Abstract
Abstract The construction of electric power substations poses a great number of risks due to its dangerous environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the perception of construction workers on risks, methods they use for evaluation and managing risks to which they are exposed. This study carried out a qualitative and quantitative analysis during the expansion of one electric substation, adding an additional 100 MVA power transformer. The risks were identified and analysed by using the Preliminary Risk Analysis (PRA). Additionally, a questionnaire on construction safety was created and applied on all 27 workers which participated in the construction. The results showed which activities are present during the construction of a power substation, which risks are involved and how to manage them. It was found that among several, the PRA and Checklists were the most commonly used analysis tools. Further on, it was found a relation between training and risk perception. Among perceived risks were: noise, working at heights, electric shocks, traffic accidents, poisonous animals, dust, fire and explosions. The conclusion of this study was that the construction of electric power substations brings several safety risks and that the instruction of workers allows an effective risk management, and can reduce the number of accidents in this type of working activity.
Highlights
The demand for electricity has a global growing trend
The results from the questionnaire survey were illustrated in the following figures
Workers perform activities in the open air, which is called the patio of energized equipment and in offices - those working in planning and inspection activities
Summary
The demand for electricity has a global growing trend. In Brazil, despite recession, it has been growing during the last years. In order to serve consumers with supply and quality, some investments are required to improve its infrastructure works in the generation and transmission sectors. According to the Brazilian Energetic Research Company (EPE, 2017), the prediction of electrical consumption for residential, industrial and commercial customers in Brazil is that it should increase from ≈450 GWh in 2016 to ≈700 GWh in 2026. The Brazilian government estimates 39 billion BRL (≈0.42 billion USD) to be invested in construction of transmission sectors in the period between 2015 and 2018. Most of the companies responsible for the construction are still to be hired, while currently under contract there are already around 22 billion BRL (≈6.94 billion USD) (Brasil, 2015)
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