Development of quality, environment, health, and safety (QEHS) management system and its integration in operation and maintenance (O&M) of onshore wind energy industries

Abstract

The wind energy industry is growing swiftly in Pakistan and 24 onshore wind farms added 1235.70 MW in the national grid. Workers involved in O&M are at high risk in wind farms. In this research, an integrated QEHS management system is designed, complying with national and international standards. Four levels of documentation are designed; levels one and two are at the corporate level. QEHS policy, integrated management system manual, integrating system procedures, and standard operating procedures are developed for legal and regulatory requirements. Levels three and four are developed for plant/site requirements. EHS culture is the key attribute to evaluate organizational performance. An effective tool has been proposed to calculate the EHS culture of onshore wind farms of Pakistan providing ease to QEHS individuals. EHS culture is categorized in 5 levels; below 25% (extremely vulnerable), 26–50% (very vulnerable), 51–74% (not bad), 75–84% (good shape), and ≥85% (healthy). Using this research any onshore wind farm can develop and integrate the QEHS management system in O&M and proceed for IMS certifications. EHS culture of onshore wind farms can also be evaluated, analyzed and grey areas may easily identify and organization may enhance EHS in business and may lead in the market.