German safety systems provider Skylotec has extended the service life of its wind turbine emergency escape gear, with a new resealing innovation.
Manufacturers, owners or operators of wind turbines as well as wind farm service companies are responsible for the safety of their employees.
Skylotec’s rescue system has become the industry standard for a second escape option, which is required to meet EU standards and occupational health and safety laws.
The safety equipment is stored in a sealed aluminium box, called a ‘Seal Pac’, for up to 10 years.
The company’s rescue systems include the ‘Seal Pac light to go’, which is carried directly by the user. The ‘Seal Pac’, which is stored directly in the nacelle, allows two employees to abseil outside the tower at the same time when a descent inside the tower is no longer possible.
Skylotec’s ‘Milan’ rescue device, which is stored in the ‘Seal Pac’, has a maximum service life of 10 years.
As textile components such as ropes or webbing slings are subject to a natural ageing process, these, as well as the brake unit of the rescue system have to be replaced, as brake linings also become brittle over time.
The integrity of the rescue equipment is checked during annual inspections, where a moisture indicator indicates the condition of the device to an authorised inspector.
If no fault is shown, the inspector seals the box again with a new seal and marks it with the month and year of the next inspection.
At the end of the 10 years of recommended service life, under optimum conditions, ‘Seal Pacs’ have to be replaced.
However, with Skylotec’s new resealing solution, the ‘Seal Pac’ is resealed after the inspection and can be used for another 10 years, reducing the cost associated with purchasing new rescue systems.
The equipment must be inspected by the manufacturer or one of the worldwide certified service partners.
Skylotek says its global Skylotec service network further simplifies the process.
In addition, the new sealing can be documented in an online database run by Skylotec simplifying administrative processes, especially if a statutory audit has to be carried out.