Prioritising quality in wind turbine manufacturing is crucial, especially with the fasteners that hold everything together. While they may seem small, fasteners play a significant role in ensuring the safety of workers and the longevity of equipment. Here, Scott Hayfield, inside sales manager technical, quality and engineering specialist at Fabory UK, looks at the role of high-quality fasteners in ensuring worker safety.
Keeping people safe – even in extreme weather conditions – is vital when it comes to wind turbine manufacturing. As part of that, the role of fasteners is critical, with the safety of a team depending on the strength and reliability of these fixings. When high above the ground, balancing on a platform surrounded by moving parts, the last thing a team wants to worry about is whether a bolt is up to standard.
Fasteners are the heroes that hold the whole structure together; they prevent catastrophic failures that can lead to dangerous situations. Quality fasteners are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the wind industry, ensuring that each component performs well under pressure.
It is therefore crucial to prioritise using high-quality fasteners for effective risk management. Investing in reliable fastening solutions significantly reduces the potential for failure, thereby ensuring the safety of workers and protecting company investment. By choosing fasteners that meet rigorous standards, such as those certified through APQP4Wind, a non-profit association which provides quality assurance to the wind industry, businesses are fulfilling requirements and actively creating a safer working environment.
This approach is about safeguarding operations for the future and minimising the risk of costly downtime or accidents. It reflects a culture that prioritises safety and quality, acknowledging that even the most minor component can significantly impact a project.
Understanding the consequences of using low quality fasteners is paramount in practical manufacturing. These low quality fasteners can lead to increased maintenance costs, downtime and operational disruptions, all of which can jeopardise the safety of a workforce. A reliable fastener keeps the turbine secure and reduces the need for frequent inspections, allowing a team to focus on their work without the constant worry of potential issues.
Finally, the importance of industry regulations and meeting safety standards cannot be overstated. These regulations establish the standards for what is acceptable in design and operation, specifying the use of fasteners that surpass these standards. It is the company’s responsibility to ensure that every fastener used complies with these regulations, as negligence in this area could result in significant fines or worse. There are strict checks such as the Production Parts Approval Process (PPAP), to confidently assure customers that each fastener meets the requirements.
Frontline workers depend on the quality of the materials and fasteners used in their equipment. The industry has already witnessed the devastating effects of disregarding safety standards – just a few questionable choices regarding fastening could lead to catastrophic failures.
By closely adhering to regulations and investing in high-quality fasteners, companies such as Fabory UK are promoting a proactive approach to safety that benefits everyone involved. With an extensive portfolio of over 120,000 fasteners, Fabory UK prides itself on offering tailored fastener solutions for diverse industries, understanding that every industry faces unique challenges requiring specialised products.
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