What are your site safety measures? Do you have an emergency response plan to any turbine site emergency?
Safety is our priority. With over 40 years of experience in the wind industry and best practices well established, Vestas turbines are safe and operate unobtrusively for communities and landowners.
In the unlikely event of a wind turbine emergency, Steelhead developers coordinate with local officials to prepare a comprehensive emergency response plan. Our plans set roles and responsibilities, as well as establish communication plans for local officials.
We’re always prepared with an inventory of emergency gear on site, and site workers are equipped with emergency equipment and training to minimize the potential for emergencies in advance.
How often do turbines collapse?
It is extremely rare for a turbine to collapse. Less than .01% of Vestas turbines operating globally have had a serious incident. Vestas is a leading service provider and employs over 1,680 technicians in North America who are highly experienced in ensuring smooth, safe turbine operations. Vestas will also remotely monitor the turbine operations of the project 24/7, allowing us to identify and address any issues before they become operational problems. Additionally, wind projects have setbacks in place by roads, residences, and other structures to ensure that communities and landowners are a safe distance from the turbines. In the rare event of a turbine collapse, Vestas would work with the project operator to determine the root cause of the issue and make repairs as soon as possible.
What causes a turbine to collapse?
Wind turbines are designed to withstand extreme weather. However, just like other infrastructure such as bridges and roads, in rare cases, turbines can experience damage from weather events like tornados, hurricanes, etc. Vestas currently has 82,000 wind turbines safety operating across the world and we are committed to ensuring our turbines continue to operate safely for communities.
How are Vestas turbines superior and safe?
Vestas is the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturer and an industry-leading service provider with over 40 years of experience in the wind industry. We are committed to delivering quality and safe turbines for the communities we serve. Vestas wind turbines are checked and tested at our own test centers. The results are then verified and certified by independent organizations. Vestas also designs our turbines so they suited to specific conditions and extreme weather.
What happens when a turbine is struck by lightning?
Though turbines are designed to withstand a certain severity of lightning, their height makes them an easy target for lightning strikes which can sometimes cause damage. However, turbines are equipped with lightning protection systems that help direct lighting down the blade in a way that reduces damage. If damage occurs from a lightning strike, Vestas will work with the project operator to assess any damage and make repairs as soon as possible.
In the event of a lightning strike, setbacks by roads, residence, and other structures ensure that communities and landowners are a safe distance from the turbines. Learn more about turbines and lightning strikes here.
What happens if a turbine catches on fire?
It’s very rare for a turbine to catch on fire, but in such an event, we have detailed safety procedures to contain and extinguish the fire and ensure the safety of the neighboring community and our technicians. Vestas would work with our project operator to determine the root cause of the issue and make repairs as soon as possible.
