Category: GWO training

GWO accreditations fall into the two basic standards created by the industry to ensure consistency in safety systems and processes. Each is a vital qualification for technicians looking to work in the wind energy industry.

This week we take a look at the two basic standards and the modules that make up the the GWO accreditations. All of STL USA’s GWO training courses  cover the modules that make up the two standards.

About GWO

GWO – Global Wind Organisation was founded by its constituent members including wind turbine manufacturers, owners and training providers. The first safety standard was published in 2012 and refreshed in 2017 in response to industry demand for a recognisable standard for the sector. This was followed by the technical standard with both GWO accreditations becoming the industry norm for technicians in the industry.

Basic Safety Training modules

Each module in the Basic Safety Training accreditation covers essential aspects of safety for technicians in the wind energy sector. The modules are designed to equip the technician with a strong safety baseline and are essential to work on turbines operated by GWO members. Basic Safety Training was introduced in 2012 as a direct result of the wind energy sector coming together to agree uniform safety standards.

Modules included in Basic Safety Training include those below as well as refreshers for each which are required to be taken annually.

• First Aid
• Working at Height
• Manual Handling
• Fire Awareness
• Sea Survival

Basic Technical Training modules

The Basic Technical Training accreditation is designed to equip technicians with with a strong practical knowledge of the key technical aspects of wind turbines. Introduced in 2017, the Basic Technical Training Standard consists of three core modules and an additional installation module which can be taken after certification in the mechanical module. From 31st March 2018 all new technicians working for GWO member companies and their suppliers are expected to complete Basic Technical Training. Modules include:

• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Hydraulic
• Installation

These two GWO accreditations form the backbone of technicians required knowledge for performing their jobs in a safe best practice environment. STL USA have over 15 years experience training technicians in the USA, UK and Europe in all of the modules. Training takes place at very locations around the world with two key centers in the USA; Texas and Iowa.

For more information and to book your GWO training course click the button below.

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This weeks blog is a GWO training snapshot. All the info you need to know in one quick post!!

We get asked so many questions about GWO training courses that this week we thought we’d post a GWO training snapshot. All the info you need in one handy post. There’s quite a lot to get through, the courses, where they happen and what makes the STL team so great at delivering them.

Courses

The basic GWO accreditations cover Basic Safety Training and Basic Technical Training. STL then offers various training modules within this:

Basic Safety Training modules

• First Aid
• Working at Height
• Manual Handling
• Fire Awareness
• Sea Survival

Basic Technical Training modules

• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Hydraulic
• Installation

All modules come with refresher courses that can be taken annually every year after gaining your accreditation. In every case the technician will learn to perform to the standards as set out by the GWO. GWO training qualifications are vital for technicians as the majority of operators are GWO members and require anyone working on site to have the correct accreditations.

Training centres

Safety Technology USA operate from three training locations in the USA, with the main GWO training taking place in Iowa and Texas. In both cases the facilities we use are widely recognised as being some of the best in not just the USA but the world.

Texas State Technical College

TSTC as it is known is located in Sweetwater Texas, part of the Technical College the center boasts a huge range of facilities:

• The Building; Roof Height 30’ X Width 50’ X Depth 50’
• Climbing Structure Height 25’ and one Platform at other end.
• 2 Fall arrest ladders. (Wind Energy, Telecoms & Industrial Use)
• Evacuation Hatch (Wind Energy Use)
• 20’ Edge Negations for Rope Access and Wind Energy Evacuation.
• Training Rooms X 1. With Projector
• 25’ Mobile Training UNIT with classroom

Courses covered at TSTC include all GWO modules and refreshers. Part of the centre of excellence for wind energy training we are extremely lucky to have access to such an amazing site to conduct GWO training.

Iowa Lakes Community College

Iowa Lakes has been a leader in wind energy education since 2004. Facilities at the center include:

• The Building; Roof Height 30’ X Width 50’ X Depth 50’
• Climbing Structure Height 25’ and one Platform at other end.
• 2 Fall arrest ladders. (Wind Energy, Telecoms & Industrial Use)
• Evacuation Hatch (Wind Energy Use)
• 20’ Edge Negations for Rope Access and Wind Energy Evacuation.
• Training Rooms X 1. With Projector

As well as hosting our accredited courses the Iowa Lakes also offers the nation’s first Associate in Applied Science Degree in Wind Energy and Turbine Technology. Starting in 2004, Iowa Lakes has been a leader in delivering training and education to meet a rapidly growing demand for operations and maintenance (O&M) technicians across the country and abroad.

STL’s skills and experience

The STL team has been at the forefront of innovation in wind energy safety for over 15 years. Built on simple principles, STL strive to maintain their global reputation for excellence, collaboration and flexibility through hard work and a true commitment to the safety of workers at height.

For STL the mission has always been simple, to ensure the safety of workers at height. It’s something that as a company every member of staff takes seriously because team STL know the dangers that the technicians we train face on a  daily basis.

The STL training team have a collective 50+ years teaching technicians how to work safely at height and have trained litterally thousands of individuals. STL are relied on for safety training by some of the biggest global energy companies such as E.on but, regardless of who you work for what matters is that when you finish an STL course we are confident you will be safe in the field.

For more information on STL training get in touch.

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A career in wind energy is a smart choice. Wind energy is one of the fastest growing sectors in the USA. We look at why GWO training and accreditations are a vital cornerstone of a successful career.

GWO training has become a required part of a career in wind energy for any inspiring wind turbine technicians portfolio. With the majority of providers in the sector members it is a requirement to have the GWO Basic accreditations to work on a site they operate.

Why does GWO matter?

The Global Wind Organisation was created by it’s members to create and consistently improve safety standards across the industry. Members represent the majority of installed wind energy capacity and include the likes of; E.on, GE, Goldwind, Innogy and Vestas. It’s very likely that if you been to a wind farm you’ve had contact with a turbine that was built, is owned or operated by a GWO member. This kind of makes GWO safety training essential for technicians.

The main GWO training accreditations

GWO Basic Safety Training

The original GWO training standard and a stalwart of our GWO training course portfolio. The Basic Safety Training standard was introduced in 2012. Consisting of five modules:

• First Aid
• Manual Handling
• Fire Awareness
• Working at Heights
• Sea Survival

the training standard is designed to equip the worker with a broad and sufficient safety knowledge base to operate safely when working with wind turbines and in the wind energy sector.

GWO Basic Technical Training

The GWO training basics the Basic Technical Training standard was introduced in 2017. It’s the second fundamental for a career in wind energy. The Basic Technical Training Standard consists of three modules and an additional installation module which can be taken after certification in the mechanical module. From 31st March 2018 all new technicians working for GWO member companies and their suppliers are expected to complete Basic Technical Training. Modules include:

• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Hydraulic
• Installation

The Basic Technical Training standard is designed to equip technicians with a strong practical knowledge of the key technical aspects of wind turbines.

Wind energy, a rewarding career

As we’ve discussed in detail on this blog, 2019 is set to be a bumper year for wind energy. The sector is one of the fastest growing jobs markets in the USA. In the last 10 years output has tripled and over 24,000 people are employed in wind energy in Texas alone. These figures all stack up to make a career in wind energy not only rewarding but lucrative as the sector goes from strength to strength. Are own training centers in Iowa and Texas are set amongst a backdrop of some of the worlds leading wind energy education facilities. With various undergraduate and professional qualifications on offer. Central to this though will always be GWO for those looking to become technicians and embark on a career working directly with wind turbines.

For more information on GWO training get in touch we’d love to tell you more about what’s available to future proof your career in wind.

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The GWO training basics, basic safety and basic technical training are fundamental aspects of the GWO training standards. We look at each in depth.

We sometimes overlook the GWO training basics so this week we’re going, err, back to basics! We look at the two fundamental GWO standards and what you can expect if you join us on one of our courses. Each was introduced in response to demands for recognisable standards in the wind turbine industry.

GWO Basic Safety Training

The original GWO training standard and a stalwart of our GWO training course portfolio. The Basic Safety Training standard was introduced in 2012. Consisting of five modules:

• First Aid
• Manual Handling
• Fire Awareness
• Working at Heights
• Sea Survival

the training standard is designed to equip the worker with a broad and sufficient safety knowledge base to operate safely when working with wind turbines and in the wind energy sector. We look at each module in detail below, highlighting what technicians can expect to demonstrate once they have received adequate training.

First Aid

• Technicians will be able to demonstrate understanding of the importance of carrying out first aid in a safe manner in accordance with the legislative requirements of their geographic location and according to ERC and AHA guidelines.
• Technicians will be able to identify and explain normal function, normal signs and symptoms of serious and minor injuries and illness related to the human body.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate understanding and correct order of management in an emergency in a WTG environment.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate correct use of lifesaving First Aid using the Primary Survey A–B–C
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate correct use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate correct use of Ordinary First Aid, the Secondary survey
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate correct use of First Aid equipment in a First Aid scenario

Manual Handling

• Technicians will be able to demonstrate understanding of the importance of carrying out work duties in a safe and sound manner in accordance with the legislative requirements of their geographic location.
• Technicians will be able to identify aspects of their job tasks that could increase a worker’s risk of developing muscular/skeletal injuries.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate understanding of safe practices of Manual Handling, including the correct handling of equipment.
• Technicians will be able to identify signs and symptoms of injuries related to poor Manual Handling techniques and have knowledge of reporting methods.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate a problem solving approach to Manual Handling in a wind turbine environment.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate Manual Handling risk reduction techniques.

Fire Awareness

• Technicians will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the development and spread of fire.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the causes of fires in wind turbines and the dangers related to this.
• Technicians will be able to identify any sign of a fire in a wind turbine environment.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the contingency plans in a wind turbine environment including smoke detection and emergency escape procedures.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate correct actions on discovering a fire including correct operation and fire extinguishing by means of the firefighting equipment in a WTG.

Working at Heights

• Technicians will be able to demonstrate knowledge of hazards and risks associated with working at heights, specific to a WTG
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate understanding of current national legislation regarding working at heights.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate correct identification of PPE, including identification of European/Global standard markings e.g. harness, hard hat, lanyards, etc.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills to correctly inspect, service, store and don the relevant PPE, e.g. harness, lanyards, fall arresters and work positioning equipment.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate correct use of the relevant PPE, e.g. harnesses lanyards, fall arresters and work positioning equipment. This includes correct identification of anchor points and correct ladder conduct.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate correct use of evacuation devices.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate how to approach rescue situations in WTGs and use rescue equipment efficiently.

Sea Survival

• Technicians will be able to demonstrate knowledge of dangers and symptoms related to hypothermia and drowning.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate understanding of the advantages and limitations of the different LSA, PPE and PFPE commonly used offshore in the wind energy industry and are able to don and use them accordingly.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate safe transfer from vessel to dock, vessel to foundation and vessel to vessel.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the emergency and safety procedures on installations, vessels and WTG.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate knowledge of SAR and GMDSS.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate recovery and First Aid treatment of a “man over board”.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate evacuation from “WTG” to water by means of “Constant Rate Descender”
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate individual and collective survival techniques at sea

GWO Basic Technical Training

The GWO training basics the Basic Technical Training standard was introduced in 2017. The Basic Technical Training Standard consists of three modules and an additional installation module which can be taken after certification in the mechanical module. From 31st March 2018 all new technicians working for GWO member companies and their suppliers are expected to complete Basic Technical Training. Modules include:

• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Hydraulic
• Installation

The Basic Technical Training standard is designed to equip technicians with a strong practical knowledge of the key technical aspects of wind turbines. We cover each module in detail below.

Mechanical

• Technicians will be able to explain the main components, mechanical systems and the basic operation of wind turbines.
• Technicians will be able to explain risks and hazards associated with mechanics.
• Technicians will be able to understand the principles of bolted and welded connections and their inspection.
• Technicians will be able to explain demonstrate practical skills to use manual tightening and measuring tools.
• Technicians will be able to explain demonstrate the correct use of hydraulic torque and tensioning tools.
• Technicians will be able to explain the principles of a gearbox.
• Technicians will be able to explain the function of the brake systems and demonstrate how to inspect them.
• Technicians will be able to explain the function of the yaw system and explain how to inspect it.
• Technicians will be able to explain the function of the cooling system and demonstrate how to inspect it.
• Technicians will be able to explain the function of the lubrication system and demonstrate how to inspect it.

Electrical

• Technicians will be able to explain the basics of electricity.
• Technicians will be able to explain risks and hazards associated with electrical work.
• Technicians will be able to explain the function and symbol of electrical components.
• Technicians will be able to explain the function of different types of sensors.
• Technicians will be able to explain and interpret a simple electrical diagram and demonstrate how to assembly it on a circuit.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate how to make correct and safe measurements.

Hydraulic

• Technicians will be able to explain the basics of hydraulics
• Technicians will be able to explain risks and hazards associated with hydraulic work
• Technicians will be able to explain the function of different types of pumps and demonstrate how to check start/stop pressure of a pump
• Technicians will be able to explain the function of different types of actuators.
• Technicians will be able to explain the function of different types of valves.
• Technicians will be able to explain the function of accumulators and demonstrate how to check and pre-charge them.
• Technicians will be able to explain the function of different types of sensors.
• Technicians will be able to identify the components which transfer the oil.
• Technicians will be able to describe the handling of oil procedures.
• Technicians will be able to identify and find different components on a hydraulic diagram.
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate how to measure the hydraulic pressure accurately.

Installation

• Technicians will be able to identify the main installation activities and explain the overallrisks and hazards associated with the installation environment
• Technicians will be able to explain the checklist systemthroughout the complete installation process
• Technicians will be able to explain the characteristics of the installation environment
• Technicians will be able to explain the principles and standards for handling and storing goods and components onsite or within a storage area before and after installation
• Technicians will be able to explain the basic principles of the lifting equipment
• Technicians will be able to explain the basic preparation of main components before installation
• Technicians will be able to explain the basic mechanical completion
• Technicians will be able to demonstrate how to perform the basic electrical completion including the principles and standards for handling and installing cables
• Technicians will be able to explain the basic hydraulic completion
• Technicians will be able to explain the principles of operating external generators during installation
• Technicians will be able to explain the basis of how to do a handover to commissioning

We hope this gives you a detailed overview of GWO training basics with all the courseinformation of what you will be expected to know and do once you have completed each of the major training standards. For more information and to book a course click the button below:

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