Author: STL USA team

The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) is a non-profit organization founded by leading companies in the wind energy sector. It focuses on establishing and promoting industry-wide safety and technical training standards to ensure that workers in the wind energy industry are competent, safe, and well-equipped to perform their jobs. The GWO plays a critical role in standardizing training for wind technicians, enabling a global workforce to work in one of the most rapidly growing sectors of renewable energy.

Formation of the GWO

The GWO was formed in 2009 by several of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers and operators, including companies like Siemens Gamesa, Vestas, and Ørsted. These industry leaders recognized the need for common safety standards as the wind energy sector expanded rapidly across the globe. With wind energy projects proliferating in different countries, there was a growing demand for a workforce that could operate safely and effectively across various regions and under diverse conditions.

Prior to the establishment of the GWO, wind energy companies often developed their own training programs, which led to inconsistencies in safety practices. This fragmentation created potential safety risks and inefficiencies. By forming a unified organization, these companies aimed to create a set of universal training standards that could be adopted globally, ensuring that wind technicians would have the same foundational skills and knowledge regardless of where they were trained or employed.

Purpose of the GWO

The primary purpose of the GWO is to improve safety standards within the wind energy industry. Wind turbines operate in challenging environments, such as offshore installations or in remote onshore locations, where technicians are exposed to unique risks, including working at significant heights, dealing with electrical hazards, and performing maintenance in extreme weather conditions. To address these risks, the GWO has developed standardized training modules that cover essential safety practices.

The GWO’s training standards are designed to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries by ensuring that technicians are properly trained in key safety areas. The most common GWO training modules include:

1. Working at Heights: Training on the safe use of fall protection equipment and techniques for working on tall wind turbines.
2. Manual Handling: Best practices for lifting, moving, and handling heavy or awkward loads to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
3. Fire Awareness: Training on fire prevention, identifying fire hazards, and responding to fire incidents in turbine environments.
4. First Aid: Basic first aid skills to ensure that technicians can provide immediate care in case of injury on the job.
5. Sea Survival (for offshore workers): Training for technicians working in offshore wind farms, covering emergency situations at sea, evacuation techniques, and survival skills.

These modules form the basis of the Basic Safety Training (BST) and Basic Technical Training (BTT) courses, which are required for wind technicians working for companies that adhere to GWO standards. As the wind industry grows, these courses are continually updated to reflect new technologies and best practices.

The GWO Yearly Awards

To recognize excellence in the wind energy sector, the GWO hosts annual awards that highlight achievements in areas such as safety performance, innovation, and workforce development. The GWO Yearly Awards are presented to companies, training providers, and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to advancing safety standards in the wind industry.

The awards cover several key areas:

1. Safety Performance: This category rewards organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving safety across their operations. Companies that achieve significant reductions in workplace injuries, accidents, or incidents are recognized for their proactive efforts in fostering a safer working environment.

2. Training Excellence: GWO-accredited training providers that have delivered outstanding training programs and significantly contributed to the skill development of wind technicians are recognized in this category. The award highlights those who have gone above and beyond in delivering high-quality, innovative, and impactful training.

3. Innovation in Safety Training: This award is given to companies or individuals who have introduced innovative approaches to safety training, such as the use of new technologies, digital platforms, or advanced teaching methodologies to improve the learning experience for wind technicians.

4. Workforce Development: This category focuses on efforts to expand and diversify the wind energy workforce. Companies or organizations that have successfully recruited, trained, and retained talent from diverse backgrounds, or that have made significant investments in employee development, are celebrated for their contributions.

5. Sustainability Efforts: The GWO also acknowledges companies that prioritize sustainability in their operations, especially those that align their safety training and workforce practices with broader environmental goals. This category honors those who integrate safety with a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of wind energy projects.

GWO accreditation provides a critical foundation in safety and basic technical skills, it must be complemented by additional training, experience, certifications, and compliance with local regulations and company-specific requirements to fully prepare individuals for the comprehensive demands of working on wind turbines.

Here’s STL USA’s Training Manager, Brandon McKelvain’s view on the current landscape around GWO accreditations –

“The strength of the GWO accreditations is in basic safety and rescue training. The standards are laid out in a simple consistent method. The Taxonomy Framework is excellent for developing content and courses. The “generic approach” found in GWO standards is very effective for introducing participants to a verity of PPE and rescue kits.

However, the depth of basic technical is insufficient and the certification being enduring presents a problem for improvements. More advanced technical knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential for wind technicians before entering the field and unfortunately this isn’t happening.

In addition to GWO accreditations, I think the ACP’s Micro Credentials are an excellent step in the right direction. We’ve made it a point to start integrating these into our training courses. In doing so, technicians know how to apply their skills, which is essential for technicians.”

The rapid expansion of wind energy has made wind technicians indispensable to the operation, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines. With turbines reaching heights of up to 300 feet (90 meters) or more, these technicians work in a high-risk environment. Their safety is paramount, and this requires a combination of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and rescue equipment designed specifically for their unique challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of PPE and rescue equipment used by wind technicians, the pros and cons of different device types, and why it is crucial for teams to have access to a variety of rescue solutions.

The Role of PPE in Wind Turbine Maintenance

PPE serves as the first line of defence for wind technicians against potential hazards such as falls, electrical shocks, and weather-related dangers. Wind turbines are often located in remote areas where weather conditions can change quickly, increasing the likelihood of dangerous situations. Proper PPE can significantly mitigate risks and prevent accidents.

Key Types of PPE for Wind Technicians

1. Fall Protection Systems

   • Harnesses: A full-body harness is a critical component of fall protection for wind technicians. Designed to distribute the force of a fall across the body, these harnesses are attached to an anchor point via a lanyard or self-retracting lifeline (SRL).
     • Pros: Durable, adjustable, and allows freedom of movement. They are designed to prevent serious injury in the event of a fall.
     • Cons: They can be uncomfortable when worn for extended periods, particularly if they are not properly fitted. Limited protection in case of secondary falls (e.g., from one platform to another).
   • Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs): SRLs automatically retract and lock in the event of a fall, reducing the distance a technician can drop.
     • Pros: Automatic locking and retraction offer rapid response in the event of a fall. Allows for greater mobility than traditional lanyards.
     • Cons: SRLs can be expensive, and maintenance is crucial to ensure they function correctly. Their weight can also be a drawback when climbing tall turbines.

2. Helmets with Chin Straps

   • Helmets designed for wind technicians are lightweight, often vented, and come with chin straps to prevent them from falling off during work.
     • Pros: Lightweight design reduces fatigue, and the chin strap ensures the helmet stays in place even during high-wind situations.
     • Cons: Helmets need to be replaced after impact, which can be costly. Additionally, they may become uncomfortable in hot conditions without proper ventilation.

3. Protective Eyewear

   • Wind technicians work in environments with flying debris, dust, and potential exposure to harmful UV rays. Protective eyewear ensures that their vision remains unimpaired.
     • Pros: Shields the eyes from UV radiation, wind, dust, and debris. Some are designed with anti-fog coatings for better visibility.
     • Cons: Fogging or dirt buildup can obstruct vision, leading to distractions. Cheap models may be uncomfortable or fail to provide adequate protection.

4. Gloves

   • Wind technicians rely on dexterity, so gloves must provide protection without sacrificing hand movement. Cut-resistant gloves with grip features are often preferred.
     • Pros: Provides protection from cuts, abrasions, and electrical hazards. Helps maintain grip in wet or greasy conditions.
     • Cons: Can reduce tactile sensitivity, making it difficult to handle small components. Poorly fitted gloves can cause hand fatigue.

5. Footwear

   • Wind technicians wear specialized boots with slip-resistant soles and puncture-resistant materials, ensuring stability on ladders and platforms.
     • Pros: Provides good traction and support. Steel toes or composite reinforcement protect against falling objects.
     • Cons: Heavier boots can cause fatigue, especially when climbing turbines. Insufficient insulation can lead to discomfort in cold conditions.

Rescue Equipment: A Necessity in Wind Turbine Operations

While PPE can prevent many accidents, there remains a risk of incidents where a fall or other emergency occurs. Rescue equipment is designed to ensure swift, safe recovery of technicians in such scenarios. Rescue plans are mandatory for any wind turbine site, and the right equipment can mean the difference between life and death.

Types of Rescue Equipment

1. Rescue Kits

   • Rescue kits typically contain ropes, pulleys, harnesses, and descent devices. They are designed to lower a technician to safety or bring them up from a hazardous location.
     • Pros: Comprehensive and ready for use in various situations. They can be customized based on the height of the turbine and the specific working conditions.
     • Cons: Heavier kits can be cumbersome to carry, and improper training can make using these systems dangerous. They require frequent inspections and maintenance.

2. Descent Devices

   • These devices enable a technician to safely descend from a height in case of emergency.
     • Pros: Provides a controlled descent in emergencies, reducing the risk of injury. Some models allow technicians to carry another person if necessary.
     • Cons: Not all descent devices are suitable for every turbine, as the height and space constraints may differ. Additionally, incorrect use can lead to uncontrolled falls.

3. Evacuation Kits

   • Evacuation kits are designed to be used in extreme situations where rapid escape is necessary, such as a fire or structural failure of the turbine. The RESQ Solo X automatic personal and RESQ RedPro X are great examples of such equipment.
     • Pros: Quick deployment and ease of use can help technicians evacuate rapidly in high-risk situations.
     • Cons: Often designed for single-use, requiring replacement after deployment. Limited versatility compared to other rescue systems.

4. Rescue Stretchers and Backboards

   • These are used when a technician is injured and needs to be transported from the turbine.
     • Pros: Provides necessary support for an injured technician, ensuring their spine and neck are protected during transport.
     • Cons: Requires multiple rescuers to operate, making it less efficient in situations where team size is limited.

5. Winches and Mechanical Advantage Systems

   • These are used to hoist a fallen or injured technician to safety.
     • Pros: Offers significant lifting capacity with minimal effort from rescuers. Essential in situations where technicians need to be raised to safety rather than lowered.
     • Cons: Heavier and more complex to set up. Improper use can result in rescue failure or even exacerbate the injury.

The Importance of a Variety of Rescue Solutions

Given the wide range of challenges posed by working on wind turbines, it is essential for teams to have access to multiple rescue options. Turbines vary in height, design, and access points, meaning that a one-size-fits-all approach is rarely effective. In addition, emergencies may differ; a technician who has fallen may require a different rescue method than one who has become incapacitated due to heat stroke or electrical shock.

For instance, a descent device may be ideal for a technician working near the top of a turbine, while a pulley-based rescue system might be necessary for those at lower levels or in more confined spaces. Access to stretchers, winches, and mechanical advantage systems allows for rapid response to a variety of situations, reducing rescue times and minimizing injury risk.

Furthermore, frequent training and drills are critical for ensuring that wind technician teams are familiar with the equipment and can respond swiftly in emergencies. Rescue plans must be customized to specific turbine sites, and teams must be well-versed in both individual and team-based rescue scenarios.

Conclusion

The safety of wind technicians relies heavily on the proper use of PPE and rescue equipment. While PPE such as harnesses, helmets, and gloves provide crucial protection during routine operations, rescue equipment is vital for responding to emergencies. By equipping wind technician teams with a variety of rescue solutions and ensuring regular training, companies can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the high-risk environments where these technicians work. The right combination of gear and preparedness is essential for maintaining safety at towering heights.

Becoming a Global Wind Organization (GWO) training instructor is an exciting and rewarding career choice for individuals passionate about renewable energy and safety training. The wind energy sector is rapidly growing, and so is the demand for skilled professionals capable of providing high-quality GWO training is an internationally recognized organization that develops safety training standards for the wind industry. To become a GWO training instructor, there are several steps, qualifications, and skills you need to acquire. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding GWO’s role to the certifications and experience necessary to succeed in this field.

1. Understanding the Role of the Global Wind Organization

Before diving into how to become a GWO training instructor, it’s essential to understand the organization’s role and the significance of its standards.

The Global Wind Organization is a non-profit organization established by leading wind turbine manufacturers and operators. Its primary goal is to create a safe work environment for workers in the wind energy sector by developing internationally accepted training standards. These standards are designed to ensure that workers have the necessary skills to work safely in wind turbines and other wind energy facilities.

The core GWO training modules focus on areas such as:

• Basic Safety Training (BST), which covers First Aid, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness, and Working at Heights.
• Basic Technical Training (BTT), which includes mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic technical skills.

As a GWO training instructor, your responsibility will be to deliver these training modules to professionals working in the wind industry, ensuring they meet safety and technical standards.

2. Prerequisites and Qualifications

A. Relevant Background and Experience

To become a GWO instructor, you must possess relevant experience in either the wind energy sector or other related industries. A background in fields such as mechanical or electrical engineering, health and safety, emergency response, or rescue operations would be particularly valuable.

Typically, GWO instructors come from one or more of the following backgrounds:

• Wind Turbine Technician: Having hands-on experience with wind turbines, including maintenance and installation, provides a strong foundation for delivering GWO training.
• Health and Safety Specialist: A background in occupational health and safety gives you an advantage, especially when training individuals in safety procedures and standards.
• Emergency Services Professional: Experience as a firefighter, paramedic, or search and rescue worker can be beneficial, particularly for teaching modules like First Aid and Fire Awareness.

B. Education and Certifications

While there isn’t a strict educational requirement, many GWO training instructors have formal education in engineering, safety management, or a related technical field. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is helpful but not mandatory.

In terms of certifications, you need to complete the relevant GWO training yourself before teaching it. This includes obtaining certifications in the courses you plan to instruct, such as:

• GWO Basic Safety Training (BST)
• GWO Basic Technical Training (BTT)
• GWO Advanced Rescue Training (ART), if applicable

Many instructors also hold additional safety certifications, such as NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) or IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) qualifications, which demonstrate a commitment to health and safety best practices.

3. Completing Instructor Qualification Training

Once you have the necessary background and certifications, the next step is to undergo instructor qualification training. GWO has strict requirements for instructors, and you must meet these standards before you are eligible to train others. This training is usually offered by GWO-certified training providers and focuses on two main areas:

A. GWO Instructor Certification

To deliver GWO-certified courses, you must first become a certified GWO instructor. This certification typically involves:

• Attending a Train-the-Trainer course: These courses are designed to teach you how to deliver GWO modules effectively. You will learn about adult learning techniques, instructional design, and practical delivery methods.
• Passing an assessment: After completing the instructor training, you must pass an assessment to demonstrate your ability to deliver the course material. This often includes both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching demonstrations.

B. Familiarization with GWO Standards and Guidelines

You will need to familiarize yourself with GWO standards, guidelines, and updates regularly. GWO is committed to maintaining high safety standards, and as an instructor, you are responsible for ensuring that your training complies with the latest guidelines. This means staying up-to-date with new course materials, changes to existing modules, and any other relevant developments.

4. Working for a GWO-Certified Training Provider

To officially deliver GWO training, you must work for or be affiliated with a GWO-certified training provider. These are organizations accredited by GWO to deliver their approved courses. Becoming an instructor for a certified provider gives you access to the resources, facilities, and equipment necessary to conduct high-quality training sessions.

A. Choosing a Training Provider

When selecting a training provider to work with, consider factors such as:

• Reputation: Look for providers with a solid track record of delivering GWO-certified training and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Facilities and Equipment: Ensure the training provider has the appropriate facilities, such as towers for working at heights or simulation equipment for rescue training. High-quality facilities enhance the learning experience for trainees and provide you with the tools needed to teach effectively.
• Support and Development: Choose a provider that offers ongoing professional development opportunities. This may include access to advanced courses, additional certifications, or workshops that help you stay current with industry trends and GWO standards.

B. Freelancing vs. Employment

As a GWO instructor, you may have the option to work as a full-time employee for a training provider or offer your services as a freelancer. Both paths have their advantages:

• Full-time employment provides job security, a steady income, and access to a wide range of training resources and support.
• Freelancing offers flexibility and the ability to work with multiple training providers or clients. This option might appeal to experienced professionals who want to take control of their schedules.

5. Maintaining Your Instructor Status

Once you are a certified GWO instructor, you must maintain your qualifications through ongoing professional development and recertification.

A. Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

CPD is critical in ensuring that you remain competent and up-to-date with the latest safety standards and teaching methods. As a GWO instructor, you should participate in regular refresher courses, attend industry conferences, and keep abreast of technological advancements in the wind energy sector.

B. Recertification

GWO instructor certifications are valid for a set period (usually two years), after which you must undergo recertification to continue delivering training. This process involves completing refresher courses and reassessments to ensure that you still meet GWO’s high standards.

6. Building a Strong Career as a GWO Instructor

Finally, becoming a successful GWO training instructor goes beyond meeting the basic qualifications. To build a strong career, you need to focus on the following:

• Effective Communication: Being able to clearly convey complex technical information in an understandable way is essential to your success as an instructor.
• Passion for Safety: As a GWO instructor, you are responsible for the safety and well-being of your trainees. A genuine commitment to safety and high standards is crucial.
• Networking: Building connections within the wind energy sector, including other instructors, industry experts, and employers, can open doors to new opportunities and career growth.

By following these steps and dedicating yourself to the field, you can establish yourself as a trusted, knowledgeable GWO training instructor.

Excellent electrical safety training and skills are crucial for wind technicians due to the unique and hazardous nature of their work. Wind turbines operate with complex electrical systems, including both low and high-voltage circuits, and technicians frequently work in challenging conditions, such as at great heights and in remote locations. These factors heighten the risks associated with electrical work and make rigorous safety training essential.

Firstly, wind turbines often utilize high-voltage systems to convert and transmit energy, exposing technicians to potentially fatal hazards like electrical shock, arc flash, and arc blast. Proper training ensures technicians understand these dangers, how to mitigate them, and how to follow safe work practices. Knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and approach boundaries are critical to preventing accidents during routine maintenance or troubleshooting tasks.

Secondly, electrical incidents in wind turbines can lead to catastrophic consequences, including fires, equipment damage, and serious injury or death. Electrical safety training helps technicians perform risk assessments, identify hazards, and apply appropriate safety measures before beginning work. This proactive approach minimizes the chances of accidents and enhances technicians’ ability to work safely under pressure.

Additionally, rapid technological advancements in the wind industry introduce new, sophisticated electrical components. Technicians must possess up-to-date skills to understand these systems, troubleshoot them effectively, and remain compliant with safety standards like NFPA 70E or GWO CoHE.

Finally, the remote and elevated nature of wind turbine work adds further complexity. Emergency responses in these environments can be challenging, making it vital for technicians to follow stringent electrical safety protocols to reduce the likelihood of incidents.

NFPA 70E is a standard developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) focused on electrical safety in the workplace. It outlines practices and procedures to protect workers from electrical hazards, such as shock, arc flash, and arc blast. The standard provides guidelines for safe work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), risk assessment, and the establishment of electrically safe working conditions.

For wind technicians, NFPA 70E is highly applicable because they regularly work with both low and high-voltage electrical systems in wind turbines. These systems can expose technicians to significant risks, including electrical shock, arc flash, and fires. Following NFPA 70E helps wind technicians to safely perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs by using proper procedures like Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), arc flash protection, and ensuring they are trained and qualified to work on live electrical parts.

The standard also mandates appropriate PPE, safe approach boundaries, and the need for detailed risk assessments before performing any electrical work. By adhering to NFPA 70E, wind technicians minimize the risks associated with electrical work, ensuring safer operations in the high-risk wind energy sector.

The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Control of Hazardous Energies (CoHE) training standard is designed to ensure the safety of wind technicians when working with potentially hazardous energies in wind turbines, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. The CoHE training focuses on providing technicians with the knowledge and skills to safely isolate, control, and de-energize equipment, reducing the risk of injury or accidents in wind farms.

Applicability to Wind Technicians

For wind technicians, the GWO CoHE standard is essential because their work often involves interaction with various energy systems in wind turbines during maintenance, repair, and inspection activities. The CoHE training ensures they can safely manage these energy sources by:

1. Identifying Hazards: Technicians are trained to recognize potential energy-related risks (e.g., moving parts, high voltage).
2. Isolating Energy Sources: They learn how to safely isolate turbines from energy sources using Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and other safety mechanisms.
3. Verifying De-Energization: After isolation, technicians are trained to confirm the absence of hazardous energy before performing work.
4. Applying Safety Procedures: They follow structured safety procedures to prevent inadvertent re-energization while working on turbines.

This training ensures that wind technicians can competently control and manage hazardous energy, helping to prevent accidents, equipment damage, or electrical shock during operations.

Difference Between GWO CoHE and NFPA 70E

While both GWO CoHE and NFPA 70E address electrical safety, they differ in their focus and scope:

• NFPA 70E is a comprehensive standard that covers workplace electrical safety across multiple industries, focusing primarily on electrical hazards, such as arc flash, electric shock, and arc blast. It provides detailed guidelines on electrical risk assessment, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and safe work practices specific to electrical systems. NFPA 70E is widely used in the U.S. and addresses electrical hazards in various sectors, including wind energy.

• GWO CoHE, on the other hand, is specifically tailored to the wind energy industry and covers multiple types of hazardous energy sources, not just electrical. While electrical hazards are a part of the training, CoHE also emphasizes controlling other energy types found in wind turbines, such as mechanical and hydraulic. The CoHE training provides a more industry-specific, holistic approach to managing the diverse energy hazards wind technicians face.

In summary, NFPA 70E is more focused on electrical safety, whereas GWO CoHE offers a broader, wind industry-specific approach to handling various hazardous energies.