British Wind Energy Association ALERT-

The British Wind Energy Association Health & Safety ALERT - "Personnel Fall Arrest Systems"

A BWEA company member organisation has last week witnessed the formal testing of the rail system that is identical to the one used at Earlsburn wind farm in Scotland. Earlsburn is where the fatal fall occurred earlier in the year. We understand that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) were also present at the testing.

The member company informed us that they had witnessed the fall arrest system in question fail part of the current EN353-1 test [using solid mass] and also the former British Standard test , both of which are aimed at providing assurance that fall arrest systems are fit for purpose. This serves to highlight concerns raised by HSE as to the adequacy of the current EN Standard. In addition it was demonstrated that a fall from a crouching position may not be arrested and the climber may fall backwards.
Based on a subsequent conversation between the BWEA and the HSE, we understand that the HSE anticipates issuing a safety alert once formal processes are complete. Further HSE advice was that it is was appropriate to share the observations from the tests with BWEA members as soon as possible so that steps can be taken by the industry to minimise risks to persons whilst the test results and wider implications are formally assessed.

We are therefore recommending that you factor these recent test findings into your risk assessments and operational procedures. Such a precautionary approach to the use of this type of fall arrest system is appropriate until such time as HSE issue their alert and we can then understand the detail and advise accordingly.

Such a precautionary approach could include limiting climbs to essential only and double lanyarding , in addition to the use of the fall arrest system.

Whilst the legal investigation proceeds only limited detail is available and I hope you will appreciate the sensitivity of this issue.

General Recommendations - Personnel fall arrest systems

Wider consideration needs to be given to the ability of other systems to arrest a fall under all conditions e.g.. from an initial crouching position. The BWEA recommends that companies shall ensure that their own personnel who climb, and the personnel employed by their contractors and subcontractors, are fully trained in the use of specific fall arrest systems in use on their sites. Training shall cover the use and practices for which the system has been approved and that daily inspection of equipment is carried out prior to use. It is also recommended that Training records are maintained and regularly inspected to provide the necessary demonstration of competence before any climbing on site is permitted. Additionally it is recommended that all companies should ensure fall arrest systems are properly installed, used and maintained in accordance with manufacturers' specifications.

BWEA Work at Height Study

The BWEA "work at height" study that has been going on independently of the above testing has been delayed by a week or so to allow the report writers to incorporate some of the advice and recommendations learned in the testing of the fall arrest equipment. It is anticipated that the report will be available to BWEA members from the website (www.bwea.com) week beginning 17th September.