In order to perform work safely and efficiently in any industry, especially the wind sector, technicians and engineers must be well-trained in accordance with the appropriate standard in order to execute work safely and effectively in any business, including the wind industry. This is when GWO standards were made in response to the need for workplace health and safety regulations from the international wind power sector. Together with Vivablast, let’s find out more about these GWO standards in the article below.
GWO stands for “The Global Wind Organization” and is the unit that officially held training in response to the demand for competent technicians and engineers from wind farm owners around the globe; with all training courses delivered based on international standards in accordance with the Global Wind Academy (GWA) from Denmark.Currently, there are 3 main training courses that GWO offer in Vietnam. The first and most popular one is the GWO Basic Safety Training (otherwise known as GWO BST), followed by The GWO Basic Technical Training (GWO BTT) and The GWO Advanced Rescue Training (GWO ART).
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GWO Basic Safety Training standards
This is one of the most fundamental credentials for those starting careers in the renewable energy industry and wind energy in particular. The training course will consist of five modules that will prepare personnel to work both onshore and offshore. As a consequence, participants in the Basic Safety Training (BST) will have an understanding of the possible dangers connected with working in the wind industry as well as the ability to manage and mitigate these risks. In addition, educating pupils on how to utilize personal protection equipment, emergency supplies, and standards is advantageous.Upon completing this First Aid training program, participants will be able to act autonomously in a wind turbine context. This includes recognizing any signs and symptoms of life-threatening situations and proceeding to perform essential and effective first-aid rescue to prevent further injury until the casualties can be transferred to a more reliable healthcare facility. At the same time, participants will have an understanding of how to use the first aid kit or equipment smartly and correctly.
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GWO Working at height (GWO – WH)
Practical and theoretical training in altitude rescue. Training includes the use of personal safety equipment, evacuation exercises and rescue equipment. Training will be completed at different heights on both ladders and from the tower.
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GWO Manual Handling (GWO – MH)
This program is tailored for training in ergonomics with a focus on the sometimes difficult or narrow workspaces in the wind turbine industry. Training includes both theoretical and practical exercises.
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GWO Sea survival (GWO – SS)
For offshore employment, the marine survival module is necessary and indispensable. In order to behave safely and responsibly upon completion of this course, participants must be aware of their surroundings and instantly notice any danger indicators or health problems in all offshore activities. In addition, wind technicians and engineers will have a basic understanding of how to utilize tools or equipment for evacuation and rescue, such as WTG ladders, coolers, etc.
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GWO Fire Awareness (GWO – FAW)
Upon finishing this module, participants are expected to be able to work independently. This includes the ability to identify fire hazards and select the right extinguishing media to put out the fire (i.e basic handheld firefighting equipment). In case when the fire has started to spread out on a large scale, evacuation must be performed safely and precisely to prevent any risks of injuries. Training consists of a theoretical review followed by practical exercises.
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GWO Basic Technical Training standards
The GWO Basic Technical Training focuses strongly on providing learners with the fundamental skills necessary for the wind power business, including Electrical, Mechanical, and Hydraulics will be taught to all course participants. There is no prerequisite for this training course. Even those with past industry experience can contribute to their continued professional development. For those who want to join the leadership structure at businesses and establishments connected to wind power, this training will be a prerequisite.
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Mechanical
This course focuses mainly on how to solve basic mechanical tasks responsibly under the supervision of an experienced technician, following safe working procedures and the correct PPE (Personal protective equipment). In order to do so, participants are expected to go through all 10 lessons to build themselves a solid knowledge of the main mechanical system (i.e braking, cooling, etc), how a turbine works in general, the functions of equipment and tools,…
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Electrical
This course focuses mainly on how to solve basic electrical tasks responsibly under the supervision of an experienced technician, following safe working procedures and the correct PPE (Personal protective equipment). In order to do so, participants are expected to go through all 6 lessons to build themselves a solid knowledge of the electrical components, their functions, the electrical currents, measuring instruments, and the foundation (which is Ohm’s Law).
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Hydraulic
This course focuses mainly on how to solve basic hydraulic tasks responsibly under the supervision of an experienced technician, following safe working procedures and the correct PPE (Personal protective equipment). In order to do so, participants are expected to go through all 11 lessons to build themselves a solid knowledge of the hydraulic system, the fundamentals of Pascal’s Law along with all of the hydraulic components, equipment and tools (i.e pressure sensors, manometer, pumps, etc)
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GWO Advanced Rescue Training standards
This course helps control the risks associated with rescue operations, thereby ensuring the rescue process takes place more effectively in wind energy-related work environments. This training improves rescuers’ independence and equips them with the knowledge and abilities necessary to safely convey a colleague who is unable to leave on their own to the assembly point until help comes. The program largely focuses on improving survival in wind turbines utilizing commercially available rescue equipment. Additionally, the course offers instructions on rescue procedures and methods as well as instructions for operating safely while elevated. For leaders working in the wind power industry, ART certification will be necessary.
Conclusion
With 3 different GWO training courses offered, the GWO standards varied greatly. From acquiring the knowledge and skills of first-aid to technical and furthermore advanced rescue. It is essential that participants choose the suitable training that fits them best and make the effort to meet up to all GWO standards. This will surely be the key that opens the door to many more career opportunities and ensure a safe working environment for everyone who is working both on and off-shore on wind farms.
