GWO Manual Handling Refresher
The GWO Manual Handling Refresher (MHR) course reviews and builds upon delegates' previous knowledge, refreshing essential lifting techniques and behavioural safety principles in wind turbine generator (WTG) environments. Delivered under the revised GWO BST V20 Standard as a dedicated half-day course, this standalone refresher uses practical Skill Stations and realistic industry scenarios to help wind technicians identify risks, correct negative habits, and prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Description
This 3-hour refresher course is designed to reinforce positive ergonomic practices and maintain lifelong physical mobility for personnel working in restricted turbine compartments. Training is delivered in two structured stages: practical Skill Stations where delegates demonstrate dynamic assessments and tool handling, followed by interactive workplace scenarios replicating daily maintenance routines.
Key training elements include:
- Warm-Up & Behavioural Safety: Refreshing joint and spinal warm-up routines, examining the impact of human factors and peer pressure, and taking personal responsibility for physical health on site.
- TILE Skill Stations: Applying the Task, Individual, Load, and Environment assessment framework to evaluate reaching distances, awkward postures, and load stability prior to lifting.
- Posture & Tool Ergonomics: Demonstrating safe work techniques and control measures when working over shoulder height, kneeling, or operating heavy and vibrating hand tools.
- Turbine Maintenance Scenarios: Solving ergonomic challenges during mechanical and electrical servicing tasks, applying job rotation, and utilising mechanical aids where possible.
- Team Lifting Scenarios: Planning and executing coordinated multi-person lifts of awkward or shifting loads up to 30 kg in confined areas.
- Equipment Mobilisation Drills: Safely moving tools and components between storage areas, stairs, thresholds, and transition platforms.
Certification and Assessment
Certification: Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Manual Handling Refresher (MHR) Certificate.
Validity: Valid globally for 24 months (2 years) from the date of completion.
Assessment: Candidates are assessed continuously through practical demonstration across Skill Stations and Training Scenarios.
Entry Requirements and Target Audience
Target Audience: Experienced wind turbine technicians, mechanical and electrical maintenance engineers, blade operatives, site managers, and contractors whose existing 2-year manual handling certification is approaching expiry.
Physical Aptitude: The course involves active physical participation including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and working in awkward postures. Delegates must be in good physical health and capable of practical physical tasks.
Prerequisites
Current Certification: Delegates must hold a valid, in-date WINDA training record for GWO Manual Handling (Initial or Refresher).
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 the course.
Why Choose South West Maritime Academy?
Authentic Wind Industry Training: Practical exercises use realistic WTG compartment mock-ups, turbine hardware, and authentic lifting tasks rather than generic classroom theory.
Experienced Instructors: Our training is delivered by industry experts in commercial renewables, marine safety, and working-at-height operations.
Fast WINDA Registration: Verified training records are uploaded directly to the GWO WINDA to ensure uninterrupted site access.
Convenient Location: Situated at Cromhall Quarry in South Gloucestershire (just off Junction 14 of the M5 near Bristol), featuring free on-site parking, classrooms, and proximity to local accommodation.