Objectives

The primary objective is to safely drain approximately 380 litres of insulating oil from the B Ship Loader’s transformer, securely collect and dispose of the used oil, refill the unit with new oil supplied by Transnet, conduct mandatory oil quality tests, and provide technical support during post-maintenance commissioning. The work aims to restore the transformer to optimal operational condition while ensuring strict environmental protection and occupational health and safety compliance.

Scope of Work

• Conduct pre-work site inspections and verify transformer specifications and work area conditions.
• Prepare and submit a method statement, risk assessment, and comprehensive SHE file for client approval prior to mobilisation.
• Safely drain the existing transformer oil using spill-prevention measures and temporary containment systems.
• Transport and dispose of the used oil via licensed waste handlers, providing official recycling or disposal certificates.
• Perform internal inspections of accessible components (tank interior, gaskets, breathers) for contamination, moisture, sludge, or degradation.
• Clean the transformer as necessary and refill using approved techniques, including vacuum dehydration or filtration if specified in the method statement.
• Replace gaskets and sealing materials disturbed or found defective during the process.
• Execute oil testing for moisture content, dielectric strength, and acidity (TAN) using calibrated equipment or accredited laboratories.
• Verify correct oil levels, breather functionality, level indicator operation, and absence of visible leaks.
• Provide technical support during transformer energisation and commissioning, then clean the site, remove all waste, and submit completion, test, and handover reports.

Technical Requirements

• Transformer Specifications: Lewis Transformers & Switchgear, 400 kVA, 6.6 kV/400 V, 3-phase, 50 Hz, ONAN cooling, Dyn11 vector group, ~380L oil capacity.
• Testing Standards: All oil tests must reference applicable industry standards. Reports must clearly identify the transformer serial number, present measured results, and state acceptance criteria.
• Documentation: Mandatory deliverables include an approved method statement, risk assessment, SHE compliance file, waste disposal certificate, inspection report, post-filling oil test results, and commissioning handover report.
• Environmental & Safety Compliance: Strict adherence to national occupational health and safety legislation, environmental waste-management regulations, and terminal security protocols is required. Spill-response materials must be available on-site at all times during oil handling.
• Equipment & Logistics: All tools, testing instruments, and vehicles must be calibrated, certified, and roadworthy. Vacuum filling techniques must be employed where dictated by the approved method statement.

Skills and Competency Requirements

• Proven expertise in high-voltage transformer maintenance, specifically safe oil draining, handling, and vacuum refilling procedures.
• Competence in conducting transformer oil analysis and interpreting results against recognised electrical engineering standards.
• Strong capability in developing SHE documentation, risk assessments, and method statements compliant with South African legislation.
• Familiarity with hazardous waste logistics, including authorised transport chains and licensed disposal or recovery facilities.
• Ability to navigate industrial port security access requirements and coordinate effectively with client engineering teams during commissioning.

Key Technical and Regulatory Terms

Section 37 Mandatory Agreement: A statutory contract under South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety Act designating the contractor as the “Mandatory” (principal contractor), legally responsible for enforcing health and safety compliance across all site activities, personnel, and subcontractors.

SHE File / SHERQ: A mandatory safety, health, environment, and quality documentation package that must be compiled, submitted, and formally approved by Transnet Port Terminals before any site mobilisation or work commencement.

B-BBEE Specific Goals: A preferential procurement mechanism awarding evaluation points based on the bidder’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment rating or black youth ownership status, standard in South African public sector tenders.

TDPS/e-Tender Portal: Transnet’s secure digital procurement platform requiring bidders to register corporate profiles, complete electronic pricing schedules, and upload bid documents within strict file-size and timing parameters. Late or non-compliant submissions are automatically disqualified.