The GWO Lift standard brings a coherent safety training framework for wind technicians working on installing, commissioning, and maintaining lifts in WTG towers.
The GWO Lift standard brings a coherent safety training framework for wind technicians working on installing, commissioning, and maintaining lifts in WTG towers .
After releasing the first module of the Lift standard (Lift User) in April 2021, GWO is adding two more modules: Lift Commission and Inspection (LCI) and Lift Commission Inspection, Installation and Maintenance (LCIIM) in April 2022.
Thomas Grønlund, Project Manager at Global Wind Organisation has developed the GWO Lift Training Standard with a working group of subject matter experts from the wind industry. He explains how the new modules LCI & LCIIM cater to the needs of different WTG operators, depending on what tasks they require technicians to complete.
“Operators have different models – some will keep installation and maintenance of their lifts in house, while others will outsource this work. LCI offers a comprehensive guide to commissioning and inspecting a lift. While LCIIM offers maintenance and installation as well. This gives operators and service providers an option that is flexible to industry demand.”
The GWO Lift Training Standard and its three distinct modules respond to the challenge of bringing together similar trainings used by GWO members across the diversity of lift brands and models in operation. Paramount in this was ensuring a rigorous yet flexible framework.
“At a practical level this meant accommodating the contextual advice from lift manufacturers’ manuals, operator guidelines and legislation while formulating sensible common approaches applicable across all lifts,” adds Thomas.
“Key to achieving this balance was GWO’s unique approach to building standards with and for the wind industry by bringing in wind industry experts with the correct knowledge, skills and abilities to recognise and identify actions to mitigate the risks and hazards associated with using, Commissioning, Inspecting or Installing & Maintaining. This working group helped GWO design the LCIIM Module’s 17 lessons and 171 learning objectives.
“This standard offers vital contextual training that really facilitates the portability of knowledge, skills and abilities needed by technicians working on lift assembly, commissioning and maintenance across different lift platforms,” says Thomas. “Coupled with specific manuals and local legislation, GWO wind technicians should never be stuck in a lift.”.