As the grid operator of the Netherlands and much of Germany, TenneT owns and operates 25,000 kilometers of high-voltage cables. Their main task is to ensure that the lights stay on and that electricity is always and everywhere available at the push of a button. With a security of supply of 99.9%, TenneT is one of the best grid operators in the world.

Blomsma Signs & Safety has been a proud partner of TenneT for some time now, where we have had the privilege of providing several offshore projects (Offshore Substations BorWin Alpha, DolWin Alpha, HelWin Beta, Hollandse Kust Zuid, West and Noord) with full safety and health signage. In addition to our extensive work on offshore platforms for TenneT during the new construction phase, we are also actively involved in projects for TenneT’s onshore high-voltage infrastructure sites.

Our commitment to quality, safety and sustainability, combined with our in-depth knowledge of both offshore and onshore projects, enables us to support TenneT in their crucial task of keeping the energy supply reliable and accessible.

Project Approach and Scope

The scope of onshore projects for TenneT includes:

• Implementing a complete safety and health signage system:
• safety signs
• location access signs
• escape route signs
• assembly station signs
• firefighting and rescue equipment signage

Starting points for the projects regarding laws and regulations:

• Working Conditions Decree Chapter 8, Art 8.4.
• Working Conditions Regulation Chapter 8, Art 8.1 to 8.5 – Art 8.9 to 8.11
• NEN-ISO 17398:2004 – Safety colors and safety signs – Classification, performance and durability of safety signs
• NEN 3011:2021 – Safety colors and signs in the work environment and in public spaces
• ISO 7010:2020 – Safety colors and signs, registered safety signs
• ISO/TS 20559:2020 – Guidelines for the development and use of a safety signage system

All standards and laws can be found here.

Implementation

The primary objective of the extensive series of projects we have been privileged to undertake for TenneT is the implementation of a pragmatic safety and health signaling system. This system is specifically designed to comply with relevant laws and regulations, with a focus on ensuring workplace safety. One such project involved the development and installation of clear and informative safety instruction signs for the High Voltage Mast Network (NW380), located in the northern part of the Netherlands. These signs play a prominent role in informing and protecting personnel working in and around the pylons of this infrastructure.

Furthermore, we have implemented complete and integrated health and safety signage systems at more than 43 high-voltage substations. These systems support a safe working environment by providing workers with visual information on safety procedures, safe areas (e.g. staging areas) and other relevant safety measures and actions. Our commitment to these projects underscores our dedication to safety and health, as well as our ability to successfully complete large-scale and complex projects.

About TenneT

TenneT is a leading European Transmission System Operator (TSO). They are committed to a safe and reliable supply of electricity, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. In doing so, they promote energy transition with the aim of a sustainable, reliable and affordable energy future.

TenneT’s responsibilities are laid down in the Dutch Electricity Act (E-wet) and the German Energiewirtschaftsgesetz (EnWG). TenneT’s main task is to secure the supply of electricity to the nearly 43 million people in the Netherlands and much of Germany. They do this by transporting electricity, providing “system services” and facilitating the energy market. They also design, build, maintain and operate the electricity grid.

Want to know more about Tennet? Read more here.