Denmark-based www.alphawindservices.com Alpha has opened a new training centre in Houston after achieving accreditation from the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) to deliver its Basic Safety Training (BST). The base makes the company one of only seven providers accredited to supply the globally recognised GWO training courses in the USA.

The approved status will see Alpha, which was acquired by Aberdeen-based Sparrows Group in 2017, provides training to both individuals and businesses working in the rapidly growing wind energy market in the region.

GWO is a non-profit body founded by wind turbine manufacturers and owners. The member-organisation sets out common, international standards for safety training and emergency procedures.

Alpha was awarded the status following an extensive two-stage audit to demonstrate its ability and competence to provide the courses, with its Houston-based personnel now fully accredited to deliver the training.

To accommodate the work at height element of the course, Sparrows Group designed and manufactured a special 25ft tower platform at the facility. This will enable trainers to demonstrate use of correct PPE at height, safe evacuation and undertaking rescue situations using correct rescue equipment.

The BST training consists of four main modules - manual handling, fire awareness, first aid, and working at heights – which can be delivered separately or as a complete BST package. Each module focuses on working safely in the remote environment of a wind turbine and combines classroom theory with practical tasks.

Alpha CEO Mikkel Lund said: “The accreditation from GWO is a significant achievement for our US operations as we continue to expand in the region.

“Traditionally, operators have each had their own standards and companies have had to train personnel in multiple ways. GWO has created a standardised process which delivers greater efficiencies and assurances for the global wind sector.

“There has been a clear increase in the number of operators and turbine manufacturers requesting GWO standards as they recognise the consistent high standard of this training. We are thrilled to be one of only a small number of companies able to offer this to our growing client base.”