Course Description
Gravitec's Competent Wind Turbine Climber and Rescue Course combines classroom sessions with practical hands-on exercises. Upon course completion, students will be recognized as Competent Persons in fall protection and rescue in the wind energy industry. Focusing on a planned approach to working at height, this course begins with basic fall protection theory, including the five methods of the fall protection hierarchy and applicable local and state fall protection and rescue regulations and standards. It introduces the most common fall protection tools and methods utilized to protect climbers from the various fall hazards encountered on wind turbines with an overview of commercially available fall arrest systems. The function of each piece of equipment is discussed during interactive classroom sessions and followed with extensive hands-on activities to complete the fall protection learning experience. During the rescue portion of the course, students learn how to use several of the industry's most common rescue devices to include, but not limited to, Tractel's Derope, block and tackle systems and Gravitec's G4 Wind Turbine Rescue & Evacuation System. Students will have the opportunity to practice their rescue skills using each rescue system in a controlled environment. Students' skills are confirmed with several problem-solving scenarios set up by the instructor and designed to simulate real world rescue events. Written and practical tests are administered to ensure that the principles presented in the course are understood. Documentation is available to satisfy your company's due diligence and regulatory requirements.
This course meets the Criteria for Accepted Practices in Safety, Health, and Environmental Training (ANSI/ASSE Z490.1-2001), the highest industry standard for training. It also meets the requirements of ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007, Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program, found in the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code.
Gravitec can supply all necessary fall protection equipment for this course.
No cameras, camcorders, cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants or similar devices will be permitted during training.
Course Duration
Five Days (40 hours)Class Size
Minimum 8, Maximum 10 (1 Instructor); Minimum 11, Maximum 18 (2 Instructors)Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be capable of using a planned approach to climbing and rescue using state-of-the art techniques and equipment. Students will be fluent in the vast majority of commercially available fall protection systems and fall protection and rescue equipment and have the ability to identify job-site fall hazards. They will be capable of creating, selecting and executing the safest, most appropriate fall protection and rescue techniques for workers at height. They will also possess the knowledge and skills to implement all components of three distinct standard wind turbine rescue plans, including strategies for protecting rescuers and methods for anchoring, packaging and lowering. Students will understand and be able to use group problem-solving and leadership techniques to plan and implement these rescues. Depending on where the course is taught, students will have the opportunity to create and implement rescue techniques that are best suited for that particular site.
Students will have advanced knowledge of the following:
- Fundamental Theories and Principles of Fall Protection
- Standards and Regulations Affecting the Wind Energy Industry
- Donning a Full Body Harness
- Fall Protection Hardware Compatibility
- Function and Purpose of Energy Absorbers
- Anchorage Points: Certified and Non-Certified
- Connecting Means: New Standards and Designs
- Energy Absorbing Lanyards
- Commercially Available Fall Arrest Systems
- Self-Retracting Lifelines
- Vertical Lifelines
- Horizontal Lifelines
- Ladder Safety Systems
- Suspended Work Positioning Systems
- Selecting and Installing Fall Protection Systems
- Rope and Knots
- Calculating Clearance Requirements
- Rescue System Components
- Pre-Climb Checklists and Rescue Plans
- Rescue System Selection
- Anchor Selection and Anchoring the Rescue System
- Four Basic Functions of a Rescue System
- Turbine Evacuation Using Site-Specific Systems
- Assisted Rescues Using Site-Specific Systems Over the Side of the Nacelle
- Rescue Problem Solving
- Belaying
- Equipment Inspection
Resource Materials
Students will receive a plastic wallet certificate of completion, Gravitec’s Competent Wind Turbine Climber & Rescue Manual and access to our toll-free number for ongoing technical assistance.Course Credits
4.0 Continuing Education Units, accredited by the International Association for Continued Education and Training (IACET), are awarded upon completion of this course.
