May 24, 2013
Scotland

Call for safety review over school turbines

By Sue Restan | The Press and Journal | May 24, 2013 |

Highland Council switched off all their school turbines in May of last year after independent consultants said extra safety measures might be needed.

Site-specific risk assessments concluded however that the turbines already installed at 16 schools were safe to operate.

Although the assessments concluded the turbines could safely operate at wind speeds up to 134mph, the council agreed that no turbine would operate in wind speeds exceeding 100mph.

Other measures, including erecting 6 ft fences, were also introduced before the turbines were switched back on.

Highland Council’s depute chief executive and director of housing and property, Steve Barron, said the safety of wind turbines in school grounds and council sites was of paramount importance.

He said: “In 2012, we undertook a comprehensive exercise of risk assessing our use of micro turbines on school sites, using professionally qualified engineers, in conjunction with the Building Research Establishment, the leading expert in this area of work. As the result of thorough site specific assessments, the council is now leading the way in assessing and managing risk in the use of micro turbines.

“We have robust inspection and maintenance regimes in place and are confident that the safety of these turbines is assured.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/24/call-for-safety-review-over-school-turbines/