International Electrical Safety Rules Organisation
A Not-for-Profit with the purpose of harmonising global electrical safety standards across high voltage networks in the wind energy sector.
Creating an International Framework for Electrical Safety
The International Electrical Safety Organisation (IESO) is a Not-for-Profit organisation with the core purpose of harmonising global electrical safety standards across high voltage networks in the wind sector.
We created the International Electrical Safety Rules (IESR) with the core objective of harmonising electrical safety and saving lives.
High Voltage network safety in offshore wind has evolved organically. Strategic direction from the industry’s key stakeholders is now needed.
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Get involved: enquiries@iesr.org
Why do we need an international standard for electrical safety?
​​​The wind industry has evolved organically over the last two decades, with deviation in practices between wind farms, developers and jurisdictions.
The inability of experienced personnel to transfer easily between wind farms has resulted in vast underutilisation of resources across the sector, raising labour costs whilst simultaneously increasing operational risk.
Unlike with other disciplines in our sector, there is no global standard for electrical safety management of high voltage networks.
Inconsistencies across the sector with the application of electrical safety increases risk to personnel in the field, particularly when the workforce is mobile and/or temporary.
The current challenges in electrical safety
INCREASED RISK: for staff moving sites / between jurisdictions – creating the need to adapt and understand multiple Safety Rules & responsibilities. Unlike other disciplines in our sector there is no global standard for electrical safety.
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COMPETENCE BOTTLENECK: Field staff are unable to transfer efficiently between wind farms, causing huge underutilisation.
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INCREASED COSTS: caused due to having to be re-Authorise technicians for multiple Safety Rules, all of which have the same fundamental purpose.
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INCONSISTENCY: The wind industry has evolved organically over the last two decades - variation in practices between wind farms, so inconsistency in terminology and approach between developers and jurisdictions are common.
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All of the above cost time and money which could be avoided.
About us
The International Electrical Safety Organisation (IESO) is a Not-for-Profit organisation with the core purpose of harmonising global electrical safety standards across high voltage networks in the wind sector. We created the International Electrical Safety Rules (IESR) with the core objective of harmonising electrical safety.
Pictures courtesy of Ventus Energy
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We have applied our extensive knowledge of working on high voltage networks across many jurisdictions worldwide to provide a solution that, for the first time, will offer a consistent, safer and more cost-effective approach.
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Over the last 3 years we have engaged with all major developers & owner/operators to understand in more detail the challenges facing the industry.
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We have reviewed over 20 Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) currently in use in the Offshore Wind Sector, with many inconsistencies identified.
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Over the past 2 years we have worked with domain knowledge experts from across the energy sector to develop a comprehensive Safe System of Work including a Safety Rules Handbook, supporting documentation of 30+ codes, and bespoke training material.
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Our system and procedures have been developed to account for differing legislative environments across the world and has been designed to accommodate differing terminology and documentation, often bespoke to each company.
Designed by industry
Pictures courtesy of Ventus Energy
World class training
Our approach and guiding principles
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Electrical safety requires strategic direction
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Our core objective of harmonising electrical safety
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We have applied knowledge of operating and working on HV Systems across jurisdictions
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Over the last 3 years we have engaged with all major developers & owner/operators to understand industry the challenges
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We have reviewed over 25 Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) in use in the Offshore Wind Sector - identifying many inconsistencies
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Over the past 2 years we have worked with domain knowledge experts to develop a comprehensive Safe System of Work including Safety Rules & 30+ codes, bespoke training material
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The International Electrical Safety Rules can be made bespoke to each Company by amending Codes – but the Safety Rules stay the same
“Much of the hard work is already complete, but to ensure a long-term and meaningful impact to saving lives will require commitment from industry stakeholders to guarantee good governance and consistency throughout.”
Kevin McDowell IEng FIET MEI CMIOSH
Pictures courtesy of Ventus Energy
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