Working at height with wind energy

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Save to read list Published by Jessica Casey, Deputy Editor Energy Global, Tuesday, 25 July 2023 09:00 100% Polyester Wiper

Working at height with wind energy | Energy Global

Working at height is a risky business, and the wind energy sector is no exception. In 2021/22 there were 29 work-related fatalities due to falls from a height in the UK – representing almost 24% of all worker deaths. While total industry deaths are falling y/y, the people behind these statistics remind us that there is still a long way to go.

For those responsible for the safety of their workers, choosing appropriate systems is a huge responsibility when there is so much to consider. Here, Tim Bissett, Technical Manager at MSA Safety, explores the importance of adhering to the latest safety standards and explains some important considerations users and installers should be looking out for when it comes to choosing an appropriate vertical fall protection system for wind turbines.

In 2020, over 500 safety incidents were reported at the UK’s onshore wind farms. Maintaining turbines can see workers having to climb as high as 30 m at a time which, along with the often-limited access and frequent requirement to work in a confined space, can contribute to workers’ risks. Therefore, being proactive about safety includes getting all relevant teams fully trained, competent, and comfortable working in these conditions, as well as knowledgeable about the chosen fall protection system and how it operates. Doing this will help to minimise the risk to workers.

Safety standards vary across different locations and legislations, so it is important to be aware of which standards you should be paying attention to. For example, for fall protection equipment certifications in Europe it is EN standards. The EN standard used to apply in the UK as well but, following Brexit, the UKCA mark is now required as of 1 January 2023.

Even after initial selection, consider regular checks of fall protection systems for elements that could include:

Having simple checks like these in place will help increase the control over the systems used by the workforce.

And if in the UK and Europe, to enhance the health and safety of wind turbine workers, consider whether the safety equipment adheres to EN 353-1:2018 (EN 353-1:2014+A1:2017) – the newest update to fall protection system requirements.

Some key features of EN 353-1:2018 that companies can check, depending on their circumstances, are:

As this list shows, the EU type-examination process for EN 353-1:2018 is rigorous and it incorporates several dynamic tests that covered many scenarios. Updating to this standard can help give workers added confidence that their safety at height is a top priority.

Another element to consider when choosing fall protection systems for wind turbines is how simple it is for workers to use. After all, there are advantages to systems that workers understand fully and will use. These fall protections systems should balance the users’ accessibility with their needs for relevant applications, such as considering whether a restriction or complex process reduces users’ risk.

The Summer 2023 issue of Energy Global hosts an array of technical articles focusing on alternative fuels, battery storage solutions, solar optimisation, and more. This issue also features a regional report on the recent developments in the European renewables market.

Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/special-reports/25072023/working-at-height-with-wind-energy/

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Vestas has received a 126 MW order to repower the Downeast Wind project owned by Apex Clean Energy in Maine, USA. The order consists of 30 V150-4.2 MW wind turbines.

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Working at height with wind energy | Energy Global