IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association)

IRATA is an acronym for the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association, that was formed in the UK in the late 1980’s, to solve maintenance challenges in the offshore oil and gas industry. Its formation was the result of an initiative of a number of leading companies, who had begun to use industrial rope access techniques, to provide a safe working environment for the industry.

The rope access technique developed by IRATA is used in a wide range of repair, maintenance, inspection and access work. Rope access methodology boasts an unrivalled safety record, short set-up and dismantling time, positive environmental benefits and removes the need for invasive access equipment or disruption to a worksite. We are extremely proud that the IRATA system of rope access continues to enjoy increasing popularity throughout the world.

IRATA is now recognised as the world’s leading authority on industrial rope access. It has over 400 member companies around the world and has trained in excess of 100,000 rope access Technicians worldwide. IRATA directs and regulates, through its members, the training of all workers seeking its qualifications. These member companies provide training, operational services, or both.

IRATA courses in the SOLO training center are scheduled in the last week of every month.
Training is carried out following IRATA’s TACS (Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme).

The certification begins with Level 1 but for technicians with experience there’s a procedure for direct entry to Level 2 and you can find it on this link.

IRATA level 1 (Rope access technician):
Requirements:
– good health state
– good physical condition
– minimum age of 18

Duration of the course is 5 days of training and one day of assessment.

IRATA level 2 (Advanced rope access technician):
Requirements:
– good health state
– good physical condition
– holding level 1 for at least 1 year
– 1000 worked hours registered in the logbook

Duration of the course is 5 days of training and one day of assessment.

IRATA level 3 (Rope access supervisor):
Requirements:
– good health state
– good physical condition
– holding level 2 for at least 1 year
– 1000 worked hours as a level 2 registered in the logbook
– extended experience in rope access

Duration of the course is 5 days of training and one day of assessment.

For more information please send us an e-mail or complete the form from the bottom of the page.

GWO – Global Wind Organization

Wind turbines are used to generate electricity.

A wind turbine is a device that converts the wind’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Wind turbines are manufactured in a wide range of vertical and horizontal axis. The smallest turbines are used for applications such as battery charging for auxiliary power for boats or caravans or to power traffic warning signs. Slightly larger turbines can be used for making contributions to a domestic power supply while selling unused power back to the utility supplier via the electrical grid.

GWO standards are created by the industry, for the industry. Our members are globally leading turbine manufacturers and owners, representing a clear majority of installed wind energy capacity. Together, they share risk information and expertise to improve safety on an industry-wide basis.

GWO members strive for an injury free work environment in the wind turbine industry, setting common international standards for safety training and emergency procedures.

An estimated 10% of the global wind workforce is now trained according to GWO standards.

This course is provided for people working in wind turbines.

Requirements:
– no experience required
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves
– extra pair of shoes (sea survival)
– towel (sea survival)
Modules:
GWO full course
– working at height (2 days)
– manual handling (half day)
– fire awareness (half day)
– first aid (2 days)
– sea survival (1 day and a half)
GWO refresh course
– working at height (1 day)
– manual handling (half day)
– fire awareness (half day)
– first aid (1 day)
– sea survival (1 day)

For more information please send us an e-mail or complete the form from the bottom of the page.

The objectives of the BST Working at Heights Module are to ensure that:

The delegates are able to demonstrate knowledge of hazards and risks associated with working at heights, specific to a WTG

The delegates are able to demonstrate understanding of current national legislation regarding working at heights.

The delegates are able to demonstrate correct identification of PPE, including identification of European/Global standard markings e.g. harness, hard hat, lanyards, etc.

The delegates are 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.

The delegates are 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.

The delegates are able to demonstrate correct use of evacuation devices.

The delegates are able to demonstrate how to approach rescue situations in WTGs and use rescue equipment efficiently.

Requirements:
– no experience required
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

Duration:
– Working at height – 2 days
– Working at height refresh – 1 day

The objectives of the First Aid Module are to ensure that:

The delegates are 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.

The delegates are able to identify and explain normal function, normal signs and symptoms of serious and minor injuries and illness related to the human body.

The delegates are able to demonstrate understanding and correct order of management in an emergency in a WTG environment.

The delegates are able to demonstrate correct use of lifesaving First Aid using the Primary Survey A–B–C.

The delegates are able to demonstrate correct use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).

The delegates are able to demonstrate correct use of Ordinary First Aid, the Secondary survey.

The delegates are able to demonstrate correct use of First Aid equipment in a First Aid scenario.

Requirements:
– no experience required
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

Duration:
– First aid – 2 days
– First aid refresh – 1 day

The objectives of the BST Manual Handling Module are to ensure that:

The delegates are 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.

The delegates are able to identify aspects of their job tasks that could increase a worker’s risk of developing muscular/skeletal injuries.

The delegates are able to demonstrate understanding of safe practices of Manual Handling, including the correct handling of equipment.

The delegates are able to identify signs and symptoms of injuries related to poor Manual Handling techniques and have knowledge of reporting methods.

The delegates are able to demonstrate a problem solving approach to Manual Handling in a wind turbine environment.

The delegates are able to demonstrate Manual Handling risk reduction techniques.

Requirements:
– no experience required
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

Duration:
– Manual handling – half day
– Manual handling refresh – half day

The objectives of the BST Fire Awareness Module are to ensure that:

The delegates are able to demonstrate knowledge of the development and spread of fire.

The delegates are able to demonstrate knowledge of the causes of fires in wind turbines and the dangers related to this.

The delegates are able to identify any sign of a fire in a wind turbine environment.

The delegates are able to demonstrate knowledge of the contingency plans in a wind turbine environment including smoke detection and emergency escape procedures.

The delegates are able to demonstrate correct actions on discovering a fire including correct operation and fire extinguishing by means of the firefighting equipment in a WTG.

Requirements:
– no experience required
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

Duration:
– Fire awareness – half day
– Fire awareness refresh – half day

The objectives of the BST Sea Survival Module are to ensure that:

The delegates are able to demonstrate knowledge of dangers and symptoms related to hypothermia and drowning.

The delegates are 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.

The delegates are able to demonstrate safe transfer from vessel to dock, vessel to foundation and vessel to vessel.

The delegates are able to demonstrate knowledge of the emergency and safety procedures on installations, vessels and WTG.

The delegates are able to demonstrate knowledge of SAR and GMDSS.

The delegates are able to demonstrate recovery and First Aid treatment of a “man over board”.

The delegates are able to demonstrate evacuation from “WTG” to water by means of “Constant Rate Descender”.

The delegates are able to demonstrate individual and collective survival techniques at sea.

Requirements:
– no experience required
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves
– extra pair of shoes (sea survival)
– towel (sea survival)

Duration:
– Sea survival – 1 day
– Sea survival refresh – 1 day

The learning objectives of the Nacelle, Tower & Basement Rescue module are designed to ensure that delegates’ ability to:

-assess and determine rescue strategy (relevant rescue method, technique, certified equipment, and required personnel) for various rescue scenarios, from the nacelle, tower or basement of a wind turbine generator (WTG);

-assess and determine evacuation strategy during rescue operation, attending to a clear and preferred evacuation route for the injured outside or inside the tower;

-explain and demonstrate the identification and suitable selection of certified and structural anchor points, relevant for various rescue scenarios;

-explain national and local requirement  and/or procedures for helicopter rescue in a WTG, including preparing the injured person, preparing the WTG, the Heli-pad safe zones and safe behaviour;

-explain and control common risks of hazardous energies and common hazards of enclosed space areas, when performing rescue operations;

-apply rescue methods and techniques inperforming descending and ascending rescue operations, from a WTG nacelle, tower and basement, using rescue stretcher and spineboard, manually and power-driven lowering/raising rescue system (rescue device, pulley system or similar)

-fit a harness and other PPE (e.g. helmet, safety glasses) onto an injured person, in an enclosed space;

-package an injured person onto a rescue stretcher and spineboard in a vertical or horizontal configuration, by conducting regular checks, using rescue equipment such as cervical collar and avoiding head down configuration of the unconscious/injured person;

-communicate clearly within a potentially stressful rescue situation, both as rescue team coordinator and team member.

Requirements:
– valid GWO BST Working at height, first aid, manual handling
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

Duration:
– Advanced rescue – Nacelle, Tower & Basement – 2 days
– Advanced rescue – Nacelle, Tower & Basement refresh – 2 days

The learning objectives of the Advanced Rescue Training Hub Module are to ensure delegates’ ability able to:

• Assess and determine rescue strategy (relevant rescue method, technique, certified equipment, and required personnel) for various rescue scenarios
• Assess and determine evacuation strategy during a rescue operation, attending to a clear and preferred evacuation route for the injured person outside or inside a wind turbine generator (WTG) tower
• Explain and demonstrate the identification and suitable selection of certified and structural anchor points, relevant for various rescue scenarios
• Explain and apply the concept of lifting angle, angle factor and deviation
• Explain and control common risks of hazardous energies and common hazards of enclosed space areas in a wind turbine when performing rescue operations
• Apply rescue methods and techniques when performing descending and ascending rescue operations, from a wind turbine hub, spinner and inside a blade, using a rescue stretcher and spineboard, manually operated lowering/raising rescue system for limited distance rescue (rescue device, pulley system or similar), and other relevant rescue equipment
• Fit a harness and other PPE (e.g. helmet, safety glasses) onto an injured person, in an enclosed space in a WTG
• Package an injured person on a rescue stretcher and spineboard in a vertical or horizontal configuration to enable safe transportation, by doing regular checks, using rescue equipment such as a cervical collar and avoiding head down configuration of the unconscious/injured person
• Communicate clearly within a potentially stressful rescue situation, both as rescue team coordinator and team member

Requirements:
– valid GWO BST Working at height, first aid, manual handling
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

Duration:
– Advanced rescue – Hub, Spinner & Inside blade rescue – 1 day
– Advanced rescue – Hub, Spinner & Inside blade rescue refresh – 1 day

The aim of this GWO BTT Standard Mechanical Module is to give the delegates the knowledge and skills to carry out basic tasks (supervised by an experienced technician). The module is designed so wind turbine technicians can:

‍

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

Requirements:
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

The objectives of the Single Rescuer – Hub, Spinner & Inside Blade module are to ensure delegates’ ability to:

• Assess and determine single rescuer rescue strategy (relevant rescue method, technique, certified equipment and how to organize the rescue efforts and incident scene) for various rescue scenarios
• Apply rescue methods and techniques in performing descending and ascending single rescuer rescue operations, from a wind turbine generator (WTG) using a rescue stretcher and spineboard, manually operated and power-driven lowering/raising rescue system (rescue device and pulley system or similar), and other relevant rescue equipment

Requirements:
– valid GWO BST Working at height, first aid, manual handling
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

Duration:
– Advanced rescue – Nacelle, Tower & Basement single rescuer – 2 days

The objectives of the Single Rescuer – Hub, Spinner & Inside Blade module are to ensure delegates’ ability to:

• Assess and determine single rescuer rescue strategy (relevant rescue method, technique, certified equipment and how to organize the rescue efforts and incident scene) for various rescue scenarios
• Apply rescue methods and techniques in performing descending and ascending single rescuer rescue operations, from a wind turbine generator (WTG) using a rescue stretcher and spineboard, manually operated and power-driven lowering/raising rescue system (rescue device and pulley system or similar), and other relevant rescue equipment

Requirements:
– valid GWO BST Working at height, first aid, manual handling
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

Duration:
– Advanced rescue – Hub, Spinner & Inside blade single rescuer – 1 day

The aim of this GWO BTT Standard Electical Module is to give the delegates the knowledge and skills to carry out basic tasks (supervised by an experienced technician). The module is designed so wind turbine technicians can:

‍

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

Requirements:
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

The aim of this GWO BTT Standard Hydraulic Module is to give the delegates the knowledge and skills to carry out basic tasks (supervised by an experienced technician). The module is designed so wind turbine technicians can:

‍

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

Requirements:
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

The COVID-19 viral pandemic has caused widespread disruption globally and has, in many regions, prevented technicians from attending GWO refresher training leading to a safety risk imposed through skills and knowledge fade within the wind industry. To mitigate against the fading of skills and knowledge amongst technicians GWO have analysed the basic safety refresher modules and released this INTERIM STANDARD as a way for already trained technicians to continue to work safely by enabling the technicians on site to practice the knowledge and skills that they have learned during GWO training and apply this to their daily work tasks. This analysis has indicated that there are some learning objectives and elements in the domains of knowledge and skills where the knowledge fade can potentially be mitigated through attending online live training sessions.

Modules:

-Working at height refresh partial

-Manual handling refresh partial

-Fire awareness refresh partial

-First aid refresh partial

-Sea survival refresh partial

Requirements:
– valid GWO BST
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

THE EFA MODULE SHALL ENSURE THAT THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES ARE COVERED:

• Local legislation/risks/hazards and demands to ensure knowledge of the roles, responsibilities and rules that apply to Enhanced First Aid in Remote Areas
• The importance of carrying out basic and enhanced First Aid in a safe and sound manner, in accordance with the legislative requirements of their geographic location and according to European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines
• Identifying and explaining normal function, normal signs and symptoms of serious and minor injuries and illness related to the human body
• Demonstrating understanding and correct order of management in an emergency situation in a Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) environment
• Delivering immediate enhanced first aid to stabilise the casualty, to include but not limited to:
  – Stopping life-threatening bleeding
  – Establishing and maintaining an airway
  – Knowing the indications for and the use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
  – Using basic and advanced First Aid equipment in a First Aid scenario
  – Resuscitation
  – Using standardised methodologies, specifically the Primary and Secondary Survey – based on the “C”-A-B-C-D-E principle

• Assessing the casualty, for injury or acute illness, to determine if medical advice and external-to-incident support is required; to include but not limited to:
  – Life-threatening bleeding, circulatory disorder
  – Impaired consciousness
  – Compromised airway, breathing, too slow or too fast
  – Immediate life-threatening illnesses and other health problems especially with severe pain
• Requesting telemedical consultation and medical/rescue assistance providing a concise and relevant report of the casualty’s condition and obtaining medical advice to further stabilise the casualty by using:
  – Telemedical consultation through National resources (e.g. Coastguard)
  – Telemedical consultation through private contractor (where established

• Requesting immediate medical/rescue assistance providing a concise and relevant report of the casualty’s condition
• Preparing the casualty for transfer to nominated evacuation/rescue point, including:
  – Immobilisation where required or other non-medical mitigation e.g. cooling gels
  – Understanding the complexity and restrictions of medical pain relief and the role of clinical governance in the control of medication
  – Accompanying the casualty, if required, to suitable medical facility and formally hand over the casualty
  – Escorting the casualty to the nominated evacuation/rescue point providing continued enhanced first aid

• Acting as a leader in first aid situations
• Administering safe, effective and immediate lifesaving and enhanced first aid measures to save life and give assistance in remote areas using advanced emergency equipment and medical teleconsultation, while having particular regard for personal-protection

Requirements:
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

Duration:
– First aid refresher (1 day) + Enhanced first aid (1 day)

– First aid (2 days) + Enhanced first aid (1 day)

Upon successful completion of the GWO blade repair training course, the delegate will be able to perform and document a wind turbine blade inspection, execute repair work in accordance with a work instruction while maintaining the aerodynamic profile and structural integrity in glass fibre reinforced composite parts of a wind turbine within the following dimensions:

• Trailing edge repairs up to 1,5 m in length
• Leading edge repairs up to 1,5 m in length
• Laminate repairs down to core material
• Core material replacement up to 200 cm²
• Surface repair to paint and gelcoat

Requirements:
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

Duration:
– Blade Repair – 10 days

The participant will have the knowledge, skills and attitude to be able to:

• Attaching and detaching the load to and from the crane lifting attachment
• Initiating and directing the safe movement of the crane, including multiple slinger signallers during limited or blind lifts
• Adhering to their role and responsibilities during the lift
• Conducting visual pre and post inspection on lifting accessories and load
• Handling of lifting accessories
• Ensuring safe lift-off and lay down of the load
• Slinging/rigging various types of load, based on weight, centre of gravity, shape and size
• Carrying out generic routine lifts in accordance with the lift plan
• Complying with instruction/procedures set up by the employer to manage lifting
• Ensuring that equipment is properly used, maintained and defects reported

Requirements:
– registration on winda, winda.globalwindsafety.org
– equipment required:
– overall
– safety boots
– gloves

Duration:
– Slinger Signaller/ Rigger Signal Person – 2 days

PPE Inspection

Training of persons qualified for periodic inspection of personal protective equipment against falls from heights according to CSN EN 365 standard. This course is held for people responsible with the inspection and maintenance of work at height equipment (users, sellers, OHS technicians, supervisors and instructors of emergency services of IRS, methodologists, operators of rope parks, operators of climbing walls and more).

Duration: 1 day
Requirements:
– experience in the usage of equipment
Course material:
– manual
– equipment inspection forms
– equipment tacking forms
Modules:
– identifying equipment
– inspection of metalic equipment
– inspection of textile equipment
– inspection of plastic elements
– completing the necessary documentation

For more information please send us an e-mail or complete the form from the bottom of the page.

Tower climber and rescuer

Tower climbers perform routine inspections and tests on broadcasting towers, and may also be called upon to perform repairs and to provide input when plans for new equipment are being developed.

Along with the installers of the tower antennas, other crews climb the towers to perform condition checks of the towers, guy lines and lighting systems. One of the most demanding aspects of many tower climber jobs is hauling materials and tools up to the proper installation height on the tower.

Tower climbers may be injured by falling objects, structural collapses and equipment failures.

This training is aimed at technicians working on construction and maintenance of telecommunication towers.

Duration of the course is 2 days.

Requirements:
– good health state
– good physical condition
Course material:
– manual
Modules:
– choosing anchor points
– use of safety systems
– rescue techniques

For more information please send us an e-mail or complete the form from the bottom of the page.

A confined space is a space with limited entry and egress and not suitable for human inhabitants.

Confined space accidents are of particular concern in occupational safety and health due to the hazards that they pose to the victim and subsequently to a rescue team.

Confined space training outlines the skills and protocols for safe entry to confined spaces.

Duration: 2 days
Requirements:
– no experience required
Modules:
– Confined Spaces Regulations – Potential Hazards and Precautions
– Methods of Work: Safe systems and Permit to Work Systems
– Ventilation, Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring
– PPE and Escape Apparatus
– Emergency First Aid and Resuscitation Overview
– Emergency Procedures and Evacuation Techniques

Rescue

This course is aimed to experienced technicians in working at height and confined spaces and it’s target is teaching and improving rescue techniques. It’s suitable for rope access supervisors, designated rescue teams in cable transportation (ski resorts) but also for emergency service teams: firemen, army and special forces.

Course duration: 2 days
Requiremens:
– good health state
– good physical condition
– experience in working at height
Course material:
– manual
– rescue plan forms
– risk assessment forms
Modules:
– rigging for rescue
– pulley systems
– rescue techniques
– documentation

For more information please send us an e-mail or complete the form from the bottom of the page.

National Rope Access

Attending this course will provide the trainees certifications according to ISO 22846.

Duration of the course is 4 days of training and one day of assessment

Requirements:
– good health state
– good physical condition
Course material:
– manual
Modules:
– rigging ropes
– rope access manoeuvres
– rescue manoeuvres
– documentation

For more information please send us an e-mail or complete the form from the bottom of the page.

Supervision and Documentation

This course is aimed mainly to IRATA level 3 technicians but also to safety officers and work at height department managers.

Duration: 1 day
Requirements:
– rope access experience
– work administration experience
Course material:
– manual
– rescue plan forms
– risk assessment forms
– method statement forms
– equipment inspection forms
– equipment tracking forms
Modules:
– work planning
– risk assessment
– rescue planning
– equipment inspection
– documentation

For more information please send us an e-mail or complete the form from the bottom of the page.

First aid

The course is held for people working in industrial areas but also people looking to learn how to save a life.

Duration: 2 days
Requirements:
– no experience required
Modules:
– introduction in first aid
– legislation
– anatomy
– management of an incident
– life saving first aid primary survey
– AED
– ordinary first aid
– scenario based training

For more information please send us an e-mail or complete the form from the bottom of the page.