Falmouth Massachusetts Runaway Turbine Setback 1640'

Vestas Confidential Health and Safety Instruction manual for a Falmouth MA wind farm. Page 10 of this manual addresses the situation of a free-spinning “runaway turbine”. In that manual, instructions are for no one to be allowed within a 1640 feet (500 m) radius. (See Exhibit 2)

ATTACHMENT 1

WIND TURBINE SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Vestas is one of the leading wind turbine manufacturers, with approximately 70% market share worldwide. Based on its prominence in the world market, the Vestas Safety Manual (32 pages) is a credible source of safety information. Nordex is another well know manufacturer of wind turbines. Its Safety Manual (130 pages) likewise is considered a credible source of information on the subject of safety.

On page 3 of the Vestas Safety Regulations for Operators and Technicians Manual, point # 2. – Stay and Traffic by the Turbine, Vestas personnel are instructed to stay away from a turbine by 400 m (1312 ft) unless it is necessary. Taken in context, this distance would apply to normal operating conditions. (See Exhibit 1)

Under abnormal operating conditions, Vestas expands this distance in consideration of the safety of its employees. This is evidenced by the Vestas Confidential Health and Safety Instruction manual for a Falmouth MA wind farm. Page 10 of this manual addresses the situation of a free-spinning “runaway turbine”. In that manual, instructions are for no one to be allowed within a 1640 feet (500 m) radius. (See Exhibit 2)

The Nordex Safety Manual also addresses safety in the context of a fire.

On page 52, under section 9.3 Fire, it states:

DANGER FALLING TURBINE PARTS In case of a fire in the nacelle or on the rotor, parts may fall off the wind turbine. In case of a fire, nobody is permitted within a radius of 500 m from the turbine. (See Exhibit 3)

Given that these standards apply to employees who are familiar with the safety implications of wind turbines and are equipped to deal with abnormal conditions, it is indefensible, from a safety perspective alone, to specify in a wind ordinance designed to protect the public health, safety and welfare a setback that is less than 1640 feet.

1. Introduction
A turbine connected to the grid implies certain elements of danger if it is handled without exercising proper caution. For safety reasons, at least two persons have to be present during a work procedure. The work must be properly carried out in accordance with this manual and other related manuals. This implies, among other things that personnel must be instructed in and familiar with relevant partsof this manual. Furthermore, personnel must be familiar with the contents of the “Substances and Materials” regulations. Caution must especially be exerted in situations where measurement and work is done in junction boxes that can be connected to power. Consequently the following safety regulations must be observed.

2. Stay and Traffic by the Turbine
Do not stay within a radius of 400m (1300ft) from the turbine unless it is necessary. If you have to inspect an operating turbine from the ground, do not stay under the rotor plane but observe the rotor from the front. Make sure that children do not stay by or play nearby the turbine. If necessary, fence the foundation. The access door to the turbine must be locked in order to prevent unauthorized persons from stopping or damaging the turbine due to mal-operation of the controller.

3. Address and Phone Number of the Turbine
Note the address and the access road of the turbine in case an emergency situation should arise. The address of the turbine can often be found in the service reports in the ring binders next to the ground controller. Find the phone number of the local life-saving service.

Link : https://northeastwindmills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/vestas-nordex.pdf

Top Ten Wind Turbine Failures

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nemy4TD4I3A