Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
DID YOU KNOW?
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that
can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to,
hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to
bloodborne pathogens. Workers in many occupations, including first-aid team
members, housekeeping personnel in some industries, and nurses and other
healthcare personnel, may be at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Medical and First Aid
*
Wind farms are normally located in remote locations, away from a hospital or other
emergency treatment facilities. This is a major concern if a worker gets hurt—can that
worker be treated quickly? Wind energy employers should determine the estimates
of emergency medical service response times for all of their wind farm locations at
all times of the day and night when they have workers on duty, and they should use
that information when planning their first-aid program. Employers must ensure that
medical personnel are available for advice and consultation and that someone who is
trained is available to provide first aid. Trained first-aid providers must be available
at all wind farms of any size, if there is no nearby clinic or a hospital. If a worker is
expected to render first aid as part of his or her job duties, the worker is covered by
the requirements of the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
(29 CFR 1910.1030). This standard includes specific training requirements.
The OSHA Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution standard
requires that workers be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), because a
worker who may be exposed to an electric shock may experience a sudden cardiac
arrest. In such adverse situations, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can also
assist in preventing a potential death. AEDs should be provided at wind farms, and
workers should be trained in how to use them. This training can be done when CPR
training is provided to workers.
Crane, Derrick, Rigging, and Hoist Safety
†
Cranes, derricks, rigging equipment, and hoists are used to move the large, heavy
loads during wind turbine installation and maintenance. Fatalities and serious inju-
ries can occur if cranes are not inspected and used properly. Many fatalities can
occur when the crane boom, load line, or load contacts power lines and shorts elec-
tricity to ground. Other incidents happen when workers are struck by the load, are
caught inside the swing radius, or fail to assemble or disassemble the crane properly.
There are significant safety issues to be considered, both for operators of the diverse
*
Adapted from OSHA's
Green Job Hazards: Wind Energy—Medical and First Aid
,
http://www.osha.
†
Adapted from OSHA's
Green Job Hazards: Wind Energy—Crane, Derrick and Hoist Safety
,
http://
www.osha.gov/dep
/greenjobs/windenegy_crane.html.
