GWO Basic Safety Training Onshore Refresher

• The refresher covers the following modules:
• Working at Heights Refresher:
• Review and practical application of personal protective equipment and fall arrest systems in a wind turbine environment.
• Safe ascent, descent, and positioning at height, building on previously gained skills.
• Basic rescue operations from height, including assessment and safe retrieval of a casualty.
• Manual Handling Refresher:
• Review of body mechanics and musculoskeletal risk management for wind technicians.
• Practical application of safe lifting, lowering, pushing, and pulling techniques in a wind turbine environment.
• Task planning and load assessment, building on previously gained knowledge.
• Fire Awareness Refresher:
• Review of fire theory, prevention, and detection in wind turbine environments.
• Practical firefighting using basic handheld equipment, building on previously gained skills.
• Evacuation management and personnel accountability in response to an unmanageable fire.
• First Aid Refresher:
• Review and practical application of primary assessment and recognition of life-threatening situations.
• CPR and AED use, bleeding control, and wound management refresher.
• Management of injuries and handover of a casualty to the next level of care.

This course is delivered through a blend of:

• Facilitator-led classroom sessions reviewing GWO BST theory and updated safety principles for each module.
• Practical, scenario-based exercises using industry-grade equipment in simulated wind turbine environments.
• Group discussions and demonstrations drawing on participants' prior experience and knowledge.
• Performance-based assessments confirming achievement of GWO BST Refresher learning objectives for each module.

The GWO Basic Safety Training Onshore Refresher course is designed for workers in the onshore wind industry including technicians, maintenance staff, site operatives, safety officers, and contractors who hold current GWO BST certification and need to refresh it before it reaches its two-year currency point.
Learners must hold prior GWO BST certification in each of the four modules before attending see Prerequisites below. This course is not designed for learners who have never completed GWO Basic Safety Training, with the exception of the Fire Awareness and Manual Handling modules, which may be completed by first-time participants alongside refresher participants in the same classroom.

Physical Requirements

This is a physically active two-day course involving practical exercises across multiple disciplines. Learners must be able to:

• Work at simulated heights using fall arrest systems and PPE, including harness fitting, ascent, descent, and performing basic rescue procedures at height.

• Perform manual handling tasks, including lifting, lowering, pushing, and pulling, in accordance with safe work techniques.

• Operate handheld firefighting equipment during fire awareness practical exercises.

• Perform CPR and other first aid procedures, including tasks requiring sustained physical effort.

• Sustain physically active participation across two consecutive days of practical training.

Weight limit: Due to equipment safety requirements, there is a participant weight limit of 120 kg for this course. Learners will be weighed during the course to confirm they meet equipment safety limits. If you have concerns about this requirement, contact ERGT Australia before enrolling.
A medical certificate is not required; however, learners are required to read and sign a health questionnaire and statement of participation before commencing training, declaring their fitness and ability to perform the physically demanding elements of the course. Please contact ERGT Australia for any concerns regarding your ability to complete the practical training requirements.

Psychological and Emotional Demands

This course involves working at simulated heights and participating in emergency response scenarios. Learners should be prepared to:

• Work at height using fall arrest and fall restraint systems. In accordance with the GWO BST Refresher Standard, this module is not intended to test a participant's fear of heights its purpose is to review and build on previously gained skills. Learners who experience anxiety at heights are nonetheless encouraged to contact ERGT Australia before enrolment so appropriate support can be discussed.

• Participate in simulated fire and emergency evacuation scenarios, including decision-making under realistic conditions.

• Engage with first aid scenarios that include simulated casualties and life-threatening medical situations, which may be confronting for some learners.

Learners who have concerns about any of these demands are encouraged to speak with ERGT Australia prior to enrolment.

Behavioural and Safety Demands

All learners are required to:

• Follow facilitator instructions and all safety procedures precisely at all times, particularly during working at heights and fire awareness practical exercises.

• Actively participate in group exercises, scenario-based activities, and assessments across all four modules.

• Contribute constructively to group discussions and scenario exercises, drawing on prior experience where relevant.

• Adhere to ERGT Australia's site safety rules and the specific safety requirements for each training discipline.

• Report any health, fitness, or equipment concerns to the facilitator before or immediately during a session.

Behave professionally and respectfully toward all participants and facilitators throughout the course

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital

Learners must have basic Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills to understand safety procedures and complete assessments. Learners must be able to access and navigate a digital device to log in and access the course materials. Support for learners is available on request. More information is available on our website under "Learner Support".