Course duration: 1 day

The GWO ART Hub, Spinner & Inside Blade Rescue course is a highly advanced training that complements the nacelle rescue module (ART-N). It prepares specialized technicians to plan and conduct complex extraction operations from moving, extremely confined rotor components. This module teaches how to safely transport a casualty from inside the blade to the hub, and then evacuate them safely to the nacelle or directly to the outside of the turbine.

Requirements:

• valid identity document (ID card/passport/mObywatel)

• possession of an active WINDA (Wind Industry Database) ID

• possession of a GWO Working at Heights, GWO First Aid, and GWO Manual Handling certificate

The course price includes:

• WINDA system registration fee

• lunch

• coffee / tea

• insurance

• free parking

Additional fees:

• none

Certificate validity:

• 2 years

Course program

The program focuses on advanced rope techniques and confined space rescue:

• Planning and situation assessment – identification of specific hazards in the hub. Communication and prioritization of actions in an extremely small space.

• Confined space equipment – selection and configuration of short evacuation stretchers, specialized rescue harnesses, and descent devices adapted for work over very short distances and near sharp edges.

• Rescue from inside the blade – techniques for reaching the casualty inside the blade, patient stabilization, and building a safe hauling system allowing for their extraction through the narrow blade hatch into the hub.

• Rescue from the hub and spinner – placing the patient in a stretcher and horizontal and vertical evacuation. Transferring the casualty from the hub to the inside of the nacelle or – if impossible – external evacuation down the tower directly from the rotor spinner.

• Casualty management – maintaining vital functions during prolonged and strenuous transport through narrow hatches.

What will you learn?

By participating in this training, you will acquire expert competencies that allow you to:

• Instantly assess the geometry of the space (the pitch angle of the blade) and choose the appropriate extraction strategy.

• Physically and fully safely “package” a co-worker into a rescue stretcher in conditions where standing is not possible.

• Independently build complex, directional rope systems inside the tight rotor hub, avoiding rope abrasion on the sharp edges of mechanisms.

• Calmly lead the team during an operation where rescuers might not see each other at all and rely solely on voice or radio commands.

What does the training look like?

The training is characterized by a high intensity of physical work, often in a forced body position (kneeling or lying down):

• Immediate transition to practice: discussion of equipment and procedures before starting practical exercises.

• Advanced scenarios: participants work in full personal protective equipment and execute full rescue scenarios using heavy manikins. The space is tight and dark, which intentionally heightens stress and teaches how to remain calm.

Confirmation of course completion

Passing is based on continuous assessment. GWO instructors analyze the trainee’s mental resilience (coping with claustrophobia and stress), correct use of equipment, and leadership skills. Successful completion results in the issuance of a GWO ART Hub, Spinner & Inside Blade Rescue (ART-H) certificate. The qualifications are immediately registered in the WINDA database, which constitutes the highest confirmation of your rescue competencies on wind farms. The qualifications remain valid for 2 years (after this time, passing a one-day ART-H Refresher course is required).

Where does the training take place, and is there parking?

Attendance confirmation takes place in Gdynia at 13A Polska Street. Free parking is located at 6 Chrzanowskiego Street. The barrier code is provided by the secretariat staff upon confirmation of the course. The training takes place in Gdynia at 13 Wiśniewskiego Street – where there is also free parking.