Site Specific Hazards
Turbine Rescue Kits
All personal going to a turbine must take their own rescue kit with them as there is no rescue kit in the turbine.
Wind turbines consist of items of low voltage electrical apparatus (1000V or less), high voltage electrical apparatus (greater than 1000V) and mechanical plant, of which some is interconnected to form electro-mechanical systems.
The plant is then connected to the substation via the wind turbine network at 20,000Volts (20kV). At the substation, the power is stepped up to 38,000Volts (38kV) and runs along the national grid. The cables on this site run under the ground and their positions are located via the site map retained by WFO. The systems are designed so that when they are in their normal operating mode, they may be visited and observed without danger if appropriate procedures and suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are correctly used.
All Contractor RAMS shall be reviewed by the WFO team prior to any work commencing. All work on the WTG and associated HV Infrastructure is governed by High Voltage Safety Rules.
Dromdeeveen windfarm is spread out across several sections. Not all turbines are located within the main site entrance.
Access
Access to the turbine and substation area will only be permitted once prior notice has been given to the WFO Team of the intended visit, reasons for the visit and only when task specific Risk Assessments, and Method Statements have been submitted and reviewed by an appropriate member of the team
Tree harvesting and farming operations take place at or near the site. There are no overhead lines located on the site but there are underground cables so all excavations need to be supervised by WFO Ltd. Not all of the turbines are located within the main entrance.
General Weather Conditions
The Operational Controller (OC) will provide an alert if high winds or lightning are forecast. However, it is vital that this is dynamically assessed on site by the working party. If a storm occurs, personnel should return to their vehicles, leave the WTG without delay and inform the duty OC. +353 (0)21 7355898.
During the winter months the site is susceptible to thick fog and heavy snow due to the sites high altitude. These can roll in quite quickly so extra care should be taken to prevent being stuck on site.