BST Onshore: 4 module MH/FA/FAW/WAH – REFRESH

GWO Basic Safety Training Refresher (BSTR) Onshore – also known as BST Onshore Refresher – is the refresher course for the Basic Safety Training (BST) Onshore package, designed for individuals working in the onshore wind energy industry (land-based wind turbines).

It refreshes and reinforces the knowledge and skills from the 4 core modules:

• MH – Manual Handling Refresher Reviews correct techniques for lifting, carrying, and handling loads to prevent ergonomic injuries, with emphasis on risk assessment and practical exercises.
• FA – First Aid Refresher Updates skills in recognizing and managing medical emergencies (CPR, AED, bleeding, shock, etc.) in a wind turbine environment until professional help arrives.
• FAW – Fire Awareness Refresher Reinforces fire prevention, fire risk assessment, use of extinguishers, and evacuation procedures in the event of a fire inside a turbine.
• WAH – Working at Heights Refresher The most comprehensive module: reviews proper use of personal protective equipment (harnesses, lanyards), safe climbing techniques, fall prevention, and basic rescue from height.

General Information about BSTR Onshore

• Course Duration — Typically 2–3 days (shorter than the initial BST course, which lasts 4–5 days), depending on the training center. Often structured as WAH + MH in one day, plus FA and FAW.
• Certificate Validity — 24 months (2 years) from the date of completion. The certificate is registered in the GWO WINDA database and recognized globally.
• Prerequisites — You must hold a valid (or recently expired) BST Onshore or BSTR Onshore certificate for all 4 modules. Additionally: valid WINDA ID, minimum age 18, good health/fitness.
• Why is the refresher mandatory? — The BST Onshore certification is the minimum safety standard for access to onshore wind farm sites. Without a valid certificate, you cannot enter a turbine. The refresher is required every 2 years to maintain competencies and comply with employer and manufacturer requirements (Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, etc.).

If your certificate has been expired for a long time, you will need to complete the full initial BST Onshore course again. It’s recommended to take the refresher a few weeks before expiry to avoid any work interruptions.