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When Don Quixote tilted at windmills more than 400 years ago, he must have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of his foes on the La Mancha landscape. Although windmills fell out of fashion when newer technologies took over, wind power is back in force in the 21st century.
However, working at height to service wind turbines poses grave fall hazards that the Knight of the Sorrowful Countenance never dreamed of when facing his Giants. In today’s world, certified instruction recognized by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) in Basic Safety Training (BST) and Advanced Rescue Training (ART) is the key to protecting these workers.
The GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) Full Suite is the recommended entry-level course. It provides foundational knowledge and skills for safe work in the wind industry. This comprehensive program is structured around four core safety areas:
This fundamental section provides workers with hands-on experience using fall arrest equipment, climbing practices, and emergency escape techniques. Since wind turbines are located hundreds of feet off the ground, the risk of a tragic fall is concerning, and this training helps mitigate those risks.
Manual Handling
Students gain an understanding of how to lift, carry, and position equipment correctly. This is critical in wind energy environments to reduce the risk of muscle strain and related injuries.
Fire Awareness
Turbine nacelles and generator housings can pose significant fire risks. This module trains participants in fire prevention, the identification of ignition sources, and effective fire extinguishing.
First Aid
Participants learn how to handle medical emergencies, including CPR, essential life support, and trauma care. This enables them to assist injured colleagues or stabilize situations until professional help arrives.
The GWO Advanced Rescue Training (ART) course is designed for wind technicians who may need to perform rescues in various parts of a wind turbine. In an emergency, technicians working in wind turbines must be able to effectively evacuate or assist in rescuing colleagues, even in challenging environments.
Participants must have valid GWO BST certificates in GWO Working at Heights, GWO Material Handling, and GWO First Aid. Registration with WINDA is also required. ART training covers four key safety areas:
Hub, Spinner & Inside Blade Rescue (HSIBR)
This module enables participants to perform rescue operations in a wind turbine generator (WTG) hub, spinner, and inside the blade. They will use industry-standard rescue equipment, methods, and techniques that exceed those of GWO Working at Height.
Nacelle, Tower & Basement Rescue (NTBR)
NTBR trains participants to rescue injured people in the WTG nacelle, tower, and basement. It employs equipment, methods, and techniques exceeding those of GWO Working at Height.
Single Rescuer (HSIBR)
A quick, efficient response is vital when only one rescuer is available. This ART course trains workers to perform rescues without additional assistance for the WTG hub, spinner, and blade, which can be life-saving in remote locations.
Single Rescuer (NTBR)
This ART course also focuses on training a single rescuer for rescues in the WTG nacelle, tower, and basement.
GWO BST and ART certification courses train workers in specialized safety skills, practices, and rescues for wind turbines. They are designed to meet regulatory requirements and foster confidence to face the work-at-height challenges posed by the wind industry. GWO-certified technicians are better prepared to navigate their daily tasks safely and effectively. Since certification is valid for two years, refresher courses are offered.