Advanced Rescue Training V6 - FAQs

Scope & structure

Q1. What are the modules in the new ART standard?	Reference
The new ART standard consists of four modules:                                                                  ART-H - Hub, Spinner and Inside Blade Rescue (initial) ART-HR- Hub, Spinner and Inside Blade Rescue Refresher ART-N - Nacelle, Tower and Basement Rescue (initial) ART-NR- Nacelle, Tower and Basement Rescue Refresher These replace the old combination of ART, ART-R, stand-alone Single Rescuer modules and the Combined ART course.	ART Standard V6: Section 4
Q2. What happened to the Combined ART and stand-alone Single Rescuer courses	Reference
The Combined ART and SART-H / SART-N modules are retired.                                           Their content has been integrated into the four ART modules above. There are no separate WINDA codes for single rescuer any more - single rescuer competence is embedded in ART-H/ART-N and refreshed in ART-HR/ART-NR. Retired modules are not intended for delivery beyond the transition period; delivery after the transition will follow GWO governance	ART Standard V6: Section 4
Q3. What are the new durations and validity periods?	Reference
Validity remains 24 months for ART, with refreshers extending the ART certificate for a further 24 months	ART Standard V6 : 5.4 Duration of trainings

Single Rescuer training

Q4. Is Single Rescuer training still part of GWO ART? Reference:	Reference:
Yes. Single rescuer is no longer a separate course, but is integrated as: a dedicated single rescuer application lesson in ART -H; a dedicated single rescuer “Rescue up” application lesson in ART -N; and  corresponding refresher lessons in ART-HR and ART-NR. Participants still train and are assessed in single rescuer scenarios; it just sits inside ART rather than as a stand-alone SART certificate.	GWO Technical Bulletin 100326
Q5. Does each participant have to perform all single rescuer exercises individually?	Reference:
The standard requires that: all single rescuer learning objectives are covered in practical training, and each participant is individually assessed in the single rescuer role in realistic scenarios.  Training providers are encouraged to design coherent scenarios that blend elements (e.g. blade → hub → spinner) rather than running a large number of short, isolated drills. The standard does not prescribe a fixed number of discrete single rescuer runs per participant; audit focus is on achievement of learning objectives and use of the full contact time.	GWO Requirements for Training
Q6. Are there separate single rescuer certificates or WINDA codes?	Reference:
No. Single rescuer competence is now embedded in the ART modules, and shares the same WINDA record and validity as ART. There are no separate SART-H / SART-N certificates in the new standard.	GWO Requirements for Training

Relationship to WAH / MH and other standards

Q7. Does ART still refresh the GWO Working at Heights and Manual Handling certificates?	Reference:
No. The previous cross-recognition (ART-R → WAHR/MHR refresh) has been removed: ART modules still use WAH/MH skills and revise key principles, but ART completion no longer generates WAHR/MHR certificates. Any WAH/MH renewal must follow the relevant GWO standards or company-specific training as defined by the duty holder.	ART Standard V6: 5.7 Participant Prerequisites
Q8. How does ART link to other GWO standards (BST, COHE, etc.)?	Reference:
ART assumes participants already meet the minimum prerequisites (BST, WAH, MH, and First Aid where specified). ART then builds on these competencies to cover advanced rescue in HSIBR and NTBR environments, including single rescuer and complex scenarios. It does not replace BST or WAH/MH training.	ART Standard V6: 5.7 Participant Prerequisites

Techniques – tensioned lines, cross hauling and equipment

Q9. Are tensioned lines / zip-lines / tramways still allowed in ART?	Reference:
No – tensioned lines, zip-lines and tramways are not included in GWO ART training.  Rescue systems in ART shall be configured and used only within the equipment manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU) and relevant standards. Horizontal/oblique movement in ART is addressed via cross hauling / controlled horizontal transfer, with the rope kept sufficiently slack that the load does not travel freely along a tensioned span	ART Standard V6: Changelog, Terms and definition, 8.1 - LO67,68
Q10. What is “cross hauling” in the context of ART?	Reference:
Cross hauling is defined in Terms and Definitions as: “Rescue technique in which an injured person or stretcher is moved horizontally or diagonally between anchor points by operating a rescue system from one or both sides. The rope is kept sufficiently slack so the load is always supported and controlled by the system and does not travel freely along a tensioned span. The system shall be configured and used only in accordance with the rescue-device and PFPE manufacturers’ instructions for use.” Auditors should check that centre-specific scenarios are consistent with this definition and with IFUs.	ART Standard V6: Section 2

Training facilities and mock-ups

Q11. What new expectations are there for training facilities and mock-ups?	Reference:
Key points clarified in the new standard:	ART Standard V6: 6.2 Practical Training Facilities

Timetables and lesson sequencing

Q12. Can training providers change the order of lessons	Reference:
The sequence in the timetable defines the intended progression and shall be followed. Minor re-ordering within a lesson (e.g. discussion before demonstration) is acceptable if all learning objectives are met. Substantial re-ordering, or moving elements across lessons (e.g. “Element 8.2 before 8.1”), is not permitted unless explicitly allowed in the module description. This was tightened in response to previous ambiguity and audit questions.	ART Standard V6: Sections: 9.4, 10.3, 11.4, 12.4 Training Timetable
Q13. Are lesson durations flexible?	Reference:
Approximate durations are given for each lesson and element:	ART Standard V6: 5.7 Duration of trainings

Assessment and reliability

Q14. How are participants assessed in the	Reference:
Participants are assessed by: Direct observation of practical exercises; Supplementary oral questions where needed; and Documentation on the standard GWO Participant Performance Assessment (PPA) form. Both initial and refresher modules use the same approach.	ART Standard V6: 8.1 Course Participant Performance Assessment
Q15. How do we ensure inter-rater reliability between instructors?	Reference:
Auditors can check PPAs, instructor briefings and internal QA records to verify this	GWO Requirements for Training

Cervical collar (Annex 3) 

Q16. Has GWO changed its position on cervical

Reference:

Annex 3 has been rewritten and shortened to reflect the current evidence base: International (ILCOR/ERC/ANZCOR/AHA) and Danish guidelines do not support routine use of rigid cervical collars in the prehospital setting. Within ART, the collar is framed as a non-routine, last-resort option for head support in very specific cases (e.g. unconscious casualty, high suspicion of spinal injury, manual head support not feasible). The annex emphasises: priority for manual and device-based head support; airway risks and potential increase in ICP; minimal duration and early removal; and alignment with local medical governance. The annex is an information and recommendation section; it does not replace national clinical protocols.

ART Standard V6: Annex 3 Head support during rescue

Implementation, transition and auditing 

Q17. What is the expected transition from the old ART	Reference:
From 03 March 2026 there will be a transition period of 6 months during which both standards are accepted. After 03 September 2026, SART modules will not be permitted to be delivered; only ART-H/ART-HR/ART-N/ART-NR certificates will be issued for new training. Existing SART and Combined ART certificates remain valid until expiry; providers shall move to the new structure for all new courses.	GWO Technical Bulletin 100326

Q18. What is the difference between evacuation and rescue in this standard?

Reference:

In ART we use the terms consistently as follows: Evacuation  Evacuation is the process of moving personnel out of the wind turbine or to a predefined safe location (e.g. tower base, transition piece, vessel) in an emergency when the predefined access route and normal access systems are still usable. Evacuation can be self-performed or assisted and does not require dedicated rescue systems beyond the normal access equipment. Rescue  Rescue is a controlled operation in which trained personnel use dedicated rescue methods and equipment to retrieve an injured or otherwise incapacitated person who cannot self-evacuate, and move them from their current position in the turbine to a safe location where further care and handover can take place. ART focuses on rescue (including single rescuer), while basic evacuation using normal access routes is primarily covered in BST and site emergency procedures.

ART Standard V6: Section 2

Initial and Refresher Training combined in a single standard

Q19. Where can I find the refresher training content?	Reference:
Refresher and initial training are now published together in the same standard. Please refer to the table of contents and the overview Standard for the exact locations of refresher training within the standard.	GWO Technical Bulletin 100326
Q20. Will this impact auditing	Reference:
The initial and refresher training being combined into a single standard does not affect the current auditing requirements.	GWO Technical Bulletin 100326
Q21. Why were initial and refresher training combined into a single standard?	Reference:
Initial and refresher training are now defined as different training options available under a single module. This change provides several benefits: Improved accessibility: Training content is easier to find in one location Reduced documentation: Fewer overall Standard documents to manage Maintains modular approach: Preserves the structured, module-based training framework  Updated terminology: Clearer distinction between modules and training types throughout the standard	GWO Technical Bulletin 100326