Assessment of occupational health and safety issues in geothermal energy systems

Abstract

Geothermal energy is a sustainable, low cost, inexhaustible, environmentally friendly energy source. On the other hand, the fact that it can be used in many ways, such as electricity generation, heating, and cooling in the health sector, makes geothermal energy important in the world. For this reason, occupational health and safety (OHS) is of great importance in the success of geothermal energy projects, system efficiency, assessment of environmental impacts, protection of human health and prevention of economic losses. In this study, a holistic approach to geothermal energy plants with OHS issues has investigated. Accordingly, a literature survey has conducted on the dangers encountered or may be encountered in geothermal power plants, occupational health, and safety issues. Also, national and international legal regulations were researched. In this regard, Turkey, as well as legal regulations applied in areas where Iceland and the Philippines in geothermal energy production in the world, have shared first place. To analyze the functioning of field application is made observations in a geothermal power plant in Turkey. In this regard, it has been determined that national and international labors in geothermal energy should be supported with a common language, scientific infrastructure, applicability, and legal regulations that will form a basis in terms of OHS. By defining the environmental effects, dangers, and risks of geothermal systems, the emphasis has been placed on the work to be done in the field of OHS. In conclusion, when the legal regulations and literature on geothermal power plants are examined, it is seen that there is a need for guidance studies on the location and importance of OHS issues. © ECOS 2020.All right reserved.