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Health & Safety
RenewableUK is committed to ensuring that Health & Safety is top priority in the wind, wave & tidal industry and that best practice is applied to ensure the good reputation of renewable generation is maintained. This is delivered through our Health and Safety Strategy Group and support group structures. In meeting this commitment RenewableUK will endeavour to ensure we:
- Take an active lead on health and safety matters as they directly relate to the risks particular to our sector;
- Work in partnership with lead organisations and key stakeholders where the health and safety risks and activities interface with our industry;
- Engage and consult with members and the wider stakeholder community to ensure health & safety issues are given the profile and priority required; and
- Actively inform and communicate health and safety matters in is suitable and timely manner to members and key stakeholders.
The 2011 strategic health & safety priorities are:
- Leadership – providing the continued UK industry lead on H&S matters;
- Offshore Health & Safety – ensuring that priority is given to raising the profile of offshore health and safety with particular emphasis on training and competence, access, data & evidence sharing and emergency response;
- Training & skills – improving the awareness of existing H&S initiatives and supporting the development of a new basic H&S qualification;
- Lessons learned – committing to a step change in the collation and sharing of industry KPI's and lessons learned outputs; and
- Communications – ensure improved levels of engagement and communication across the membership base and with key stakeholders.
Recent News and Information
Proven 35-2 Wind Turbine
11th October 2011
Health & Safety Alert
RenewableUK have been alerted to a mechanical fault involving the Proven 35-2 Wind Turbine. The details available to RenewableUK, are set out in the statement below, issued by Proven Energy Ltd:
“The statement noted below has been prepared by the directors of Proven Energy Limited and issued to the Company’s customers prior to the Joint Receivers’ appointment 1.
Proven Energy has become aware of a potential manufacturing defect in its Proven 35-2 wind turbine (The Proven 7 and Proven 11 are unaffected). We are investigating this, however, our work to date has now shown that a significant number of shafts may be affected across multiple manufacturing batches.
With that in mind we are now advising all Proven 35-2 owners to place their wind turbines on brake as soon as it is safe to do so. Under no circumstances should you apply the parking brake whilst the wind turbine is rotating at normal operating speeds since this will place extra stress on the shaft. We will ensure that you receive regular updates in the interim period. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.”
Action
RenewableUK would advise that owners, operators and any other party who may be responsible for a currently installed Proven 35-2 adheres to the advice issued by Proven Energy to brake the turbine as soon as practicable, if this has not already been carried out. It should be noted that in view of the seriousness of the fault identified, a failure to heed this advice could potentially expose the duty holder concerned to enforcement action by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) or where/if applicable, the Local Authority.
Duty holders are strongly advised to review relevant risk assessments to ensure that the turbine is placed in a safe condition until such time as more detailed advice is made available. Where necessary competent advice should be sought from a health and safety expert or engineer (this could potentially include an Microgeneration Certification Scheme (“MCS”) approved installer) to ensure turbine and site specific issues are properly taken into account. On no account should the turbine be restarted until an agreed and approved solution has been identified. We believe that an engineering solution is being considered, but as yet we are unable to provide contact details for the providers of such a solution.
It should also be noted that on 21 September 2011, the MCS announced the suspension of the certification of the both the P35 and the P35-2, pending further information on the recent failures it has experienced 2.
1 Note: BC Nimmo & GA Friar were appointed Joint Receivers of Proven Energy Limited on 16 September 2011.
Further Information:
Contacts
For further information on this alert please contact:
RenewableUK
Chris Streatfeild
Director of Health & Safety
Chris.Streatfeild@RenewableUK.com
T: +00 44 20 7901 3017
M: +00 44 7792 467 023
Information Sources
Managing Safety through effective Design
8th December 2011 – London
There is a growing realisation that design will play a significant role in enabling the delivery of safe and successful renewable energy projects in the years to come. Whilst this is recognised as a key issue taking account of applicable health & safety legislation (e.g. CDM, Supply of Machinery etc.) and the experiences gained from other sectors (e.g. Oil & gas/construction), the state of knowledge in our sector is rapidly developing.
This seminar is therefore an opportunity to hear legal and technical updates on design issues as they impact on health and safety generally and the renewable energy sector specifically. There will also be case studies where good design has enabled effective project delivery whilst preventing and mitigating potential significant risks.
The event will commence at 10-00 and close at around 16-00. Lunch will be provided.
It is being held at Pinsent Masons LLP 30 Crown Place London EC2A
Places are FREE for RenewableUK members. There is a fee of £150-00 for non-members. To reserve a place or to receive further details of the speakers please e-mail Gabrielle Lynch at g.lynch@renewable-uk.com
Places are will initially be limited to a maximum of 2 per organisation and will be offered on a first come first served basis. Joining instructions will be provided if you are offered a place
RenewableUK H&S Conference 2012 – Update
1st February 2012 - Manchester
We are delighted to confirm that Judith Hackitt CBE Chair of the Health and Safety Executive, is now confirmed to give a keynote address at H&S 2012. It is therefore an opportune time to remind everyone of some key dates and opportunities to help make this a successful event.
- Abstracts – The initial call for abstracts closes on 30 September 2011. If you wish to have a paper considered please submit your abstract using the online system via the web address below.
- Exhibitors – This is also an excellent opportunity to present your products and services to over 400 delegates. Again full details are on the website – alternatively contact one of our events team to book space.
- Awards – This event will include the announcement of the 1st ever winner of the Renewable Energy Health & Safety Award. Further details will follow in separate communications – but we anticipate this will help maximise the profile of this event.
- Conference reception – This is always a major highlight of the event. If you would sponsor this then please contact our events team.
Look out for further details of other events and workshops we will be hosting on 31st January 2012 over the coming weeks.
We would remind everyone that this remains a free event for members to attend. To allow us to do this your continued help and support in particular via our sponsors and exhibitors is essential. We thank you in anticipation of this support.
To discuss any of the above please click here or alternatively contact our events team.
Health and Safety Awards
RenewableUK and The Crown Estate have announced the creation of the first ever health and safety awards scheme to recognise outstanding performance in the renewable energy sector. The initiative is open to all renewable energy technologies, and is another example of renewable industries working together to take a global lead on a highly important issue.
The main purpose is to recognise the development, implementation and sharing of best practice in health and safety across the industry. It is hoped that such examples will act as a beacon to drive and deliver the highest health and safety standards over what will be a critical stage of growth for the renewable energy sector.
The award will be looking for initiatives that demonstrate:
- Outstanding health & safety performance and innovation
- Successful sharing of health & safety best practice
- Substantial impact on risk reduction
- Long term improvement in health & safety performance
Entries will be assessed by a judging panel made up of representatives from across the renewables and health and safety industries.
Details of how to apply are posted on The Crown Estate website at: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/renewable-energy-health-safety-awards
For further details please contact:
Peter Garrod – RenewableUK, 020 7901 3045, p.garrod@renewable-uk.com
New Offshore Wind and Marine Energy Health & Safety Accord
In July 2011 RenewableUK announced the agreement and publication of a new health and safety accord dedicated to addressing the specific challenges and opportunities for the offshore wind and marine energy sector.
The Accord is not only the first of its type in the UK, but also, we believe, a global first for the renewable energy sector. It underpins our commitment to help continue to make the UK the leading safe and responsible jurisdiction in which to do business.
The Accord provides opportunities to:
- Demonstrate clear and visible leadership on health and safety
- Show an industry fully engaged in self regulation by confronting the key health and safety challenges ahead
- Take a proactive stance on health and safety to prevent and minimise current and future risks.
The Accord was drawn up by RenewableUK’s health and safety working groups and is also the result of active engagement with key stakeholders such as the Health & Safety Executive as well as the strong leadership and support of The Crown Estate.
To receive further information about how to sign up to the Accord please contact Gabrielle Lynch at RenewableUK g.lynch@renewable-uk.com.
See also here
Accident Statistics & Learning Lessons
Whilst we are confident we are building a safety and sustainable industry with a strong safety culture – to date we have limited direct evidence to support this statement. It for that reason that in one of the key RenewableUK strategic health and safety priorities for 2001 (and beyond) is ‘committing to a step change in the collation and sharing of industry Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) and lessons learned outputs’.
In putting this into effect RenewableUK have appointed Risktec Solutions Ltd (“Risktec”) to lead a project to identify consensus recommendations for KPI’s which can act as the base line for current and future intra and inter industry benchmarking and performance measurement. In addition, Risktec aim to produce recommended revisions to the existing Lessons Learned scheme, including improved functionality and agreed format of outputs.
RenewableUK members, supply chain partners and key stakeholders will be offered the opportunity to contribute to this initiative. In addition to 1:1 interviews and open workshops, there will also be an opportunity to get involved via a project website to support the consultation process. Workshops have been arranged for 13th & 26th October 2011.
To get involved please contact Chris Streatfeild, Director of Health & Safety c.streatfeild@renewable-uk.com. Alternatively please contact the project leader at Risktec Solutions Ltd Dr. John Hobson at john.hobson@risktec.co.uk or phone 01925 611236 / 07981 734534.
New - Offshore Health & Safety Guidelines
The UK is leading the world in the scale and dynamism of the developments that will occur in the renewable energy sector offshore in the years to come. Whilst this is fantastic news for UK, there is a growing realisation that while we can and will deliver on our commitments, this will be very challenging, not least from a health & safety perspective. In particular we have seen in the last 12 months an escalation in the profile and priority, quite rightly, being given to the UK health & safety agenda and in particular offshore wind & marine energy projects.
Whilst not trying to stifle innovation or developing best practice, it is clear that the industry will need adopt more consistent and robust risk management practices to prevent and mitigate the significant health and safety hazards we will be challenged with. In order to help existing and new entrants into the sector RnewableUK are producing new guidance that brings together current and evolving good practice to address the significant health and safety issues relevant to the design, construction and operation of offshore wind and marine projects.
Sgurr Energy has been appointed to lead on this project. Members and key stakeholders will be encouraged to participate in the consultation process.
To get involved please contact Chris Streatfeild, Director of Health & Safety c.streatfeild@renewable-uk.com. Alternatively please contact the project leader at Sgurr Energy Ltd David Malcolm david.malcolm@sgurrenergy.com
Vessel Safety Guide
The Crown Estate and RenewableUK are working with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) to produce a Vessel Safety Guide which aims to capture and describe good industry practice, for use during the development phase of offshore wind projects.
DNV as the consultants leading on this project are seeking initial industry input into the proposed content of this Guide by liaising with industry through a series of 1 day consultative workshops to be held during early July 2011. For more details click here
Medical Fitness to Work
Guidelines for near offshore and land based renewable energy projects
RenewableUK have recently published new industry guidance on Medical Fitness to Work. The benefits of adopting a proactive approach to managing occupational health issues generally and medical fitness for work assessments more specifically are well recognised. It is the hope that the guidelines will support this by providing practical information to duty holders to enable a more consistent understanding of how medical fitness for work assessments can effectively be addressed. To download a copy of the guidelines click here
Maritime Safety Risk Workshop
Impact of proposed offshore developments with respect to requirements for maritime SAR within the UK SAR Region.
As many of you are aware The Coastguard are in the process of reviewing their operating procedures following the decision of the Government to stop proposed Coastguard Sector closures. This is in addition to a review of Search & Rescue Provision (SAR) resulting from the collapse of the SAR-H programme.
Both reviews are vital to the long term safety and effectiveness with regards to maritime risk generally but in particular the unique challenges posed by existing Round 1 & 2 offshore projects, the step in scale with the Round 3 projects whilst not forgetting the inherently complex nature of wave & tidal projects.
This is now considered to be of such a priority that the industry needs to be in a position to present a clear industry position and in turn be able to provide evidence of reliable industry projections of the scale of the projects (numbers, locations etc.) to enable decision makers to be more informed about the scale of risk presented by the industry.
We are therefore intending to fast track a consultation process with members and key stakeholders. An initial meeting was held on 16th June 2011 with a follow up workshop being held on 29th June 2011. To register you interest in attending either or both meetings please details please contact Gabrielle Lynch at g.lynch@renewable-uk.com
HACA fixed rail vertical fall arrest system type
Commission Decision of 31 March 2011 in application of Article 7 of Council Directive 89/686/EEC as regards a prohibition measure adopted by the UK authorities in respect of guided type fall arrester, of the type HACA Leitern 0529.7102 (notified under document C(2011) 2010)
RenewableUK have been advised as to a recent decision and update from the European Commission regarding the Product Safeguard action that BIS/HSE decided to take against the HACA fall-arrester Type 0529.7102 (http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/fixedrail011007.htm). HSE have been informed that the Commission has upheld the decision. This means the measures taken by the UK (e.g. the Safety Warning in 2007 etc.) to prohibit the placing on the market of the fall-arrester are justified.
The Commission decision on the HACA safeguard clause has now been published in the OJEU (L89, Volume 54, 5 April 2011): http://eur-lex.europa.eu/JOHtml.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:089:SOM:EN:HTML
There are further details available via http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:089:0021:0023:EN:PDF).
HSE have informed RenewableUK that consideration will be given to amending the Safety Warning on the HSE website.
Health & Safety Briefing - 6th May 2011
Medical Fitness to Work
Guidelines for near offshore and land based renewable energy projects
Renewable UK have recently published new industry guidance on Medical Fitness to Work. The benefits of adopting a proactive approach to managing occupational health issues generally and medical fitness for work assessments more specifically are well recognised. It is the hope that the guidelines will support this by providing practical information to duty holders to enable a more consistent understanding of how medical fitness for work assessments can effectively be addressed.
This event will include presentations from the RenewableUK working group and the Occupational Health Advisory Group (OHSG) on the scope and application of the guidance. There will also be a presentation on some of the wider employment and equality issues that can be relevant to this subject area.
The event will commence at 10-00 and close at around 12-30. A light lunch reception will be provided.
The venue is Squire, Sanders & Dempsey (UK) LLP, 7 Devonshire Square London EC2M 4YH. (Note: Formerly Hammonds LLP)
To reserve a FREE place please e-mail Paula Sargeant at p.sargeant@renewable-uk.com
Places are limited to a maximum of 2 per organization and will be offered on a first come first served basis. Joining instructions will be provided if you are offered a place.
RenewableUK – Safety Leadership Reception
22nd June 2011
Clear and visible safety leadership have perhaps never been more important for an industry at such a critical stage of its growth. Whilst safety is always a number one priority for every responsible organisation, how this can be practically achieved and demonstrated is more complex. Every business is different and the safety cultures and dynamics can vary widely.
This event is aimed at providing an invaluable overview and insight into the strategic safety risks we collectively have a responsibility to address. Whilst prevention must always be the primary focus – the event will also hear about how organisations and senior management can properly and responsibly manage serious incidents by putting in place proper governance arrangements.
The event will also include ample opportunity for debate and the chance for senior management to network to share safety experiences. It is hoped that this will in a small way support our commitment to continue to make the UK a leader as a safe and responsible jurisdiction to do business,
The event is open to all RenewableUK members and in particular it is aimed at directors, senior executives, and corporate H&S professionals from across the renewable energy supply chain.
The event will commence at 17-00 and close at around 20-00. Drinks and a light reception buffet will be provided.
The event is being held at Pinsent Masons LLP 30 Crown Place London EC2A
To reserve a FREE place please e-mail Paula Sargeant at p.sargeant@renewable-uk.com
Places are limited to a maximum of 2 per organisation and will be offered on a first come first served basis. Joining instructions will be provided if you are offered a place.
Offshore Wind and Marine Health & Safety Guidelines
RenewableUK are inviting expressions of interest to tender for the drafting of new guidelines covering Offshore Wind & Marine Health & Safety.
The primary aim is to produce an up-to-date guidance document (or series of mini guides) that brings together current good and evolving best practice to address the significant health and safety issues relevant to the design, construction and operation of offshore wind and marine projects in the UK. The guidance will be standalone but should draw on existing guidance and publications. It will also act as a signpost to other relevant material.
It expected that the successful provider will:
- Carry out an appropriate literature review and consultation to scope and inform the final guidelines;
- Produce the guidance covering the issues set out in an agreed scope of works detailed in the tender specification; and
- Issue a final document in an agreed format to ensure web/pdf ready delivery.
To receive a copy of the full tender specification please contact Chris Streatfeild, Director of Heath & Safety, c.streatfeild@renewable-uk.com.
The final closing date for applications will be 6th May 2011.
Replacing the Application Outside Great Britain (Variation) Order 2009 with a 2011 Variation Order
RenewableUK have been informed that the HSE will introduce the 2011 Variation Order on 6th April 2011. This variation will maintain the requirements of the 2001 Order and effectively extend the provisions inserted by the 2009 Variation Order for another 2 years. The 2011 Variation Order will include sunsetting provisions limiting its application until April 2013.
View further details
Medical Fitness to Work
Guidelines for near offshore and land based renewable energy projects
Renewable UK are please to announce publication of new industry guidance on Medical Fitness to Work. This follows a period of extensive industry and stakeholder consultation.
The benefits of adopting a proactive approach to managing occupational health issues generally and medical fitness for work assessments more specifically are well recognised. The guidelines support this by providing practical information to duty holders to enable a more consistent understanding of how medical fitness for work assessments can effectively be addressed.
This document sets out:
- A general description of medical fitness for work including its role and function;
- A short summary of the legal context and possible statutory duties;
- Advice on accessing competent occupational health support;
- An introduction to the medical fitness for work guidelines;
- Details of recognition of other medical standards; and
- An overview of the context to address the practical application and communication of the guidance.
View a copy of the Guidelines
A workshop covering the scope of the guidelines and some of the wider issues is being held in London on 6th May 2011. Further details to follow.
Marine Safety Training - Vessel Transit & Transfer Training Standard Consultation
FINAL CONSULTATION
Please note that the final draft of the "RenewableUK Marine Safety Training - Vessel Transit & Transfer & RenewableUK Refresher for Marine Safety Training - Vessel Transit & Transfer Training Standard" has been completed.
This is the final iteration of the standard which had been drafted following an extensive consultation process and comments received from RenewableUK Strategy & Working Groups, members and stakeholders. The previous consultation closed on the 02/02/2011 and this document is the result the comments received. All comments and feedback were taken into account and the final draft represents the overwhelming consensus position that balances the practical skills and competencies required alongside the practicalities of delivery a safe and value added course.
This phase of the consultation is your final opportunity to provide comment and feedback on this document. This should particularly consider any Substantial, technical, drafting, or practical issues that may have been missed.
If you wish to further review this document please request the final draft from:
Rhys Jones Health & Safety Training Manager r.jones@renewable-uk.com
These must be received by no later than 5pm on 23/03/2011.
Subject to the comments received, a final version will be submitted to the RenewableUK Health & Safety Training Group and the RenewableUK Health and Safety Strategy Group for ratification.
I would also like to take this opportunity to again thank all those who have contributed time, experience and knowledge to this process.
All previous items have now been archived. If you require information or details on any archived material please contact c.streatfeild@renewable-uk.com
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