DNV has developed HSE procedures for a mid-west utility’s wind operations. For wind farm operators such safety programs keep workers safe, comply with regulations and meet or exceed best practices for hazard management in the wind industry.
DNV worked with the utility company to review existing procedures for its other power generation plants and applied these where appropriate. “We then visited each of the utility’s wind farms and developed new procedures where gaps were identified,” says Gemma Smith, HSE Consultant for DNV. “Job safety analysis and hazard prevention, competency and training, hazard identification, stop work, energy isolation, electrical work, working at heights, emergency response and fitness for duty are some of the procedures we developed.”
The Work Clearance required by the utility’s gas plants was replaced with a traditional lockout/tagout program which is more applicable to wind facility operations. Prior to the new procedure, a wind technician had to receive faxed permission from a gas plant hundreds of miles away in order to lockout a turbine.
“Moving energy isolation control (lockout/tagout) to each wind farm provides a safer and more efficient process. It also puts the decision in the hands of staff who have an understanding of the wind facility’s operations,” Smith explains.
“Promoting worker and plant safety in an industry which is focused on a sustainable future fulfils DNV’s stated purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment.” says Colin Howes, HSE Lead for DNV’s wind segment. “In parallel with regulatory agencies increasing their focus on safety in the wind energy industry, we are continually working to educate the industry, develop procedures, and increase safety awareness.”
In order to further educate and assist the industry, DNV has developed a Modern Safety Management training course for wind facility operations; the course is based on DNV’s flagship Modern Safety Management. Later this year, DNV expects to run this new course in the US. Further course details and enrollment can be found at:
http://www.dnv.com/services/training/industries/energy/offshore_wind_energy/modern_safety_mangement_wind.asp
Contact:
Colin Howes – HSE Group Lead, tel +1 206-708-8343 (e-mail: colin.howes@dnv.com )
Gemma Smith – HSE Consultant, tel +1 206-708-8339 (e-mail: gemma.smith@dnv.com )
DNV in the Wind Industry
DNV is a global provider of risk management services, helping customers to safely and responsibly improve their business performance. Established in 1864, the company has a global presence with a network of 300 offices in 100 countries, and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Our prime assets are the knowledge and expertise of our 8,500 employees from more than 80 nations. DNV has operated in the U.S. since 1898.
DNV is the largest wind energy consultancy in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world. Worldwide, more than 250 employees are dedicated to wind energy and many more contribute from DNV’s other business areas such as maritime and offshore energy. DNV’s wind energy activities in North America are offered out of the offices in Seattle, Boston, Houston, and San Francisco.
DNV has been a leader in the wind industry for years, supporting the industry with a broad range of services,from initial site selection and wind resource assessment to power performance testing and financial due diligence for investors. DNV has been leading efforts to standardize design practices through active participation in the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and other international and national standards bodies.
