Wind Turbine Technicians
Wind techs climb towers hundreds of feet tall and work in tight nacelles and hubs, far from help. Self-rescue and team rescue skills are part of the job.
- Energy
Top hazards
- Falls during climbs and while working outside the nacelle
- Confined spaces in hubs, blades and the tower base
- Electrical: high-voltage equipment, arc flash, stored energy
- Rotating parts: rotor, gearbox, yaw system
- Fire in the nacelle with limited escape
- Weather, lightning and remote locations
Key practices
- Complete climber, rescue and first aid training (many employers require GWO certifications).
- Use the ladder safety system and harness on every climb; have descent and rescue kits in the nacelle.
- Lock out the rotor and electrical systems before work; engage rotor locks.
- Follow wind speed limits for climbing and for hub work.
- Treat hubs and blades as confined spaces where applicable.
- Leave the tower for lightning risk.
The climb
Many towers are 260 feet or taller. Climbing with a ladder safety system is physically demanding, especially in heat or with tools. Some towers have service lifts or climb-assist devices. Pace yourself, rest on platforms, and don’t climb if you’re unwell or exhausted. See Fixed Ladders.
Rescue far from help
- Emergency services may take a long time to reach a remote wind farm, and most can’t perform a rescue from a nacelle.
- Crews carry rescue and descent devices that can lower a worker to the ground from the nacelle or tower.
- Practice rescues regularly, and always work in teams of at least two.
- Know the exact turbine number and site address to give 911.
Fire in the nacelle
Nacelles contain oil, electrical equipment and composite materials, and they’re hard to escape. Know the evacuation and descent plan before going up. At the first sign of smoke or fire, evacuate. Don’t try to fight a nacelle fire unless trained and it’s very small.
Before the climb
- Weather and wind speed within limits; no lightning in the area
- Turbine stopped, yaw and rotor locked as required for the task
- Lockout plan for electrical and mechanical energy
- Harness, lanyards and ladder safety system inspected
- Rescue kit in place; partner trained
- Radio or phone working; check-in plan set
Standards & references
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