Expert Tip: On the Safe Side of Alternative Energy
Mar 28, 2023Advisory ServicesRecognizing Hazards of Alternative Energy Technology in the Workplace
Successfully implementing and maintaining a healthy, safe and environmentally friendly workplace depends on informed employees guided by strong leaders. Staying up to date on alternative energy technologies is key to protecting your staff and the environment in which you operate.
The push for green solutions
Significant developments in alternative energy generation and storage technologies supporting massive measures to combat climate change and promote global transition to low-carbon energy sources are rapidly taking place. With new capabilities, however, come new challenges. Alternative energy technologies and the novel environmental, health and safety hazards they may create in the workplace include:
Significant developments in alternative energy generation and storage technologies supporting massive measures to combat climate change and promote global transition to low-carbon energy sources are rapidly taking place. With new capabilities, however, come new challenges. Alternative energy technologies and the novel environmental, health and safety hazards they may create in the workplace include:
Manufactured, installed and operated throughout the world, wind turbines pose traditional dangers to mankind, wildlife and the natural environment. Whether protecting against potentially fatal falls, lifting equipment accidents or losing control of electrical energy sources that can result in arc-flash and electric-shock, proven protocols must be in place. Employees working in the construction, maintenance and repair of wind turbines are often required to enter low-access spaces, encounter potential environmental contaminants and suffer extreme heat.
Tip: Ensure state-of-the-art turbine safety equipment and proper training!
Tip: Ensure state-of-the-art turbine safety equipment and proper training!
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are used to convert solar energy into electricity. Hazards related to this technology include the risk of devastating falls, lifting equipment accidents and losing control of electrical energy sources that present potential arc-flash, electric-shock and thermal-burn exposures. Practical installation of PV systems connected to the electrical grid and solar panels that continually generate electricity anytime the sun shines pose new dangers to workers.
Tip: Make sure employees are aware of ladder and electrical precautions, use proper PPE and never work in windy or rainy conditions!
Tip: Make sure employees are aware of ladder and electrical precautions, use proper PPE and never work in windy or rainy conditions!
A key component to most model aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, green hydrogen can be used in the production of climate-neutral fuels as well as energy storage. Green hydrogen is produced from the electrolysis of water from renewable energy sources and combined with carbon dioxide (CO2) and transformed into environmentally friendly liquid or gas fuel options.
Despite its green reputation, hydrogen has a wide flammable range (4 % to 75 % in air), very low minimum ignition energy (10 times lower than traditional hydrocarbons) and a rapid burning velocity (detonation hazard). Releases can be difficult to detect as green hydrogen is odorless and burns with a virtually invisible flame. The indoor use of hydrogen requires appropriate ventilation, electrical classification, explosion venting, and specialized compliance with building and fire codes.
Tip: Conduct detailed risk analyses to identify hazards and implement proper controls.
Despite its green reputation, hydrogen has a wide flammable range (4 % to 75 % in air), very low minimum ignition energy (10 times lower than traditional hydrocarbons) and a rapid burning velocity (detonation hazard). Releases can be difficult to detect as green hydrogen is odorless and burns with a virtually invisible flame. The indoor use of hydrogen requires appropriate ventilation, electrical classification, explosion venting, and specialized compliance with building and fire codes.
Tip: Conduct detailed risk analyses to identify hazards and implement proper controls.
Although lithium-ion battery technology revolutionized energy storage capabilities, the risk of fire and explosion has become a major safety concern. Thermal runaway hazards presented by lithium-ion batteries can result from manufacturing defects, charging system malfunctions, end-of-life battery handling and extreme abuse. Battery failure is often accompanied by toxic gas, fire, jet flames and explosion, potentially putting workers and emergency responders in harm’s way.
Tip: Adopt effective policies and procedures to better manage risk associated with contact with and handling of lithium-ion batteries!
Tip: Adopt effective policies and procedures to better manage risk associated with contact with and handling of lithium-ion batteries!
Used in air conditioning, food storage and industrial processing, refrigerants with low global-warming potential play a major role in the green energy mix. New refrigerant technologies can have toxic or flammability properties presenting chemical exposure hazards and are therefore subject to expanded coverage under OSHA and Environmental Protection Agency regulations on process safety management and additional requirements to meet building and fire codes. First responders must be familiar with proper protocols and procedures to safely handle new-generation refrigerant emergencies.
Tip: Keep cool with solid strategies to offset risk of toxic fire and refrigerant chemical poisoning!
Tip: Keep cool with solid strategies to offset risk of toxic fire and refrigerant chemical poisoning!
Keeping up with technological advances designed to meet carbon neutrality goals by 2050 demands knowledgeable leaders to ensure an effective risk management strategy and the proper training of workers charged with the challenges of sidestepping the hazards of alternative energy solutions. Therefore, responsibility lies with leaders to do the due diligence and enact the policies and procedures to ensure the safety of workers in the field, protect the natural environment and defend the communities in which they do business.
About the author
DEKRA North America’s Vice President of Operational Risk Management, Mike Snyder is a recognized expert in occupational and process safety with extensive chemical and municipal experience providing advice to help organizations achieve pragmatic decision making and cost-effective risk management strategies.
Would you like to learn more about alternative energy technology and the hazards they may invoke? Contact our experts for the answers to all your questions!
DEKRA North America’s Vice President of Operational Risk Management, Mike Snyder is a recognized expert in occupational and process safety with extensive chemical and municipal experience providing advice to help organizations achieve pragmatic decision making and cost-effective risk management strategies.
Would you like to learn more about alternative energy technology and the hazards they may invoke? Contact our experts for the answers to all your questions!