What is GWO certification?

What is the Global Wind Organisation (GWO)?

The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) is a non-profit body that was established by leading wind turbine manufacturers and operators. Its primary mission is to ensure a safer and more productive work environment for those employed in the wind energy industry through the creation and standardization of safety training and emergency procedures.

Key Objectives of GWO

1. Standardization of Training

   • Uniform Safety Standards: GWO aims to create and maintain standardized training programs and safety protocols that are recognized globally, ensuring a consistent level of safety and competence across the wind energy sector.
   • Quality Assurance: By setting high standards for training providers, GWO ensures that all training is delivered to the same high level of quality and effectiveness.

2. Safety and Risk Reduction

   • Incident Prevention: Through comprehensive training modules, GWO aims to significantly reduce the number of accidents and incidents in the wind energy industry.
   • Emergency Preparedness: GWO training equips workers with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in emergency situations, thereby minimizing potential harm.

3. Enhancing Competence

   • Skilled Workforce: By certifying workers in essential safety practices and technical skills, GWO helps to cultivate a highly skilled and competent workforce in the wind energy sector.
   • Continuous Improvement: GWO continuously updates and improves its training standards to reflect the latest industry practices and technological advancements.

GWO Training Standards

GWO offers a variety of training modules, which are typically divided into Basic Safety Training (BST) and Advanced modules. Key training modules include:

1. Basic Safety Training (BST)

   • First Aid: Training on basic first aid techniques and emergency response.
   • Manual Handling: Instruction on safe manual handling techniques to prevent injury.
   • Fire Awareness: Education on fire prevention, firefighting, and evacuation procedures.
   • Working at Heights: Training on safe practices for working at heights, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
   • Sea Survival: For offshore workers, training on survival techniques in the event of an emergency at sea.

2. Advanced Modules

   • Advanced Rescue Training (ART): Training on complex rescue scenarios and techniques.
   • Enhanced First Aid (EFA): More in-depth first aid training tailored to the wind industry.

Membership and Governance

GWO is governed by its member companies, which include some of the largest and most influential wind turbine manufacturers and operators in the world. These members collaborate to develop and update GWO training standards and ensure they meet the evolving needs of the industry.

What is GWO Certification?

GWO (Global Wind Organisation) certification is a set of standardized training programs and safety guidelines designed for personnel working in the wind energy industry. The certification is developed and governed by the Global Wind Organisation, a non-profit body founded by leading wind turbine manufacturers and operators. The goal of GWO certification is to ensure that all wind energy workers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs safely and effectively.

Key GWO Training Modules

The GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) standard includes several core modules:

1. First Aid: Training on basic first aid techniques, including CPR, wound treatment, and emergency response.
2. Manual Handling: Instruction on safe lifting techniques and ergonomics to prevent injuries related to manual handling tasks.
3. Fire Awareness: Education on fire prevention, firefighting techniques, and safe evacuation procedures.
4. Working at Heights: Training on safe practices for working at heights, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like harnesses and fall arrest systems.
5. Sea Survival: For offshore wind workers, training on survival techniques in the event of an emergency at sea, including the use of life-saving equipment.

Additionally, there are advanced modules such as GWO Advanced Rescue Training (ART), which covers more complex rescue scenarios and techniques.

Why Do Wind Technicians Need GWO Certification?

1. Safety Assurance

• Risk Mitigation: Working on wind turbines involves significant risks, including falls from height, electrical hazards, and adverse weather conditions. GWO certification ensures that technicians are well-trained to recognize and mitigate these risks.
• Standardized Safety Practices: The certification provides a standardized approach to safety, ensuring that all technicians adhere to the same high standards, regardless of where they work.

2. Compliance with Industry Standards

• Employer Requirements: Many wind turbine manufacturers and operators require GWO certification as a minimum standard for employment. This ensures that all workers meet a consistent level of competency.
• Regulatory Compliance: In some regions, GWO certification helps companies comply with local safety regulations and occupational health standards.

3. Operational Efficiency

• Reduced Accidents: Well-trained technicians are less likely to have accidents, which can lead to fewer disruptions and lower costs related to injuries and equipment damage.
• Improved Skills: GWO training equips technicians with the skills needed to perform their tasks efficiently and safely, leading to improved overall operational performance.

4. Professional Development

• Career Advancement: Holding a GWO certification can enhance a technician’s credentials, making them more attractive to employers and opening up opportunities for career advancement.
• Continual Learning: GWO certification programs often require periodic refresher courses, ensuring that technicians stay up-to-date with the latest safety practices and technological advancements in the industry.

Conclusion

GWO certification is a crucial component for anyone working in the wind energy sector. It ensures that wind technicians are adequately trained to handle the unique risks associated with their jobs, promotes industry-wide safety standards, helps companies comply with regulations, and supports the professional growth of the technicians. By standardizing training and safety practices, GWO certification plays a key role in fostering a safer and more efficient working environment in the wind energy industry.