Slip Prevention on Wind Turbines
Safety-Grip
Slip prevention on wind turbines is something that is included in all safety measures when maintaining wind turbines. Read about slip prevention here.
Wind turbines, or more correctly known as an aerofoil-powered generator, are rotary propeller devices that transform kinetic energy generated by the wind into electrical power. The term ‘wind turbine’ is the most popular used, but technically, there is no turbine used in the design. It has apparently instead migrated from parallel hydroelectric technology, otherwise known as a rotary propeller. Wind turbines are one of the new technologies at the forefront of renewable or sustainable energy and are installed over parts of the land or sea in groups called ‘wind farms’. While many of us have seen them as large, towering devices, there are many smaller devices available that to do the same job on a smaller scale, charging auxiliary power for small boats and caravans, or powering street signs. The use of wind turbines has a massive effect on the impact of fossil fuels and the reduction of our reliance upon them.
We are going to focus on the larger wind turbines in this post, as while they are a source of harnessing renewable energy, they themselves are mechanical, and their service must be maintained by routine checks to ensure they do not break down. This must be performed by an individual, who must climb up onto the wind turbine and physically check it’s status. As wind turbines must be placed in windy areas, many safety measures must be taken to ensure the safe ascent and descent of the person, and the use of harnesses gloves, helmets, warm clothes are required whilst undertaking this potentially risky endeavour. Once the summit has been reached, the person will find themselves on a slightly curved panel at the top. When manufactured, this is completely smooth which of course in such a windy environment, and such a high position off the ground is unsafe.
This is where we come in…. as Heskins provide Safety Grip™ to be applied to this surface to ensure that slip prevention has maximum efficiency. In the image, you can see our white Safety Grip™ non-slip tape has been applied to the surface, due to it’s excellent CoF ( coefficient of friction ) levels, due to its excellent grip. The top surface has an aluminium oxide grit applied to create an industrial-grade non-slip surface. A permanent adhesive is applied to the Safety Grip™ to help create a strong bond to a clean, dry surface that will not lift. This is beneficial to this application, as the top, standing surface of the wind turbine is curved, Safety Grip™ is the perfect slip prevention to be applied as the material conforms to the curves on the surface, with no detrimental effect. On the top of the wind turbine, the white Safety Grip™ has been applied in 150mm strips, as it is just as effective as applying a large sheet, yet much more cost-effective.
We can supply Safety Grip™ non slip tape in many colours and roll sizes ranging from 19mm up to 1168mm and up to 18.3 metres in length. We can also supply die cuts in many shapes and sizes. Dependent on order quantity, we can also offer a bespoke service, allowing you to receive Safety Grip™ in specific sizes, shapes and colours to suit your needs.
If you would like to enquire further in regards to Safety-Grip or place an order, you can contact us by phone, email, live chat or the contact us form on the site.
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