As the work in Anholt Offshore Wind Farm takes place in the middle of the Kattegat, it is not ‘just’ possible to call an ambulance or the fire department should an accident happen. Therefore, regular practice and training of safety procedures are part of the employees’ workday; however, a rescue helicopter is not usually a natural part.
On 26 June 2013, a search and rescue exercise took place with an EH-101 Merlin helicopter from the Danish Air Force, Squadron 722, the search-and-rescue helicopter squadron. The purpose of the exercise was to train and test the procedures and the communication in connection with evacuation of an injured person.
In case of injury, the emergency response plan is activated. The plan thoroughly describes the further alarm and lines of command, and during the exercise, the marine coordinator alarmed SOK, who sent a helicopter.
The helicopter arrived at the wind turbine after a 20-minute flight, and in the meantime, the wind turbine technicians had stopped the wind turbine and positioned it for the helicopter to be able to access the wind turbine and make the injured person ready for transport. The helicopter lowered the lifting hook, and the entire operation took only a few minutes.
Both parties were satisfied with the exercise, and even though the wind speed was 12 metres per second during the exercise, it caused no problems for the helicopter, which will be able to operate at wind speeds of up to 24 metres per second.
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Press release, July 8, 2013; Image: DONG Energy