Regina’s Campbell & Haliburton Insurance is excited to explore some necessary wind turbine occupational health and safety tips. The Canadian prairies boast abundant wind, making this installation a promising venture. The turbine harnesses kinetic energy, converts it into electricity, and operates with propeller blades rotating around a turbine rotor attached to a driveshaft. This rotation then powers a generator, creating electricity. Two types exist: vertical axis and horizontal axis wind turbines, with the horizontal axis being the most common.
Wind Turbine Installation
Prior to installing a wind turbine, consider several requirements, including zoning, public hearings, building permits, electrical permits, site suitability, environmental impact, noise survey, and electrical grid connections. Moreover, within Canada, wind turbines adhere to the regulations of the province or territory they operate in. For additional information on various jurisdictions’ occupational health and safety regulators, please refer to the Canadian Government Departments Responsible for OHS. Additionally, the Guide to Canadian wind turbine codes and standards (2008) is essential reading for wind turbine design, installation, and operation standards.
The Safety Tips
There are many wind turbine occupational health and safety considerations tips to be noted within the installation and maintenance stages. A risk assessment should be done for each step of the process. Some of the hazards to be considered include:
- Working at heights
- High voltages
- Electric shock
- Noise
- Vibration
- Temperature extremes
- The danger of crush injuries
- Wind
- Lightening
- Rotating equipment
- Lifting, rigging, slinging
- Operation of hand tools
- Exposure to chemicals, oils, lubricants, cement
- Welding
- Working alone or in isolation
Don’t Forget!
Before installing a wind turbine, understand the risks and prepare accordingly. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety provides comprehensive information on the safe construction, operation, and maintenance of wind turbines. As always, make sure to consult with your Campbell & Haliburton Insurance broker before starting any DIY projects!