Aboitiz Power-Benguet tops safety test anew

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Hydroelectric power specialist SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (Snap-Benguet) posted a combined 3.75 million man-hour of zero loss time incidents (LTI) as of April 2011 for its Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plants.

This LTI-free record of both power plants continues despite extensive facility upgrades since it took over the operation of the plants in 2008.

The 75-megawatt Ambuklao has posted close to 1.6 million hours of zero LTI, while the 100-megawatt Binga plant, first-time recipient of a safety milestone award from the Department of Labor and Employment last year, registered a zero LTI record of 1.17 million hours.

Snap-Benguet’s safety record can be attributed to employees and contractors’ adherence to international occupational and safety guidelines.

Acquired by Snap-Benguet in 2008 from the National Power Corporation through the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management, Ambuklao has been decommissioned since 1999 due to the effects of a major earthquake, which hit Benguet in 1990.

Once fully rehabilitated, Ambuklao will be restored to operating status, and its capacity will increase to 105 megawatts and Binga’s capacity will increase to 120 megawatts, providing additional clean energy for the Luzon grid.

The rehabilitation of the Ambuklao plant began in 2008 and is expected to be completed by third quarter 2011, while the full refurbishment of Binga is targeted by 2014.

As the rehabilitation of Ambuklao power plant nears completion, th hydroelectric power specialist increased efforts to ensure the wellbeing of personnel.

The company gave the staff regular toolbox sessions on behavioral safety issues, correct operational procedures, first aid trainings, and emergency evacuation drills.

It also reinforced a strict policy on alcohol consumption after office hours for plant-based on-site workers.

Snap-Benguet also commemorated the International Labor Organization (ILO) World Day of Safety and Health with a firefighting competition, report of unwanted occurrences (RUO) recognition and awarding, and safety seminar. (Maria Elena Catajan)