AOC 15 user manual Climbing Safety, Secure anchor points for service work

3.0 Safety Guidelines 16

Ropes may replace straps provided care is taken not to damage the blade surface; cables or chains should not be used.

CAUTION

NEVER USE METAL CHAINS OR CABLES TO SECURE THE

BLADE, SINCE DAMAGE TO THE BLADE IS LIKELY.

3.5Climbing Safety

For all activities where persons could be subject to a fall of 1.8 m (6 ft) or more, appropriate fall protection equipment should be used, which should be fastened to a secure anchor point, preferably above the climber. Only the tower leg fitted with climbing pegs should be used for ascending and descending the tower. Once the technician has reached the top, he/she should attach himself to a secure anchor point. The drive train has four hoist rings that can be used as anchor points. See Figure 3-2. Holes in the tower brace clips also provide secure anchor points.

Figure 3-2 Secure anchor points for service work

Only trained and qualified technicians should attempt to climb a wind turbine tower and should use OSHA/ANSI approved practice and equipment. All climbers should be trained in the proper use of fall protection equipment. AOC strongly discourages climbing when the wind turbine is operating or when wind speeds exceed 11 m/s (25 mph).

Whenever climbing a tower or performing a service function above ground level AOC recommends at least two service personnel working together. Wireless communication devices (preferably hands-free) are recommended to facilitate communication between tower and

NOTICE: Use of the material contained in this document is subject to the warning on page Iv and the disclaimer on page v of this document.

DOC012R02 AOC 15/50 User Manual Nov 2001