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Drop Prevention ProgramAmerican Wind Energy Association I www.awea.org

American Wind Energy Association I www.awea.org

©2013 American Wind Energy Association. All rights reserved. You may download, reproduce and print this white paper and any portion hereof (the “Document”) for internal use only (which use may include internal use by employees of your company), and, by downloading or accessing the Document, you agree: (i) that you shall not sell or otherwise engage in any distribution of this Document; (ii) that you shall not make any alterations, modifications, deletions or other changes to this Document without the express written consent of American Wind Energy Association (“AWEA”); and (iii) to indemnify and hold AWEA harmless for any loss or damage, including reasonable attorney's fees, that the AWEA may incur, directly or indirectly, as a result of your use of this Document.

AWEA assumes no liability for reliance on the contents of this document. AWEA is providing this document for reference only in furtherance of AWEA’s nonprofit and tax-exempt mission. AWEA makes no representation or warranty about the information contained in this document, including, without limitation, the suitability of the information contained in this document for any purpose. It is offered only as general guidance and does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. This document is not intended to, nor does it, include information regarding safe operations and maintenance practices. Any recommended practices, guidance or standards contained in this document should be considered on a case by case basis and used in accordance with your company's internal safety and other operating requirements as well as all applicable laws, regulations and recommended practices addressing safety and regulatory compliance (such as OSHA and ANSI requirements). You should consider seeking legal or professional advice on all matters concerning safety and regulatory compliance.


1. PURPOSE:1.1 Establish expectations and procedures to ensure all personnel performing service and

maintenance on wind turbines are fully protected from objects falling from above.

2. SCOPE:2.1 This procedure applies to, but not limited to, all (Company Name) Sites and all

personnel, including contractors.2.2 This procedure covers activities during the construction, service and repair of wind

turbine machinery or equipment in which there is an exposure to a dropped object that could result in injury or damage to property.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES:3.1 Managers:

3.1.1 Ensure employees have read and understand this Drop Prevention Program and complete associated training.

3.1.2 Ensure employees adhere to the rules and best practices contained within this program.

3.1.3 Provide approved equipment needed to perform tasks safely and to prevent the occurrence of dropped objects.

3.1.4 Conduct thorough investigation of all dropped object incidents.3.1.5 Formulate corrective actions designed to eliminate dropped objects.

3.2 Employees:3.2.1 Complete training on the Drop Prevention Program. 3.2.2 Adhere to all elements of the Drop Prevention Program. 3.2.3 Bring to site management’s attention all unsafe or hazardous conditions or

actions that may result from dropped objects.3.3 Safety:

3.3.1 Maintain and update the Drop Prevention Program as needed. 3.3.2 Assist in conducting thorough investigation of all dropped object incidents.3.3.3 Assist in formulating corrective actions designed to eliminate dropped objects. 3.3.4 Assist in the development and delivery of training related to the program.3.3.5 Identify and approve all equipment related to this program.

4. DEFINITIONS:4.1 Secure(d) – To fix or attach an item firmly so that it cannot be dropped or lost.4.2 Tether – An item to which a rope, chain, or similar restraint has been attached for

holding in place, allowing a short radius in which it can move about.4.3 Unsecured – A condition whereby an item is not secured to prevent it from being

dropped or lost.4.4 Unprotected Opening – A hatch, vent, or other opening not protected by toe-board,

cover, or other protective device designed to prevent objects from falling.4.5 Unprotected Edge – The edge of a surface which is not protected by toe-board or

other protective device designed to prevent objects from accidentally falling from the surface edge.


5. PROCEDURE:5.1 General Rules:

5.1.1 All employees, contractors, and visitors must be made aware of the hazards associated with dropped objects. Before beginning any task, a Permit to Work and Job Safety Analysis or equivalent control methodology must assess the possibility of dropped objects and eliminate or mitigate the hazards.

5.1.2 No person should intentionally position themselves below the work area of others.

5.1.3 Persons performing work shall ensure others do not enter the area below where the possibility of dropped objects may exist.

5.1.4 All hatches and covers must remain closed when not in use or actively being worked on.

5.1.5 All personnel should assess openings, activities, and conditions that create a hazard for dropped items and seek corrective actions to mitigate or eliminate those hazards.

5.1.6 All unnecessary items; including loose nuts, bolts, unused parts, etc., will be removed from the WTG or placed in a secured location.

5.1.7 All items stored within the WTG including parts, equipment, products, and tooling must be stored within a closed top container when not in use. Examples of closed top containers are lidded totes and closed top bags.

5.1.8 No items, including closed top containers, will be stored closer than four (4) feet from open hatches or other unprotected opening that expose the object to a fall. This includes hatches, air vents, any other unprotected opening.

5.1.9 Tool, equipment and part security shall be addressed prior to beginning any task in the Permit to Work and Job Safety Analysis.

5.1.10 Unsecured tools, equipment, and parts shall be kept at least four (4) feet away from any unprotected opening or edge. Examples of unprotected openings and edges include, but are not limited to: hatches, air vents, nacelle roof edges, cable ways, and other openings.

5.2 Tool and Equipment Security:5.2.1 When it is not possible to keep tools, equipment, and parts greater than four

(4) feet away from any unprotected opening or edge, the item shall be secured using one or more of the following methods:

5.2.1.1 Tool/Equipment Bags, Pouches, and Holsters;5.2.1.2 Tool/Equipment Bungee Tethers;5.2.1.3 Heavy Duty Tool/Equipment Tethers;5.2.1.4 D- Rings/Quick Wrap/tie wraps;5.2.1.5 Magnetic trays;5.2.1.6 Radio Holsters.

5.3 Tool, equipment, and parts security considerations:5.3.1.1 Do not use a visibly damaged tool tether or one with lower weight limits

than the tool being tethered;5.3.1.2 Do not tether a tool that exceeds 10 lb to a person;


5.3.1.3 Do not tether a tool to a person without verifying the impact on the person’spersonal fall protection devices;

5.3.1.4 Do not attach a tool tether to a structure without verifying the anchor point’sstrength and shock-load capability;

5.3.1.5 Do not use tethers or lanyards that require excessive force for full extension/range of motion;(The result will be reduced worker output and possible muscle injury.)

5.3.1.6 Do not modify the tool lanyard in any way (replacement of tool lanyard components such as carabiner clips, side-release disconnect clips or removal of shock-absorbing components may affect the lanyard’s load rating);

5.3.1.7 Do not customize the tool lanyard with hardware that does not have the appropriate load ratings for the tool. (For example, key rings are often considered for use as an attachment point to a tool, but typically these will not work for tools that weigh more than 1 lb);

5.3.1.8 Do not assume that a tool tether is a foolproof device;5.3.1.9 NEVER use a tool lanyard as a personal fall protection lanyard;5.3.1.10 Do not use tool tethers in situations where machinery entanglement

is a concern, most tool tethers will not break away against the weight of a person;

5.3.1.11 Verify a tether’s integrity before use, looking for indications of excessive wear or fatigue. (If integrity is questionable, replace the tether.);

5.3.1.12 Always use a lanyard that is rated properly for the tool weight, provided that the lanyard is designed with a 25% additional margin for a full extension drop;

5.3.1.13 Verify the tool’s attachment point to ensure that it is strong enough to hold the tool for the full drop distance of the tether;

5.3.1.14 Weigh tools so that a properly rated lanyard is used for the application (Never assume the weight of a tool just by feel.);

5.3.1.15 Consider the use of a quick-release tether when a group of small tools is being used;

5.3.1.16 Use a retractable tether to avoid entanglement issues when multiple tethers are needed;

5.3.1.17 Verify tools do not come apart (e.g., ratchet wrench with a socket attached). If so, disassemble them or secure the pieces with tape or other suitable means.

5.3.1.18 Anchor tools weighing more than 10 lb to a structure, not a person;5.3.1.19 Use lanyards that have a low stretch force (tension) at full extension

as long as they have the proper degree of recoil for the tool and application;

5.3.1.20 To the extent possible, transfer potential shock loads from a person to a fixed structure.


5.4 Turbine Base5.4.1.1 When work is being performed the following precautions shall be taken:

5.4.1.1.1 Vehicles will be parked a minimum of sixty (60) feet from the base of the turbine and should be parked upwind whenever possible;

5.4.1.1.2 Before entering this area, communications must be established with up-tower or overhead personnel verbally or by radio or cell phone;

5.4.1.1.3 JSA’s will be posted on or near the WTG entrance door in a conspicuous location.

5.4.2 Hoisting Operations5.4.2.1 During hoisting operations the following precautions shall be taken:

5.4.2.1.1 Before entering the sixty (60) foot perimeter ground communications must be established with up-tower personnel verbally or through the use of radios or cell phone;

5.4.2.1.2 Personnel are allowed within the sixty (60) foot perimeter only when absolutely necessary during hoisting operations. EXAMPLES – Hooking loads to hoist hook, rigging or manning tag lines.

5.4.2.1.3 Vehicles must exit the sixty (60) foot perimeter before hoist hatch is opened. EXCEPTION – Vehicles may enter when carrying heavy equipment to be hoisted but must exit perimeter when load is lifted from truck bed. Crane cabs are designed for hoisting operations and may be excluded from this requirement.

5.4.2.1.4 Only load rated bags with top closure are permitted for use.

5.5 Tower5.5.1 Only one (1) person is allowed on an individual ladder section at one time. 5.5.2 No one is allowed within the tower at the base or on section platforms when

someone is performing work on the ladder section above.5.5.3 JSA’s will be posted on or near the WTG entrance door in a conspicuous

location.5.5.4 All hatches must remain closed unless in use.

5.5.4.1 When climb assists require that hatches remain open, no one is allowed below on ladder or on the LVRT deck or similar.

5.6 Nacelle5.6.1 Areas within the nacelle containing unprotected openings or edges include,

but are not limited to; open hoist hatches and unprotected air vents. Any time work tasks are performed within four (4) feet of these unprotected openings or edges all required safeguards must be implemented.

5.6.2 Hoisting Operation5.6.2.1 During hoisting operations, the following precautions shall be taken:


5.6.2.1.1 Remove or secure any loose objects in the vicinity of the hoist hatch prior to opening;

5.6.2.1.2 Ensure hatch cover is either secured by tether or moved to a safe distance (4 feet) from hatch opening;

5.6.2.1.3 Ensure load is free when hoisting through the hatch opening, do not attempt to pull free obstructed loads;

5.6.2.1.4 After removing loads from hoist hook, move load a minimum of four (4) feet from hatch opening or secure by lanyard;

5.6.2.1.5 Close hatch immediately after hoisting operations are completed.

5.7 Top of the Nacelle5.7.1 In most configurations, areas on top of the nacelle are within four (4) feet of

an unprotected edge or opening. Therefore, required safeguards must be implemented any time work is performed on top of the nacelle. This includes travel to and from the hub.

5.7.2 When work is performed on top of the nacelle, including travel to and from the hub, no personnel or vehicles are allowed in a radius sixty (60) feet from the tower base.

5.8 Hub/Nosecone5.8.1 Some areas encountered while traveling to the hub and within the nosecone

are within four (4) feet of an unprotected edge or opening. If these areas are being worked in, required safeguards must be implemented at all times.

5.8.2 Areas within the hub structure may be greater than four (4) feet from an unprotected opening or edge. If so, they would not require safeguards.

6. GENERAL: 6.1 Training

6.1.1 General6.1.1.1 Training on this program is approximately one hour. Training slides

accompany this program.6.1.1.2 Refresher training is not required unless there is a dropped object related

incident or other need to provide additional training.6.2 Audits

6.2.1 General6.2.1.1 Periodic compliance audits of this program should be conducted.

Frequency should be based on incident history.


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