The GWO Manual Handling (MH) Initial module equips wind turbine technicians and operational personnel with essential ergonomic knowledge, behavioural safety awareness, and kinetic handling techniques to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Delivered under the revised GWO BST V20 Standard as a dedicated half-day course, this standalone module combines dynamic risk assessment using the TILE principle with realistic turbine handling scenarios, posture control, and tool vibration management.
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Description
This half-day course is tailored to the physical demands and confined spaces of modern wind turbine generators (WTGs). Moving beyond classroom theory, training focuses on embedding a daily warm-up culture and applying practical ergonomic controls to everyday maintenance tasks.
Key training elements include:
- Musculoskeletal Health & Anatomy: Understanding spinal biomechanics, recognizing early symptoms of muscular strain, and identifying common injuries such as disc herniation and repetitive strain disorders.
- Dynamic Risk Assessment (TILE): Applying the Task, Individual, Load, and Environment framework to assess reaching distances, load weights, stability, and space constraints before initiating physical tasks.
- Hierarchy of Controls & Aids: Implementing elimination, substitution, engineering controls (such as hoists, slings, and trolleys), and administrative measures to minimize manual effort.
- Vibrating & Handheld Tool Safety: Mitigating Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) through scheduled pauses, job rotation, and anti-vibration PPE.
- Task-Specific Handling Drills: Practicing safe lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling techniques while kneeling, working over shoulder height, navigating transitions/stairs, and performing coordinated team lifts up to 30 kg.
Certification and Assessment
Certification: Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Manual Handling (MH) Certification.
Validity: Valid globally for 24 months (2 years).
Assessment: Delegates are assessed continuously by instructors during practical lifting, carrying, posture management, and team handling exercises. Revalidation is achieved by taking the GWO Manual Handling Refresher (MHR) prior to certificate expiry.
Entry Requirements and Target Audience
Target Audience: Prospective and practicing wind turbine technicians, mechanical and electrical maintenance engineers, blade repairers, site supervisors, and contractors requiring mandatory safety certification for onshore and offshore wind farms.
Physical Aptitude: The course involves active physical exercises including lifting, moving, kneeling, and posture simulation. Delegates must be in good health and capable of practical physical tasks.
Why Choose South West Maritime Academy?
Wind-Specific Practical Scenarios: Training utilises realistic WTG compartment mock-ups, turbine hardware, and authentic lifting tasks rather than generic warehouse drills.
Experienced Industry Instructors: Courses are led by seasoned instructors with extensive practical experience across marine, working-at-height, and wind turbine environments.
Fast WINDA Uploads: Completed certifications are processed and registered on the GWO WINDA database at course completion to ensure uninterrupted site access.
Accessibility: Located at Cromhall Quarry in South Gloucestershire (just off Junction 14 of the M5 near Bristol), featuring modern training facilities, ample free parking, and nearby accommodation options.
Prerequisites
Age: Minimum 18 years of age.
Medical Fitness: Candidates must be medically fit to participate in manual handling activities and complete a medical self-screening declaration prior to starting the course.
WINDA Registration: Delegates must have an active WINDA ID registered on the Global Wind Organisation database (winda.globalwindsafety.org) prior to course commencement to allow for certificate upload.
Prior Qualifications: No previous manual handling experience or formal qualifications are required for this initial course.
