Electrical work safety is part of the daily routine for everyone who works on transmission lines and substations. Typical hazards include induced voltage on the grid and the proximity of other grids.
The two-month safety observation campaign led to a record-setting 220 observations from suppliers and Fingrid’s personnel. This time, the campaign sought to gather positive observations that could improve safety.
Vegetation management plays an important role in transmission line maintenance. Clearing saw treatments occasionally give rise to accidents and hazards, and the importance of following the safety instructions cannot be overemphasised.
In terms of occupational safety, 2020 was a bad year on Fingrid’s worksites. We worked hard with our suppliers to enhance occupational safety. Nevertheless, there were more lost time injuries than normal.
About a year ago, we initiated the Crystal-Clear Line project based on feedback from suppliers and Fingrid’s specialists. The purpose of the project is to clarify the responsibilities for occupational safety between the client and suppliers on Fingrid’s worksites.
A joint commitment to occupational safety and safety guidelines by every member of personnel is the key to worksite safety.
The coronavirus pandemic in the spring did not hold back Fingrid’s work to instil the principle of Crystal-Clear Lines on worksites. So far, the only experiences have been positive.
The upheaval wrought by the coronavirus became immediately apparent on worksites in March. However, it is not possible to significantly alter the working methods used for practical work that cannot be done remotely.
The resurgence in coronavirus infection rates in August had partly been foreseen and led to companies reviewing their past and future pandemic practices. Eltel Networks’ Quality Manager, Seppo Rytilä, is satisfied with the way the company came through the exceptional circumstances.
Fingrid’s main grid encompasses over 14,000 kilometres of transmission lines and more than 100 substations. The operation of electrical installations and electrical work in such installation was the responsibility of Pasi Lehtonen until 2019. As the proportion of Fingrid’s own electrical work began to increase and Lehtonen was approaching retirement, it was time to begin the process of handing down all the essential but unrecorded knowledge to the new people in charge of electrical work and of the operation of electrical installations.
