Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing forms of power generation that reduces greenhouse gas emission by replacing fossil fuels with wind power. Although it is a comparatively new industry, many hazards associated with working in wind power generation industry are not unique, and are covered by the existing OSHA General Industry Standards 29 CFR 1910.179 and 29 CFR 1910.180 and OSHA Construction Standard 29 CFR 1926.
The main wind energy safety hazards include dangers of falls, fires, electrical hazards, confined spaces, and hazards associated with operating heavy machinery (cranes, derricks, hoists). An important aspect of improving workplace safety includes providing proper PPE and training workers on how to use it correctly.
Top 5 Safety Challenges:
- Workers who build and maintain wind turbines are exposed to fall hazards, as high winds make working at heights extremely dangerous. Wind farm workers must be protected by using guardrail and safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. Wind turbine maintenance work falls under OSHA’s General Industry Standards. When exposed to fall hazards of four feet or more workers must be protected by a standard railing system, or by using the personal protective equipment. According to 29 CFR 1910.27(d)(2) Standard, general industry workers climbing fixed ladders that exceed 20 feet in length must use a ladder that is equipped with a cage and has a landing platform every 30 feet. A ladder without a cage must have a landing platform every 20 feet.
- When performing maintenance projects, wind energy employers have to determine if their worksite is qualified as a permit-required confined space (PRCS) with hazardous atmosphere, or as having a configuration that can cause entrapment or asphyxiation. For instance, a nacelle (a cover that houses wind turbine power-generating components: the generator, the gearbox, the drive train, the brake) has a configuration that classifies it as a PRCS. Technicians working in nacelles must use portable gas monitors before entering their work area, as well as while working on their project.
- Wind turbines are fire-hazardous areas because of their electrical parts and the combustible materials contained in the insulation or the lubricants used during their operation. The presence of high- and low-voltage equipment creates the danger of electrical accidents that can lead to explosions that turn wind turbines into high-hazard working areas. Workers should know that toxic gases are released when a fire starts and that they can be exposed to toxic fumes and to the lack of oxygen in the air. Wind energy employees should be trained on how to use FR and Arc Flash Resistant clothing and PPE and what to do in case of emergency. Wind turbines should be equipped with quick escape descent devices for workers. Wind farm employers are required to implement the safe work practices and training, according to OSHA's Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution standard, 29 CFR 1910.269.
- The Lockout/Tagout procedures safeguard employees from the unexpected start of machinery during service or maintenance. Wind farm employers must implement LOTO procedures outlined in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269(d) and 29 CFR 1910.147 Standards: only authorized employees may lockout or tagout machines or equipment to perform service or maintenance, locks and tags must specify the name of the worker applying the device, all energy sources to the equipment must be isolated, lock and tag must remain on the machine until the work is completed.
- Wind turbine installation and maintenance workers use cranes, derricks, and hoists to move heavy loads. Serious accidents and injuries happen when these types of equipment are not used properly: workers can get struck by a load, or a crane boom can contact the electrical power line causing electrocution. Workers must be well-trained in order to be able to work with this type of equipment.
In addition, wind farms are typically located in remote areas, so if a worker gets injured, the hospitals may be unable to provide immediate medical assistance. This is why it is important to have personnel that is well-trained in providing first-aid at every wind farm.
The wind turbine industry has grown significantly in recent years, and it is expected to continue to grow. The number of accidents happening in the wind energy enterprises is growing too. Some researchers explain that the new industry is expanding too fast and is hiring inexperienced workers that are not properly trained and do not realize how dangerous the work at the wind farms can be. Another reason is that the wind energy industry is using the existing, common to other industries safety standards to provide safe practices, but the statistics of growing number of accidents show that the wind energy industry needs to start establishing its own safety standards that will take into consideration all the peculiarities and the unique safety challenges existing in this new industry.
To learn more about safety equipment for working at power generating plants, contact our product experts at 800-829-9580, or visit us online:
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