Wind Today - Q2 2008 - (Page 44)

Safety Climb Assist Devices—A Key Consideration With wind turbine towers reaching taller heights, it is becoming common for wind farm managers to consider implementation of climb assist devices. Climb assist devices are now recommended by wind industry leaders for all new wind turbines in the United States that are taller than 40 meters. Additionally, managers are increasingly examining the feasibility of retrofitting existing towers. Randall Grayson, Minnesota area manager for enXco, Chandler, MN, says his company is installing climb assist devices in new and retrofit construction projects. Safet ety Enhanced Safety Grayson appreciates the enhanced safety and ergonomic advantages climb assist devices bring to the working environment. Concern about technician safety and wellness are the primary benefits driving the increased use of climb assist devices. Benefits include: • Wind turbine service personnel can operate with a higher degree of safety as fatigue is reduced. • They also benefit from improved ergonomics. • Repetitive motion and physiological stress can negatively impact climber’s knees, elbows and other joints. • As physical demands are reduced, experienced technicians can realize greater longevity in their careers. • Positive effect on employee satisfaction and retention rates. Jon Bertolino, Superintendent, Renewable Generation Assets, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), Sacramento, CA, credits technician expertise in properly maintaining turbines for efficiency and improved economics. Bertolino confirmed SMUD is installing service lifts from SafeWorks, LLC, Seattle, WA, in their fleet of wind turbines for all Vestas V-90s. SafeWorks was chosen because they could produce a Response No. 441 http://www.bennettig.com http://www.bennettig.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Wind Today - Q2 2008

Wind Today - Q2 2008 Contents WINDPOWER 2008 - Host City - Houston WINDPOWER 2008 Special Events CanWEA 2008: Fast Forward to Wind Global Wind Plant Ownership Top 15 States with Wind Energy Installed Ranking the Percentage of State Electricity from Wind Largest Wind Farms in the United States Owners with the Most Wind Power Assets in the United States Rick Perry Bluegrass Ridge, Cow Branch, and Conception Wind Farms Loess Hills Wind Farm Bob Emick enXco V and enXco V Repower Climb Assist Devices GWEC Market Forecast Ports of Entry Satisfy Customers WINDPOWER 2008 Schedule Calendar Seven Principal Financing Structures Used in Utility-Scale Wind Projects Raising Project Funds Through Private Placements The Minnesota Flip Business Model Wind Resource Glossary WT Transmission Corn Plus Coop Adds Wind Energy Wind Resource Maps Ryan Orban, Iberdrola Renewables Liz Cussans, TransAlta Wind Bolton & Menk Trachte Port of Corpus Christi NPPD Interstate Truck Rental & Sales Dr. Shrink Aldridge Electric HYTORC Product Surveys Ad Index

Wind Today - Q2 2008

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