran Electric Co. USA
Esco Manufacturing Co. USA
British Power UK
Transunal UK
AEG (Divisions in Germany) GERMANY
Trafo Union (TU) GERMANY

Source: Guidelines for the identification of PCBs and Materials Containing PCBs, UNEP,1999.

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Annex F: PCB Applications

Source: Guidelines for the identification of PCBs and materials containing PCBs – First Issue, August 1999,
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Thematic Group on Maintenance PCB Elimination Network (PEN)