Hubbard, B; Huang, Q; Caskey, P and Wang, Y (2013) Safety awareness educational topics for the construction of power transmission systems with smart grid technologies. Construction Economics and Building, 13(3), pp. 114-127. ISSN 2204-9029
Abstract
Power transmission facilities in the U.S. are undergoing a transformation due to the increased use of distributed generation sources such as wind and solar power. The current power grid system is also antiquated and in need of substantial retrofits to make it more efficient and reliable. The new energy transmission system being designed and built to optimize power delivery is known as "Smart Grid". The increased activity in the construction of power transmission facilities and installation of new technologies into the current power system raises potential safety concerns. Existing construction management curriculum may include general information about safety training, but does not typically include information about this specialized sector. The objective of this study was to work with industry to identify hazards and safety topics appropriate for inclusion in an introductory industrial construction course. These topics were subsequently developed and incorporated into a joint undergraduate and graduate course in industrial construction. A survey of the students was performed to determine the effectiveness of the course and to obtain feedback. This paper documents information on electrical system hazards and the results of the student surveys, both of which may be considered a first step in the exploration and development of a safety curriculum to meet the needs of the future.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | electrical safety; electrocution; power transmission; safety education; smart grid |
| Index terms: | distributed generation, undergraduate, survey, documents, new technology, exploration, effectiveness, transformation, solar power, industrial construction, safety training |
| Subjects: | innovation and technology management, energy systems, data collection methods, curriculum development, performance management, professional development, building construction, business, environmental resource management, occupational health and safety management |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Education, Information Management, Business Strategy, Quality Management, Sustainability, Engineering Principles, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here