Wind Limited Access (WLA) - FAQ

How is WLA used to visit a WTG site?  

WLA is only intended for infrequent visitors to a WTG. GWO defines "infrequent visitor" as a visitor with limited or no familiarity with WTG environments and safety procedures for entering them. The number of visits and duration of visits is to be defined by the duty holder. The duty holder must define when WLA is a sufficient training for the participant and under what circumstances it is appropriate for them to take the Basic Safety Training instead.

If have completed the Onshore Module and wish to visit an Offshore WTG, do I need to do the entire 7 hours of Offshore Module?

If you have completed the WLA Onshore Module and late wish to visit an Offshore WTG, you need to complete the full Offshore Module. The Offshore training requires you to take the entire 7 hours of training which covers some additional elements specific to isolated offshore environments.

Can the WLA be used for single day jobs or other types of short-term work in a WTG?

The WLA does not provide the training necessary to safely work in a WTG. Therefore, it cannot be used to access a turbine for single day jobs or other types of short-term work in a WTG.

Can WLA replace the need to do the BST?

The WLA only provides very limited safety training and does not provide the knowledge and skills to enter a WTG without being supervised by at least two experienced BST trained persons.  Therefore it does not replace the need to complete BST for most individuals.

Do instructors for the offshore module require a valid working at heights instructor certificate?

As the Offshore module of WLA includes hooked climbing on a ladder and emergency double descents into water, a valid Working at Heights certificate is required for WLA instructors.

Can the WLA be trained onsite?

Due to the intended participants unfamiliarity with the WTG environment, training WLA modules should always be trained in the safety of a training center. Therefore it cannot be trained Onsite.

Is there a refresher course the WLA?

There is no refresher course for WLA.  Once the WLA passes it’s validity date, a course participant must retake the WLA.

Are their special requirements for auditing the WLA?

The training provider must already be certified to deliver BST to be able to undergo an extension audit for WLA. This entails a 2 hour audit for both modules and can be done remotely.

The auditor will focus these 2 hours in verifying that:

• the lesson plan is aligned with the requirements in the module (content, duration, etc.)
• the instructors who will deliver the module are BST qualified.

Training assessment is not needed for auditing the WLA.