As a further update to this issue I have received & sent the following reply, to the Email I sent to CS Energy:
"Hi Lisa
Thanks for your reply
My Apologies for the broken link, this one works (i have tested it)
http://www.avlite.com/products/showcase.php
Look at the "Hazard Beacons"
These lights offer a "Maintenance free" light, at least in relation to the residual life of your stacks, which I understand is through to 2012.
I appreciate your concerns for the safety of your workers, I too work in an environment where EHS is put first.
I would suggest that however, in this instance the Safety issues could be reduced to an acceptable level by the application of appropriate control measures, for a one off installation of "hazard lights", without the need for further maintenance during the the remainder of the stacks life.
I believe this is an important environmental measure, that requires further investigation.
The first engineering solution applied to a problem is not necessarily the best one.
Regards
EnergyInfo <EnergyInfo@csenergy.com.au> wrote:
Hi Ian
The hyperlink you sent me did not work, so unfortunately I was unable to read about the product you suggested. CASA wrote to CS Energy's Swanbank Power Station requesting that both chimney stacks at Swanbank B be lit in accordance with their "Manual of Standards (Part 139)". This request followed a change to CASA requirements and a new assessment of the stacks, which found they presented a hazard to aircraft transiting to and from Archerfield Aerodrome.
When determining where to place the lights, CS Energy carried out a risk assessment of installing floodlights near the chimney bases, versus obstacle lights placed up the length of the chimneys. The Swanbank B chimneys are each 137 metres high and over 30-years-old. It was determined that installing obstacle lights would pose a safety risk for our personnel who would need to climb the chimneys to install and maintain the lights. As the safety of CS Energy's people is our highest priority, we decided that installing floodlights near the bases of the chimneys was a safer option. CASA also endorsed this decision as a more practical option in the circumstances.
Swanbank Power Station hired a lighting designer to install the floodlights to CASA’s standards and Australian Standards for lighting. The lights are carefully positioned to shine directly on the stacks and avoid the rest of the station and neighbouring homes. The lights also have sensors to ensure they automatically turn on and off in response to changing dusk and dawn times. As the stacks are very high vertical structures, some lighting is almost vertical and shines onto both the stacks and sky. We have used the best lighting technology currently available and will continue to look for ways to ensure the light is kept to a minimum while still complying with CASA’s standards.
I appreciate your concerns over this issue and hope I have answered your questions.
Lisa White
Marketing and Communication Adviser
CS Energy
GPO Box 769
Brisbane Qld 4001
Ph: (07) 3222 9386
Fax: (07) 3222 9323
Mob: 0419 749 860
Email:
Lwhite@csenergy.com.au
www.csenergy.com.au "
Don't give up on this issue SE Qld
, if you allow 1 business to apply this kind of lighting solution, others will follow !
