Abstract
Power transmission facilities in the U.S. are undergoing a transformation due to the increased use of distributed generation sources such as wind and solar power. The current power grid system is also antiquated and in need of substantial retrofits to make it more efficient and reliable. The new energy transmission system being designed and built to optimize power delivery is known as “Smart Grid”. The increased activity in the construction of power transmission facilities and installation of new technologies into the current power system raises potential safety concerns. Existing construction management curriculum may include general information about safety training, but does not typically include information about this specialized sector. The objective of this study was to work with industry to identify key safety topics appropriate for inclusion in an introductory industrial construction course. Results of interviews with industry identified numerous hazards that are not typically covered in typical construction curricula. A joint undergraduate and graduate course in industrial construction was created to address these and additional concepts. A survey of the students was performed to determine the effectiveness of the course and also to determine their thoughts about the smart grid technologies and safety training. Information on electrical system hazards is presented along with results of the student surveys.
Highlights
Construction of high voltage electrical transmission and distribution systems in the United States is rapidly increasing. (EEI 2011) Workers constructing these electrical facilities encounter hazards common to all construction sites, as well as hazards unique to sites involving high voltage currents
The construction of high voltage electrical systems poses a number of hazards including electrocution and falls; these hazards may result in fatalities and injuries
Interviews were conducted with a facilities manager/owner overseeing electrical improvements on high voltage building systems, a safety manager and electricians who work on electrical substations, and a constructor of high voltage power transmission systems
Summary
Construction of high voltage electrical transmission and distribution systems in the United States is rapidly increasing. (EEI 2011) Workers constructing these electrical facilities encounter hazards common to all construction sites, as well as hazards unique to sites involving high voltage currents. Construction of high voltage electrical transmission and distribution systems in the United States is rapidly increasing. (EEI 2011) Workers constructing these electrical facilities encounter hazards common to all construction sites, as well as hazards unique to sites involving high voltage currents. The construction of high voltage electrical systems poses a number of hazards including electrocution and falls; these hazards may result in fatalities and injuries. Voltages exceeding 10 kv (10,000 volts) were considered high voltage installations This reflects the range of common voltages for a substation used for power distribution to large industrial and commercial users in the United States (Durocher 2010). The purpose of this study is to determine the safety issues related to the construction of electrical transmission systems and the implementation of smart grid technologies. Smart Grid is a term used to define a transmission system that optimizes the power delivery with two-way communication between the producer and end user (DOE 2011) (Pratt 2010)
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