Wind Turbine Icing and Cold Climate Operations Checklist
This wind turbine icing and cold climate operations checklist ensures compliance with IEA Wind Task 19 recommendations for cold climate wind energy, OSHA winter work safety requirements, and AWEA cold climate wind turbine guidelines. Designed for wind farm operations teams in cold climates to manage ice detection, turbine restart after icing, and safe winter field work conditions.
- Industry: Renewable Energy
- Frequency: As Required
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: Wind Farm Operations Team
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: IEA Wind Task 19 Cold Climate Wind Energy Guidelines, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 Electrical Safety Cold Weather, AWEA Cold Climate Wind Turbine Guidelines, OEM Cold Climate Operation Manual Requirements, ANSI Z359 Fall Protection (Cold Weather)
Ice Detection and Assessment
Ice condition assessment per IEA Wind Task 19.
- Ice detection system active and alarming appropriately?
- Blades visually inspected for ice (cameras or drone)?
- Icing weather conditions forecast reviewed?
- Ice throw exclusion zone established around iced turbines?
- Ice Condition Assessment Notes
Icing-Related Shutdowns
Safe turbine shutdown and lockout during icing events.
- Iced turbines safely shut down and locked out?
- Auto-shutdown on ice detection confirmed functioning?
- Ice warning signs posted at turbine access roads?
- Public road authority notified of ice throw risk?
- Ice-related downtime tracked in O&M system?
Post-Icing Restart Protocol
Safe turbine restart after ice event.
- Blades confirmed ice-free before restart?
- Turbine warmed up per cold climate procedure?
- Exclusion zone clear of personnel during restart?
- Staged restart of iced turbines (not all at once)?
- Post-restart performance within expected range?
Cold Weather Worker Safety
Worker protection in extreme cold conditions.
- Workers equipped with appropriate cold weather PPE?
- Workers trained in hypothermia recognition and first aid?
- Buddy system in place for all field workers?
- Vehicle emergency survival kits present (blankets, food, hand warmers)?
- Fall protection harnesses pre-warmed before use in extreme cold?
Equipment Cold Weather Checks
Turbine equipment cold weather operability.
- Nacelle heating system operational?
- Gearbox oil pre-heating system active?
- Hydraulic system low-temperature fluid in use?
- UPS/pitch backup batteries maintained above minimum temperature?
- Nacelle cooling antifreeze concentration checked?
Documentation
Ice event and cold weather operations log.
- Ice event log updated with duration and affected turbines?
- Ice-related production loss calculated and documented?
- Insurance/warranty notification for significant ice damage?
- Lessons learned captured for ice event response improvement?
- Cold Climate Operations Notes
Related Renewable Energy Checklists
- Wind Turbine Nacelle Service and Lubrication Checklist
- Wind Meteorological (Met) Tower Inspection Checklist
- Wind Farm Noise and Vibration Monitoring Checklist
- Wind Farm Medium Voltage Electrical Safety Checklist
- Hydropower Dam Safety Inspection Checklist
- Hydropower Turbine and Runner Inspection Checklist
- EV Charging Station Inspection Checklist
- Microgrid Operations and Resilience Checklist
Related Wind Checklists
- Wind Turbine Daily Operations Checklist - FREE Download
- Wind Turbine Tower Climb Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Wind Turbine Gearbox Preventive Maintenance Checklist - FREE Download
- Wind Turbine Blade Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Wind Farm Substation Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Wind Turbine Annual Preventive Maintenance Checklist - FREE Download
- Wind Turbine Nacelle Service and Lubrication Checklist - FREE Download
- Wind Meteorological (Met) Tower Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Wind Farm Noise and Vibration Monitoring Checklist - FREE Download
- Wind Farm Medium Voltage Electrical Safety Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Wind Turbine Icing and Cold Climate Operations Checklist?
This wind turbine icing and cold climate operations checklist helps renewable energy teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for wind farm operations team professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: as required.
Ensures compliance with IEA Wind Task 19 Cold Climate Wind Energy Guidelines, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 Electrical Safety Cold Weather, AWEA Cold Climate Wind Turbine Guidelines, OEM Cold Climate Operation Manual Requirements, ANSI Z359 Fall Protection (Cold Weather). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Wind Turbine Icing and Cold Climate Operations Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Ice Detection and Assessment, Icing-Related Shutdowns, Post-Icing Restart Protocol, Cold Weather Worker Safety, Equipment Cold Weather Checks, Documentation. It is designed for renewable energy operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed as required. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this Wind Turbine Icing and Cold Climate Operations Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Wind Farm Operations Team professionals in the renewable energy industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.