Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
lifting devices and for workers who work near them. See OSHA's General Industry
standards (29 CFR 1910.179 and 29 CFR 1910.180) and the Construction standard
(19 CFR 1926.1417).
Because wind turbines are installed in windy areas, the effects of wind speed need
to be taken into consideration for lifting activities. Stability can be an issue when the
boom is high and wind coming from the rear, front, or side of the crane can cause the
load to sway away from the crane, increasing the radius and thus possibly decreasing
the crane capacity. An employer needs to determine the wind speeds at which it is
not safe to continue lifting operations. Load charts do not generally take wind speeds
into consideration. If the load chart or the operating manual does not have infor-
mation on wind speeds and derating (i.e., operating below design limits to prolong
life and ensure safety) information, the crane manufacturer should be consulted. The
procedures applicable to the operation of the equipment, including rated capacities
(load charts), recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, instructions,
and operator's manual, must be readily available in the cab at all times for use by the
operator (29 CFR 1926.1417(c)). The maximum allowable wind speed and derating
information must be posted conspicuously in the cab or on the load chart.
Extremely cold weather conditions can have an impact on crane and lifting oper-
ations. When temperatures drop below 10°F, appropriate consideration should be
given to crane hydraulics and possible derating of the crane. Bad weather such as
rain, snow, or fog can also have an adverse impact on lifting. Equipment and opera-
tions must be adjusted to address the effect of wind, ice, and snow on equipment
stability and rate capacity (29 CFR 1926.1417(n)). During thunderstorms, a crane
boom can become a lightning rod. If there is an indication of possible thunderstorms,
lifting activities should be suspended, the boom should be lowered to a safe position,
and workers should leave the area. If the crane is struck by lightning, it should be
thoroughly inspected prior to putting it back into service. Heavy rain along with high
speed winds can also affect crane operations. Water can get into components such as
brakes or clutches and render them inoperable. When these conditions exist, opera-
tors should wait until the components are dried out.
Electrical Safety
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Workers in wind farms are potentially exposed to a variety of serious hazards, such
as arc flashes (which include arc flash burn and blast hazards), electrical shock, falls,
and thermal burn hazards, that can cause injury and death. Wind farm employers are
covered by the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution standards
and therefore are required to implement the safe work practices and worker training
requirements of OSHA's Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution
standard (29 CF 1910.269). Workers need to pay attention to overhead power lines
at wind farms. A hazard arises from the use of tools and equipment that can contact
power lines; workers must stay at least 10 feet away from them, because they carry
extremely high voltage. Fatal electrocution is the main hazard, but burns and falls
from elevators can occur at wind farms.
*
Adapted from OSHA's
Green Job Hazards: Wind Energy—Electrical
,
http://www.osha.gov/dep/
