Equip your workforce with industry-leading height safety and rescue capabilities in the demanding wind energy sector with our certified GWO Working at Height (WAH) Initial Module. Delivered at South West Maritime Academy under the revised GWO BST V20 Standard, this comprehensive 2-day standalone module provides the vital theoretical knowledge and practical climbing proficiency required to work safely at height and perform emergency rescues in wind turbine generator (WTG) environments.

From comprehensive pre-use inspections of Personal Fall Protective Equipment (PFPE) and guided fall arrest systems to complex ladder rescues, suspension trauma mitigation, and tool tethering, our Working at Height Initial Training (WAH) combines rigorous safety principles with realistic practical scenarios. Gain the essential, globally recognised certification required for onshore and offshore wind site compliance across the UK and internationally.

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GWO Working at Height Details

Duration 2 Days (14 Hours 25 Mins Contact Time) | GWO BST V20 Standard
Prerequisites Participants must be at least 18 years old, in good physical health, and capable of climbing and physical exertion.
WINDA Registration Please Register with WINDA (the Global Wind Organisation training database) before starting the course.
Certification Upon successful completion, candidates receive Global Wind Organisation approved Working at Height (WAH) certification valid for 2 years (24 months).
GWO Certified Training Provider

Booking Info

Cost £600 inc VAT
Location South West Maritime Academy,
Cromhall Quarry, Cromhall, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA.

Already hold an in-date GWO Working at Height certificate?

Looking for the GWO Working at Height Refresher (WAHR)?

Height Safety & Rescue Excellence: GWO Working at Height Module

Working on modern wind turbines requires absolute confidence, acute situational awareness, and total mastery of Personal Fall Protective Equipment (PFPE). The GWO BST Working at Height Module is engineered to equip technicians, engineers, and site specialists with the critical skills needed to operate safely on vertical ladder systems, service platforms, and nacelle structures.

Under the revised GWO BST V20 Standard, Working at Height is delivered as an intensive, standalone module focused on practical safety and rescue execution. Delegates learn to independently select approved structural anchor points, maintain a minimum fall factor, eliminate dropped object hazards through tool tethering, and perform prompt casualty rescues using specialised rescue descent devices.

Delivered at our purpose-built training facility at Cromhall Quarry in South Gloucestershire, our GWO Working at Height course provides high-fidelity vertical tower rigs to ensure complete competence, compliance, and confidence on site.

1. PFPE Pre-Use Inspection & Fitting

Master the generic approach to safety equipment, identifying standard markings, inspection periods, and correct harness ergonomics.

  • Harness & Hardware Inspection: Performing comprehensive pre-use checks on full-body harnesses, vertical fall arrest sliders, work positioning lanyards, and connectors.
  • Correct Adjustment: Fitting and adjusting full-body harnesses to a snug fit, ensuring proper positioning of chest, leg, abdominal, and dorsal attachment points.

2. Fall Prevention & Work Positioning

Apply the critical principle of fall prevention over fall arrest to ensure 100% tie-off and hands-free working security.

  • Work Positioning: Connecting work positioning lanyards safely to side D-rings and structural anchor points to allow hands-free work operations.
  • Anchor Selection: Identifying certified anchor points and approved structural anchors (including reinforced ladder rungs where specified in turbine manuals).

3. Vertical Fall Arrest Systems & Lanyards

Gain practical proficiency using guided fall arresters and energy-absorbing double-hook lanyards during vertical progression.

  • Guided Type Arresters: Pre-use checking, attaching, functional testing, and climbing on vertical cable, rail, and wire ladder systems.
  • Fall Factors & Indicators: Minimising fall factors (maintaining FF < 0.5), double-hook climbing techniques, and identifying deployed fall indicators.

4. Dropped Objects Prevention & Tool Tethering

Implement proactive dropped object controls, dynamic buddy checking, and tool management in high-consequence drop zones.

  • Tethering & Housekeeping: Securing tools, accessories, and components using approved three-point tethering systems and rated closed-top tool bags.
  • Drop Zone Management: Establishing exclusion zones, covering openings/hatches, and conducting mandatory pre-climb buddy checks.

5. Emergency Descent & Evacuation

Develop rapid emergency egress capabilities from nacelles and tower sections using constant-rate descender devices.

  • Evacuation Kits: Pre-use inspection, rigging, and deployment of dedicated WTG evacuation and escape equipment.
  • Controlled Descent: Executing safe solo evacuation and experiencing controlled descent speeds from height platforms with adequate clearance.

Complete BST Training Package

Need all mandatory GWO certifications for full onshore or offshore site access? Book our comprehensive 4.5-day BST package:

Full Pathway Package:

GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) Package

The SWMA Advantage: Realistic Vertical Rig Training

At South West Maritime Academy, we go far beyond standard classroom theory. Our dedicated working-at-height structures at Cromhall Quarry replicate the true scale, vertical ladders, confined internal platforms, and anchor layouts found in modern wind turbine generators.

Delegates train with operational fall arrest gliders, self-retracting lifelines (SRLs), and advanced rescue hubs under the close supervision of industry veterans. You leave with real muscle memory, genuine confidence, and rapid WINDA certification uploads within 24 hours.

Entry Requirements

This GWO Working at Height Initial course is designed for personnel working, or seeking employment, in the onshore and offshore wind energy sector. It provides wind turbine technicians, site engineers, rope access operatives, blade technicians, and commissioning crews with mandatory height safety certification.

This course involves physical climbing, vertical ascents, descent exercises, and casualty rescue drills from height structures. Full attendance and active participation across all practical drills are required to achieve GWO certification.

  • Minimum Age: Participants must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Physical Fitness: Candidates must be in good health, free from medical conditions that could be aggravated by working at height, and capable of practical climbing and physical exertion. A medical self-screening declaration is completed prior to training.
  • WINDA Registration: Delegates must register on the GWO WINDA database and provide their WINDA ID prior to course commencement.
  • Prior Experience: No previous height safety experience is required for this initial 2-day course. (Please note: this course is designed for training and is not an assessment to overcome a fear of heights).

Contact & Accommodation

Corporate & Group Enquiries

Please contact our operations team for corporate bookings, dedicated cohort schedules, or fleet training enquiries:
Telephone: 01454 260130
Email: info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com
Normal Office Hours (UK Time):
Monday – Friday: 08.30 – 17.00

Local Accommodation

There is a wide range of local accommodation, some of which are within walking distance of the training centre, to suit every budget.

View Local Accommodation

GWO Working at Height Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Working at Height now separated from Manual Handling under GWO BST V20?
Under the revised GWO BST V20 Standard effective for bookings after September 10th, 2026, the combined Working at Height & Manual Handling module has been discontinued by the Global Wind Organisation. They are now delivered and certified as distinct standalone modules to ensure deeper coverage of critical height rescue skills and dedicated ergonomics training.
What does the GWO Working at Height Module at South West Maritime Academy cover?
The course covers global and national working at height legislation, pre-use inspection and fitting of PFPE (harnesses, lanyards, sliders, SRLs), work positioning, vertical fall arrest systems, safe anchor selection, dropped object mitigation, emergency descent evacuation, and rescuing an incapacitated casualty from vertical ladder systems.
How long does the GWO Working at Height Initial course take?
The GWO Working at Height Initial module comprises 14 hours and 25 minutes of total contact time, delivered across 2 full training days at our dedicated height training facility.
How long is the GWO Working at Height certificate valid for?
Your GWO Working at Height (WAH) certificate is valid for 24 months (2 years) globally. To maintain site compliance, you must take the 1-day GWO Working at Height Refresher (WAHR) prior to the expiration date.
Can I take this course if I have a fear of heights?
The course involves practical vertical climbing, work positioning at height, and practical evacuation descents. Our veteran instructors provide supportive, progressive training, but delegates must be capable of working at height to pass the mandatory practical assessment.
What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) do I need to bring?
Delegates should bring sturdy safety boots and comfortable work clothing suitable for climbing. All specialised Personal Fall Protective Equipment (PFPE)—including harnesses, helmets, lanyards, and rescue devices—is provided by South West Maritime Academy.
What is a WINDA ID and do I need one before the course?
Yes. WINDA is the Global Wind Organisation's global record database. You must register at winda.globalwindsafety.org and provide your WINDA ID so we can upload your official certification upon course completion.
Where is the training delivered?
Practical and theoretical training is delivered at our purpose-built training centre at Cromhall Quarry, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA, conveniently situated just off Junction 14 of the M5 near Bristol.
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