A new addition to the STL USA training facilities
Meet the new Pad Mounted Transformer
STL USA took delivery today of the latest addition to our technical and electrical safety site, a brand new pad mounted transformer. This fantastic piece of kit will drastically improve the range and scope of the electrical safety courses on the STL USA roster.
Courses that will use the pad mounted transformer include:
1. BOP Substation/PMT Switching: A New Offering for 2025
The Basic Balance of Plant (BOP) Substation/PMT Switching Training is designed to equip participants with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to work safely in substation environments. This course emphasizes safety protocols, equipment familiarity, and the fundamental principles of medium and high-voltage systems. It also introduces key concepts such as ANSI and IEEE naming conventions, inspection practices, and switching order basics. While this training provides a solid foundation, workers must still receive task-specific approval from a qualified professional and employer validation before undertaking independent tasks.
Course Highlights
- Safe substation access and equipment familiarization.
- Principles of high and medium voltage protection.
- Introduction to electrical schematics, including ANSI/IEEE standards.
- Conducting basic substation inspections.
- Switching order fundamentals.
- Written assessments and hands-on exercises for switching orders.
- Practical application: PMT switching, energy state verification, and personal grounding procedures.
- Substation walk-throughs with authorized personnel.
- Optional practical switching in the substation (per client request).
Why This Training Matters
BOP Substation/PMT Switching training is critical for electrical workers managing medium-to-high voltage systems. A simple error in switching procedures can have dire consequences, including injuries, asset damage, and prolonged downtime. Additionally, substations and transformers form the backbone of power distribution systems, essential for uninterrupted operations. By equipping workers with a deep understanding of substation and transformer functionality, this course ensures operational reliability, safety, and reduced risk of system failures. This training is more than a technical requirement—it’s a commitment to safeguarding personnel and assets.
Learn more about the course here
2. Control of Hazardous Energies (CoHE) Course: Essential for Wind Technicians
Managing hazardous energies is a critical skill for technicians working on machinery where stored or active energy poses a threat. The Control of Hazardous Energies (CoHE) course, although not currently a mandatory GWO certification, is increasingly recognized as indispensable for wind energy professionals. STL USA champions this training as essential for anyone working on turbines, especially up-tower technicians. Industry trends suggest that leading OEMs will soon include CoHE as a required qualification, emphasizing its growing importance.
Course Content
- Understanding Hazardous Energies: This module explains the types of energy (electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical) encountered in turbines and their potential risks.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): A comprehensive guide to de-energizing and securing equipment before maintenance or inspection.
- Risk Assessments and Safe Practices: Participants learn to conduct risk evaluations, select appropriate PPE, and follow strict safety protocols to mitigate hazards.
Why It’s Crucial
Wind turbines are complex machines with numerous energy sources, from electrical circuits to hydraulic systems. Proper CoHE training empowers technicians to handle these high-risk environments confidently, preventing accidents and reducing downtime. Beyond routine safety measures, this course instills a culture of proactive risk management, demonstrating a commitment to safety that benefits both technicians and employers.
Bonus Insight
You can combine the GWO CoHE course with NFPA 70E training for a comprehensive approach to electrical and hazardous energy safety.
Learn more about the course here
3. Qualified Electrical Worker (QEW) Training Aligned with NFPA 70E Standards
As wind turbines grow larger and more powerful, the electrical risks for technicians increase significantly. The Qualified Electrical Worker (QEW) course, combined with NFPA 70E certification, is tailored to equip technicians with advanced electrical safety knowledge. This training addresses the unique challenges of working with electrical systems in wind turbines and emphasizes the safe handling of both energized and de-energized equipment.
Course Content
- Understanding NFPA 70E Standards: Participants learn the guidelines established by the National Fire Protection Association, including arc flash protection, shock hazard analysis, and appropriate PPE selection.
- Electrical Hazard Identification: Training focuses on recognizing electrical risks, assessing hazards, and implementing preventative measures.
- Safe Work Practices: Technicians gain practical knowledge of lockout/tagout procedures, maintaining safe approach distances, and adhering to best practices for working around electrical systems.
Why This Training Is Vital
Electricity remains one of the most significant hazards on wind farms, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities if mishandled. The QEW with NFPA 70E certification equips technicians to minimize these risks effectively. It not only ensures compliance with safety standards but also enhances employability by qualifying workers for advanced roles. Employers also benefit from reduced incident rates and a workforce skilled in maintaining safe operations in high-risk environments.
For wind technicians, this course represents a step toward greater competency, safety, and career advancement in the evolving wind energy sector.
Learn more about the course here
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