Cummins Inc., a global energy leader providing electrical power generation systems and complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service diesel and natural gas engines and related technologies, provides useful tips on Safety and Power.
The company’s products are complementary to the national power grid. To ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply in the home, industry and commerce are pushed to secure reliable back-up energy solutions for times of power outages.
Kenny Gaynor, Director Power Generation for Cummins Southern Africa, advises, “An often overlooked issue is the impact of power outages on Safety. Critical Safety processes depend entirely on the presence of a reliable uninterrupted power supply to ensure safety procedures and processes remain intact and effective. It is imperative that companies update their safety files and procedures to accommodate additional measures in the event of power outages, given the frequency of power interruptions in the past year.” Furthermore, “Safety processes and procedures must be integrated with operational processes, with crucial consideration given to what additional requirements are introduced in the event of a power failure. Issues such as a sudden power dip can cause machinery to shut down and automatically reset and any unsafe human intervention with this machinery must be controlled.”
Compromised safety process can place employees and members of the public at significant Health and Safety risk. “One can imagine the real risks associated with an underground mine that experiences a power outage and the headgear, lift shaft and ventilation systems are unable to operate effectively as a result,” he adds.
Cummins is able to design, supply and construct a back-up power generation system tailored to the type of business to ensure the security of power and prevent production losses and safety concerns during power outages. Critical benefits far outweigh the costs of investing in a back-up power system. These include the seamless continuation of operations and processes, be it in a manufacturing environment or in a hospital theatre on the operating table.
Cummins power solutions come into play in two scenarios; for example where there is no grid power in remote areas and secondly, where there is an unreliable grid network. Whilst Cummins products are class-leading in terms of fuel consumption, efficiency and emission control, the cost of back-up power generation pales into insignificance when one considers the impact of power outages on a business or Government institution. Generally, the cost of alternative or complimentary power generation will always be higher than the base load Utility power generation. The real benefits are uninterrupted power.
Cummins provides a class leading range of both diesel and gas powered generators with individual stand-alone units from 8 kVA to 3750 kVA. Configured and integrated to form multiple unit power plants, the range extends to cater for any business application, regardless of site location. Additionally, Cummins holds the necessary parts on hand for any planned or unplanned intervention that may be necessary from time to time.
Crucial to effective power generation systems is the continuous, reliable and ready supply of parts for ongoing maintenance and repairs. Customers need to consider this in making a decision on the choice of OEM to supply a generator. The company also partners with other technology developers such as solar to create power generation in hybrid platforms that can reduce fuel costs and contribute to a greener and sustainable environment.
Investing and developing its people and those of customers is high on the company’s priorities. Training into safety and the ongoing support of Cummins products is paramount.
In conclusion, Gaynor advises, “As a responsible Global and South African company, Cummins would urge consumers to think, plan and action any energy efficiency measures that serve to eradicate the unnecessary usage and waste of this precious resource and thereby lessening the demand on electricity. It is clear that the easiest, quickest and cheapest form of expansion in the provision of electrical power is to reduce power wastage and improve energy efficiency going forward. This form of organic generation is virtually free, and importantly, also emissions free. And remember, SAFETY FIRST!”
