Site Rules
1. Personnel Identification and Safety Induction
All personnel wishing to work on the site must receive a WFO site induction, confirming on completion that they understand and will fully comply with information received and with the site rules provided.
All personnel must inform the duty OC+353 (0) 217355898 of their presence on site prior to starting any work or inspections and call again when leaving site. The OC will check to ensure an induction has been completed. All site visitors details must be logged in advance with the OC (Name, contact number, role, status eg. AT/CT, supervisor, plant operator etc.
Prior to attending the WTG or Sub-station the lead technician will provide the following information to the OC:
- work party details
- names
- contact numbers
- reason for visit
- detail of AWP/RoP if working within/on a turbine or RAMS for any other site work
- expected finish time
- any known issues or details of other work currently happening at the WTG or Substation
- weather conditions etc. will be exchanged between the contractor and the OC
For work on the WTG, contractors must inform the OC prior to enacting correctly the Transfer of Control if required by the Authorised Technician as specified in Wind Turbine Safety Rules (WTSR).
The contractor must inform the OC of any exceptions or limitations placed on the turbine, substation or HV infrastructure in accordance with HVSR.
Always ask the Operational Controller for updates on the restrictions when taking control of a turbine. If in doubt over whether or not there are restrictions on a turbine, do not carry out the work or use the equipment in question until you have received confirmation from the Operational Controller and you are happy it is safe to continue work.
Only authorised persons are permitted entry into any wind turbine, and this MUST be in strict accordance with an appropriate AWP or RoP.
Only authorised persons are permitted entry into any High Voltage restricted areas.
Absolutely NO type of ground penetration works are permitted by anyone until the OC is notified and written approval has been obtained by the HV specialist. The OC will use a Work Order System so that each package of work can be assigned a number for reference and record keeping.
2. Personal Protective Equipment
It is a mandatory requirement for all personnel attending the site and their visitors, including vendors and truck drivers, to wear the following protective equipment at all times on site as a minimum:
- Appropriate Sturdy/Safety Boots
- Hi-Visibility Vests
- Safety Helmets as applicable
For certain specific tasks personnel will also be required to don additional and specific PPE such as eye/hearing protection, personal fall arrest equipment and respiratory protection, as detailed in the appropriate task specific risk assessment and method statement.
3. SMOKING is not permitted
No SMOKING in any internal areas at the wind farm. Smoking is only permissible in external areas but is not allowed whilst working. In addition all cigarettes and matches must be properly quenched to eliminate potential bush fires and the items must be removed from site.
4. Clean-up
A daily clean-up of all areas is required to prevent the accumulation of combustible materials such as paper, wood, etc. Good housekeeping is expected at all times to eliminate other potential hazards such as slips and trips and also vermin to the site.
5. Compressed Gas
Secure all compressed gas cylinders in an upright position so they cannot be knocked over. Do not drop from a height. Compressed gas cylinders should be stored in a safe manner when not in use.
6. Motor Vehicles
Speed limits within the site and on site access roads are restricted to 15kph and all moving vehicles should engage their hazard warning lights or flashing beacons and priority must be given to larger vehicles at all times. Vehicles are to drive in the centre of the road and when passing, only use designated passing bays. All persons within moving vehicles must wear seat belts and vehicles must only be driven by a competent qualified person and not parked so as to cause an obstruction for any emergency vehicles. Reverse parking is required throughout the site and around the substation. When unattended, vehicles should be locked and valuables removed from sight. WFO cannot accept any liability for loss or damage to vehicles or contents.
7. Alcohol and Drugs
The consumption of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited on the site. Any person found or believed to be under the influence of either substance will be escorted from the site and may be subject to disciplinary action.
8. Eating and Drinking on Site
Food or packaging waste must not be discarded on the site, but taken away and correctly disposed of.
9. Transport of Fuels or Solvents
The transport of any liquid type fuel or solvent onto site for any work purposes must be in an appropriate type and fully labelled container with appropriate MSDS data sheets and COSHH Risk Assessment must be available on site.
10. Contractors Safety Management
Any contractor intending to work on the site must have been assessed and approved by WFO, Vestas or the HV Specialist in advance of their visit. Contractors shall manage and appropriately supervise the activities of their own employees or sub contractors.
11. Contractors Responsibilities - See "Site Entry Requirements"
Each new contractor employee arriving at the work site shall be clearly instructed on the contents of the contractor’s safety documentation and safe systems of work for the works and their role in emergencies and must sign onto these documents as agreed and understood. Before being allowed to commence work, contractor’s employees shall be made fully aware of the potential hazards of their particular working environment. Hazardous areas must be explained and identified to the employees by their supervisor. If in doubt DO NOT commence work and seek assistance.
See the ‘Site Entry Requirements’ tab for a full list of the H&S documentation required by WFO for review prior to site entry.
12. WFO Roles & Responsibilities
WFO Management will monitor and enforce these rules and regulations. If necessary, WFO Management may stop or suspend all or part of a contractors/ workforces operation when safety hazards or poor work practices appear to exist. WFO will carry out appropriate Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental audits and/or inspections of the site, activities underway and those Companies/personnel operating on it.
13. Contractor’s/OEM Supervision will be held responsible for:
Maintaining safe working conditions with their work crews. Communicating safety issues or concerns to the workforce and implementing appropriate safety measures and reporting them to WFO.
14. Employees Responsibilities
Every employee is responsible for their own safety and the safety of other personnel on the project as well as ensuring the environment remains unaffected by their activities. Every employee is responsible for ensuring work is carried out in a safe manner. It is therefore necessary for each employee to know and adhere to all applicable regulations which apply to them and to identify and report hazards. It is also important that accidents, incidents and near misses are reported to avoid re-occurrence. These must be promptly reported to the WFO site manager and OC.
The responsibilities of the employees shall include but not be limited to the following:
- Carry out their duties in a safe manner with due regard to safety
- Work in compliance with statutory regulations and the instructions of their supervisors and comply with safe working practices and procedures at all times
- Maintain tools and equipment in good work order and report defects to supervision
- Obtain necessary work permits and abide by their respective requirements
- Report all unsafe acts or conditions including near misses without delay to supervision
- Wear personal protective equipment and clothing correctly as and when required and maintain these in good order
- Report any accident, incident or near miss to their immediate supervisor without delay
15. Site Wind Speed Limits
Prior to maintenance work being carried out on the turbine or on site, personnel should check the average wind speeds when calling into the OC. The safe working speed limits as adhered to by Vestas and supported by WFO and to be followed by all are in the table below.
| Work | Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| Accessing the Site | 25m/s (set by WFO) |
| Accessing the Turbine & Nacelle | 20m/s (set by Vestas) |
| Hub Access | 15m/s (set by Vestas) |