Working at height with wind energy

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.

Being proactive about safety

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.

Complying with safety standards

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:

• The compliance certificates of the equipment and systems for expiry dates and that the life of the system is still in date.
• There are regular inspections scheduled, including to check wear and tear.

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:

• Dynamic performance testing – to check the maximum arrest force.
• Cold condition testing – checking locking function in cold conditions.
• Minimum distance testing – to replicate the user falling close to the anchor line.
• Fall back testing – which replicates the user falling back and down.
• Guide bracket testing – looking at the strength of the bracket and anchor line and the locking function of a fall arrester in the event of a fall.
• Sideway fall testing – to replicate the user falling in a sideways direction.
• Leaning angle testing – considering the locking function of the fall arrester with the anchor line leaning forward and sideways.
• Static strength requirements – testing to check the overall strength of the system.

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.

Ease of use

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.

For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.

Energy Global's Summer 2023 issue

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/