BWEA Statement on Lifts in turbines

in tall multimegawatt turbines...

However the selection of protective measures for working at height relies on there being proven, reliable and safe devices that reduce risk. Lifts currently available for use in turbines present some additional risks and safety considerations requiring further physical or procedural measures for compliance with other legal requirements (PUWER/LOLER). Although lifts have improved over recent years the industry is now working with manufacturers to develop more user friendly systems having higher reliability and improved safety features in order to meet user expectations. The fact that no European standard is available for lifts in

turbines indicates the lack of practical application; (for the avoidance of doubt – lifts in turbines are CE certified under the machinery directive but subject to LOLER regulations in use).

The BWEA in representing 98% (installed wind farm MW capacity) of the UK wind industry, consider that a blanket requirement by HSE for lifts to be installed does not reflect a balanced approach to the installation issues and associated hazards and risks. The BWEA recommends that for new turbines, yet to be ordered, individual members should use the TUV-NEL report and matrix and base their decision on an assessment of the risks considering the specific wind farm context. For those turbines already on order, the cost of design changes, together with costs from the loss of utility and loss of production arising from the delay in commissioning may be disproportionate to safety benefits that might be derived. Total costs need to be weighed against the operational and welfare benefits on an individual project basis.

Retrofitting lifts in existing turbines may not be physically possible or reasonably practicable and introduces significant construction risks in addition to substantial costs from construction activities and loss of

production. On this basis it is considered that retrofitting of lifts will not be justified for the vast majority of existing sites BWEA members have been requested to share their experiences in installing, commissioning and using lifts. The purpose is to clarify as soon as possible the refinements needed for the benefits from using lifts to reduce work at height risk to be maximised. Feedback will be given to lift and turbine manufacturers to assist in improving their products. The BWEA is also encouraging its members to feed back views on alternative devices such as climb assist and to keep the suitability of these products under review for turbine applications.

Graeme Cooper

BWEA Head of Grid, Health & Safety and Technical Affairs