The need for by monthly cleaning, rather than less frequent intervals, is likely due to the specific climate in Kurnool. Areas with hot, wet seasons or high rainfall and sun exposure can experience very rapid vegetation growth, requiring frequent maintenance to keep the safety and efficiency risks in check.
HUMAN FACTOR IN SAFETY
ReplyDeleteWe often believe that having the best protective equipment and strongest procedures guarantees safety. But the truth is — most workplace accidents are rooted in human behavior, not faulty systems. 80% of the incidents are linked to Human Behavior.
From field experience, key contributors include:
🔹Lack of awareness
🔹Inadequate or infrequent training
🔹Work-related stress and fatigue
🔹Unsafe behavioral choices
The real solution doesn’t lie only in procedures or technology.
It lies in shaping mindsets — in building a Safety Culture where people choose to act safely, not because they are told to, but because they believe in it.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
1️⃣ Regular training that focuses on behavioral safety, not just compliance.
2️⃣ Encouraging employees to report hazards without fear of blame.
3️⃣ Leadership that sets the example — safety starts from the top.
Because safety starts in the mind before it starts with equipment. Let’s build environments where awareness, accountability, and care become instinct — not instructions.
#SafetyCulture #HumanFactor #HSE #BehaviorBasedSafety #Leadership #WorkplaceSafety #TrainingAndDevelopment #ContinuousImprovement
An earth pit on a solar plant is a safety measure that connects the electrical system to the ground to protect against voltage surges and lightning strikes. Legal requirements include using separate earth pits for AC, DC, and lightning arrestor (LA) systems, following relevant IS/IEC standards, and ensuring proper materials and dimensions are used, such as specific types of electrodes, conductive backfill, and appropriately sized copper wires (e.g., 16 sq. mm).
ReplyDeleteEarth pit purpose and types
Purpose: Earth pits stabilize voltage, provide a path for atmospheric electricity to dissipate, and protect equipment and personnel from electrical faults and lightning.
Types: At a minimum, three separate earth pits are generally required:
DC Earth Pit: For the solar panels and DC-related equipment.
AC Earth Pit: For the inverter and AC-related equipment.
Lightning Arrester (LA) Earth Pit: For the lightning protection system, which is mandatory for larger plants and recommended for all.
Materials and specifications
Electrodes: Copper rods (1.2-1.5 meters long, 3-5 Ohms resistance) or other specified materials like galvanized iron (GI) pipes.
Backfill: A mixture of materials like charcoal, salt, or specialized conductive compounds is used to reduce resistance and improve fault current dissipation.
Wires: A minimum of 16 sq. mm copper wire is often required for both AC and DC applications, and it must be green for clear identification.
Ground Resistance: A key goal is to achieve low earth resistance, ideally less than 1 ohm, which can be measured with a ground resistance tester.
Chamber: A concrete inspection chamber with a hinged cover is needed to protect the pit.
Legal and standard requirements
Indian Standards: Requirements are guided by standards like IS:3043 and recommendations from the manufacturer or relevant IS/IEC standards.
Separate Systems: Do not mix the earthing for DC, AC, and LA systems.
Manufacturer Recommendations: Always follow the specific manufacturer's guidelines for the equipment, such as earthing connection points on each device.
Compliance: The system must comply with the standards set by the concerned State Nodal Agency or DISCOM.
Testing: Regular measurement of earth resistance is crucial to ensure the system remains effective