Addressing Emergencies in the Rapidly Changing Wind Energy Landscape Figure 4: Nacelle Rooftop with Yellow Anchor Points
Specialist work also needs to be addressed in the assessment. Rope access and suspended platforms are common for blade inspection and exterior maintenance. It is strongly advised that rope access workers hold a recognised certificate (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association [IRATA], Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians [SPRAT], for example). Even the best rope access worker will need to be taught how to safely climb through the nacelle and use the service lift. In many cases, their ‘conventional’ work at height certificates will not be accepted by insurers as proof of competence to access a turbine.
Preparation of a Response Plan with Third-party Rescue Teams
Figure 5: Training is Needed to Use a Ladder Fall-arrest System
Even with the best-trained workforce and all the safety equipment available, there will come a time when you call for help. Paramedics, fire service rope rescue teams, lifeboats and even helicopter evacuation are part of the response plan for a serious incident on a turbine. These agencies will almost never handle the incident unless things have been arranged in advance. Close partnerships with local emergency crews can sometimes concern site managers, as they fear someone will identify non-compliance and shut the site down. Of much more concern will be local firefighters, paramedics and critical care doctors who refuse to climb a turbine. They have not been trained how to use the ladder fall-arrest system (see Figure 5); they consider the nacelle to be a confined
Selecting the same fall protection system for all sites may not be possible because of the variation in turbine designs and warranty contracts from original equipment manufacturers.
All of these questions can be answered and it is best to ask the PPE manufacturers. Make use of their expertise.
Modular Training Packages for Gradual Qualification of the Highly Mobile Workforce In terms of training, it makes sense to adopt the highest quality possible; however, there is naturally a cost element to any choice. The best training providers will offer modular packages that can be tailored to a customer's specific needs and a simple progression as workers move to more complex roles. Modular systems are also ideal for the highly mobile workforce. Rather than taking an entire course over again in order to work abroad, workers can be ‘converted’ with add-on modules covering the regional differences, gradually building a multinational qualification. Training providers with expertise in a range of topics (height safety, electrical protection, offshore survival, confined spaces, etc.) can link the training together into an efficient package. However if stand-alone courses are collected from different places or providers are challenged beyond their comfort zone, they can often miss these vital topics about multi-hazard environments.
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space beyond their competence; a turbine is 90 m off the ground when they only have 50 m of rope; and emergency vehicles are unable to fit through an access gate. Invite them to your sites to practise! If necessary, put them in touch with a training provider who can deliver the technical rescue skills required for wind turbines and offshore sites.
About Honeywell Safety Products
At Honeywell Safety Products, our Wind Energy training programme is both modular and multinational, allowing for cross-border work and training in various native languages. Emergency techniques are taught that combine adaptable standard protocols with model-specific techniques, which are also developed in collaboration with operators and OEMs. Our unparalleled range of coverage enables us to integrate expert training on fall protection and electrical safety with advanced rescue training for specialist workers and emergency service teams. A synergy across all skill levels is essential in ensuring everyone understands how to work together under pressure.
Conclusion
So, whether you are a site operator, technician or firefighter with a wind farm in your territory, the question is simple: if the worst happens, what will people actually do and will you be telling the story to your friends or a judge? If you do not know, it is time to find out. n
MODERN ENERGY REVIEW – VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2
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