Welcome to this WindTalk podcast, a series of discussions with wind-industry leaders. In this edition, we talk with Dustin Schneider, a Fall-protection Expert at Capital Safety, a 3M company. With over 17 years of experience, Dustin works directly with end-users and distributors to provide the best safety resources and training at industrial work sites. Here Dustin speaks to us…
Capital Safety debuts new full-body safety harness for fall protection
Capital Safety, a global provider of fall protection, confined space, and rescue equipment, has launched its latest fall protection and safety innovation, the DBI-SALA ExoFit STRATA harness. This harness is the first full-body safety harness designed and tested with data-driven, third-party research, resulting in a harness that is more comfortable, cooler, and lighter to wear. DBI-SALA ExoFit…
Fall protection and safety training for wind-turbine technicians
Along with being one of the top turbine manufacturers, Siemens is also strongly committed to safety in the wind industry. In 2013, the company opened a 40,000-square-foot Wind Service Training Center in Orlando, Florida. It is one of four wind-training centers that Siemens operates globally. In this WindTalk podcast Billy Watts, the CEO for Siemens’…
Why is training important for fall protection in the wind industry?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) enforces safe working conditions for general industry and construction, while the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides performance standards for fall protection in the United States. However, there are no accrediting or certifying agencies for the U.S. wind energy industry. “There are not many regulations specific to…
Power Climber Wind installed IBEX Climb-assist Systems at three wind farms in France
Power Climber Wind, a division of SafeWorks, has installed 45 IBEX climb-assist systems in France for EOLE-RES, one of the top developers of renewable energy production in the Mediterranean region and the Middle east. The IBEX system puts complete control of the climbing experience in the hands of the wind-turbine technician, delivering personalized performance, increased…
Siemens puts safety first with advanced training center
With over 25,000 MWs of wind power installed, Siemens is one of the top turbine manufacturers and service providers worldwide. They even hold the record for the world’s largest single onshore order to date: a 1,050-MW turbine order from MidAmerican Energy in Iowa. According to the company’s website, Siemens’ platform strategy for onshore and offshore…
Power Climber Wind installs over 700 IBEX Climb Assist Systems in Suzlon wind turbines
Power Climber Wind, a division of SafeWorks, LLC, has completed the installation of over 700 IBEX Climb Assist Systems in Suzlon wind turbines, the fifth largest wind turbine OEM. Following extensive testing and qualification, Suzlon Wind Energy Corp. has selected the IBEX system as its climb assist of choice for new turbines and retrofit programs.…
What is the role of fall protection in the wind industry?
The trends in fall protection revolve around new equipment such, as harnesses and lanyards, and updated standards. Harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines The trends in equipment point to modern materials, more options, and new designs, all of which are growing in number. For instance, in days past, a technician might select a harness by size alone.…
Fall protection for long ladders
Fall-arrest systems are prescribed when climbing ladders 3-m tall and up, according to EN 353-1. Most wind towers are easily over that limit. The fall arrester H-50 from Hailo LLC, Holbrook, NY, works by riding a center rail on company ladders. The device connects a safety harness worn by workers, and lets them freely climb…