Site Specific Hazards
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 20,000 Volts (20kV). At the substation the power it stepped up to 110,000 Volts (110kV) 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 WFSO.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 WFSO team prior to any work commencing. All work on the WTG and associated HV Infrastructure is governed by Wind Turbine Safety Rules.
Access
Access to the turbine and substation area will only be permitted once prior notice has been given to the WFSO 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.
Turf cutting and tree felling operations take place throughout the site.
*Certain spur roads throughout the site have chains across the point where they meet the main site roads. These chains can be opened for access but must be re-closed when leaving the area.*
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.