July 2, 2025

GWO High Voltage Standard Now Live

Following approval from the Training Committee, GWO is releasing the High Voltage Standard. The High Voltage Standard aims to prepare workers to safely operate high voltage equipment and systems under a Safe System of Work (SSOW).

The new GWO High Voltage Standard launches today. This addition to the GWO portfolio has been highly requested by many of GWO’s leading members, with input from Cubico Investments, Enercon, Engie, GE, Nordex, Northland Power, Orsted, RWE, SGRE, SSE and Vestas, and supported by the GWO Training Committee.

Aimed at commissioning and service technicians both on and offshore, the learning content supports work in high voltage operations or cable pulling under a safe system of work (SSOW). The overall training covers the system fundamentals of high voltage and significant safety elements, from hazard awareness to operational protocols.

The High Voltage Standard learning content includes the following two modules:

  • High Voltage Operations

o Training for the safe operation of HV equipment and systems

o Duration: 28 hours

  • High Voltage Cable Pulling

o Training for effective HV Cable Pulling operations during pre-installation, construction and service

o Duration: 7 hours 25 minutes

What training must participants complete before they attend HV training?

For HV Operations, participants must possess underpinning knowledge, skills and abilities in safe low voltage electrical working. They must have the capability to perform tasks while exposed to low voltage hazards and risks and have electrical workplace experience, to be technically capable to participate and succeed in the training.

They must have completed GWO BTT Electrical and GWO CoHE Electrical - or an equivalent local training qualification.

For HV Cable Pulling, participants must possess underpinning knowledge, skills and abilities in mechanical work and have an awareness of safe lifting operations to support succeeding in this training. They must have completed GWO BTT Mechanical, or an equivalent local training qualification.

Familiarity with Slinger Signaller and lifting principles is strongly recommended.

Commenting on the release of this standard, Julie Brown, Head of Training Development at GWO, said:

The release of the GWO High Voltage Standard marks a major milestone in our commitment to safety and technical excellence in the wind industry. With strong industry demand and vital input from our members, this standard equips technicians with the essential skills to work safely and effectively in high voltage environments.

What comes next?

As part of this release, the team will host two High Voltage Standard release webinars in July. Hosted by Thomas Redmond, Training Project Manager at GWO, the webinars will include expert inputs from a member of the High Voltage working group, cover the essentials of the High Voltage Standard and answer your questions. Please note that the content in each webinar will be the same, so feel free to choose the date that works best for you. The session dates and times are as follows:

• 3rd July: 09:00-10:00

• 23rd July: 15:00-16:00