Keeping it Safe and Efficient When Working in Wind
Denis Hogan, Performance and Special Projects Manager at the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), highlights the regulations for working safely and efficiently with lifting equipment in the European wind energy sector.
As the wind energy sector expands, so too does its requirement for lifting equipment, for which this relatively new industry sets several challenges. Working with lifting equipment must be carried out with safety as the priority because working at height in any application exposes people to risk. But working in the wind energy sector also often adds harsh environments into the equation. This compounds the costs of maintenance in a sector where uptime is already a priority in order to maintain energy generation. So downtime must be minimised to enhance safety and efficiency.
There are two key pieces of legislation that applies to all lifting equipment and accessories that may be used in the wind energy sector in Europe. The Machinery Directive polices the market in the first instance then, when the equipment is in service, the Work Equipment Directive applies to servicing, maintenance, repair and thorough examination inspection.
Given that the lifting equipment is fit for the intended purpose, having a regular maintenance programme is crucial because of the environment in which it operates – even onshore the equipment can be subjected to highly corrosive atmospheres. A regular programme of maintenance is not just to identify repairs but also to maintain equipment in good working order. In addition, the equipment needs to be thoroughly examined according to the appropriate regulations.
As mentioned this is primarily the Work Equipment Directive, but it is also important to follow the subtle difference of the regulations of the country in which the equipment is operated. For example, in the UK this means LOLER (The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998), and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998).
When designing a programme for maintenance, it is vital that the risks and the conditions involved and the environment in which it operates are taken into consideration. The programme for thorough examinations may need to be at a greater frequency than is required by the Work Equipment Directive, as is the case in UK. A greater frequency mitigates the risks involved and the greater likelihood of something going wrong.
One of the best ways to minimise the risks around using and maintaining lifting equipment in the wind energy sector is to use a member of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association. LEEA has many members throughout Europe who are active in the offshore renewable energy sector – whether as installers, duty holders, owners or persons engaged in thorough examination activities including service and maintenance. They will have been audited to ensure they provide a gold standard that assures operators in the wind sector an excellent service.
About LEEA
The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is established across the globe as the leading representative body for all those involved in the lifting industry worldwide.
It is the respected and authoritative representative body for its members who work in every aspect of the industry, from design, manufacture, refurbishment and repair, through to the hire, maintenance and use of lifting equipment.
The Association has played a key role in this specialised field for over 70 years, from training and standards setting through to health and safety, the provision of technical and legal advice, and the development of examination and licensing systems.
LEEA represents its members at the highest levels across a range of both public and private bodies, including various government departments, as well as nationally and internationally recognised professional and technical institutions. www.leeaint.com @LEEA_INT
About Denis Hogan
Denis Hogan is the Performance and Special Projects Manager at the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA).
