The steady growth of the wind energy sector has led to a significant increase in the number of wind turbines in Germany. Currently, 28,443 turbines are already in operation—and the trend in Austria is similar. Depending on the type, design, height, manufacturer, and location (onshore or offshore), the turbines vary greatly in design. But they all share one important feature: they must be equipped with appropriate fall protection systems.
A reliable, modern, and, above all, certified solution is essential for performing any work on, in, or around a wind turbine. INNOTECH is therefore expanding its scope of operations to include wind power. This ensures the safety of service personnel and all individuals in areas at risk of falls in this specific application area as well.
Personal Safety on Wind Turbines During Vertical Ascent
Not every wind turbine is equipped with an access platform. If this component is missing, ascent and descent must always be performed vertically. The TAURUS-VERTIKAL rail system from INNOTECH provides continuous safety during movement within the danger zone. The TAURUS-GLEIT-V21 glider ensures smooth movement within the system. This guarantees a rapid descent even in an emergency, if the rescue plan calls for it. However, ascent is also continuously secured. For this purpose, suitable lanyards and the PSA-STRING-1-PRO industrial climbing harness are used. Optimally placed single anchor points ensure optimal safety during repositioning when transferring to the rest platforms. Another option for ensuring an optimal fall protection system is the use of the TAURUS-ALLROUND. This provides protection against falls during vertical ascent and descent as well as when transferring to the rest platforms. It secures both vertical and horizontal transitions throughout. The TAURUS-GLEIT-A-31 was developed specifically for the TAURUS-ALLROUND and ensures smooth movement along the system in this application.
Fall protection system on the roof of a wind turbine
Service, servicing, and repair work often involves routine tasks. Nevertheless, there are always situations that pose challenges not only for newcomers but also for experienced professionals. One wrong step or even a momentary lapse in attention—no matter how brief—can have fatal consequences. That is why service personnel and others working on the turbine require a reliable fall protection system. Roof struts, for example, are an obstacle that brings service personnel close to the fall edge. One option for optimally securing these areas is rail systems, such as the TAURUS from INNOTECH.
Advantages of INNOTECH fall protection systems for wind turbines
- Continuous safety for personnel on the turbine during vertical ascent thanks to the modern and reliable TAURUS-VERTIKAL
- Smooth movement within the system thanks to the TAURUS-GLEIT-V21 and TAURUS-GLEIT-A-31, which ensure rapid descent along the ladder, especially in an emergency.
- Maximum safety through flexible adjustment options for the rail on the wind turbine roof
- Coordinated components: INNOTECH solutions are specifically designed to work togetherand represent the latest state-of-the-art technology. They provide a high level of comfort and can be ideally combined with one another. Particularly noteworthy here is the combination of personal protective equipment (PPE), gliders, and the safety system.
Challenges Related to Personal Safety at Wind Turbines
- “Outdated” systems do not always provide optimal safety. For this reason, solutions that are state-of-the-art and certified should be prioritized. This is particularly important for vertical descent. In an emergency, this must be possible to perform quickly without workers being hindered by bulky gliders.
- Improperly placed single anchor points create uncertainty when transferring from the ladder to the rest platforms. In this area in particular, perfectly coordinated solutions and easy access to the single anchor points are of the utmost importance. However, a continuous safety solution would be preferable.
- The fall edge of the wind turbine’s roof poses a fall hazard that should not be underestimated. Hazards associated with transferring between single anchor points are completely eliminated by using the INNOTECH rail protection system.
- Tools required at the turbine that must be transported upward restrict the freedom of movement of workers. A rail system provides a solution here by enabling continuous safety without the need to reattach or detach the lanyard.