Heavy Haul Herald

POINTERS FROM PETE: Wind Safety


Pete Hitzeman leads classes at Landstar's Forth Worth Orientation Center which includes general and industry- specific securement guidelines.

 

You may have considered hauling the massive wind turbines  or other equipment used in the wind energy industry, but have you stopped to consider that the wind industry has its own set of safety standards? The big focus on a wind site is Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)  compliance. This means that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required anytime you are out of the truck. The equipment usually consists of gloves, a hardhat, safety glasses, and steel toe boots. Depending on the individual site, there may be other compliance requirements that need to be met.

According to one report cited by OSHA, load shift is one of several hazards associated with the transport of wind turbine components. It's recommended that drivers pay extra attention when in the swing area of a load during the lifting process, especially when overhead lifting is involved. If a load shifts or falls, drivers standing in the wrong place can be injured by forklift operators unloading crates and skids from platform equipment. Experienced drivers know they should be able to make eye contact with at least one operator at all times. Crane operators lifting tower sections can lose sight of the driver in the middle of a lift.  It is a good idea to have a communication link with the crane operator via radio, so they can relay their position to each other.  In short, stay out of the swing area, and always be aware of your surroundings

THE HEADLINES

TRAILER SPOTLIGHT: Dollies

Photo Courtesy of Landstar BCO (Business Capacity Owner) Terry Thomas

Wind is the largest single source of renewable energy in this country, with more than 54,000 wind turbines dotting the country, according to the American Wind Energy Association. But those turbines don’t get there on their own. They require specialized hauling. With varying lengths and weights, the trailer and axle spacing as well as weight distribution make a big difference. 

In a dolly set up, the trailer does not directly connect to the truck when loaded. Instead, it is attached to the end of the load, which works well if the load is an unwieldy steel tube. The front of the load is connected to the tractor by a number of means, such as a bolster plate, half Schnabel (multi-axle specialty trailer), or a gooseneck. Landstar Business Capacity Owner (BCO) John Cranley's dolly has a  gooseneck with landing gear, which enables him to unhook from a loaded wind turbine tower.

Cranley, sharing his knowledge for using a dolly set up, says, “An operator really has to know what they are doing when tying down a tower in a dolly system. Caution and safety is imperative. You can’t take any shortcuts in securing it.” 

When hauling massive freight like huge sections of wind turbine towers, experienced owner-operators like Cranley believe the best bet is a dolly set up. 

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