GWO Crane and Hoist Training
Safe operation, inspection and maintenance of small fixed cranes and hoists.
The Training
Training overview
Crane and Hoist Training covers the lifting equipment used in wind industry environments that does not require formal licensing — davit, boom, telescopic and knuckle cranes, and chain, wire and rope hoisting systems — up to approximately 8 tonne-metres.
Two modules serve different roles. Basic User prepares personnel to conduct pre-planned basic lifting operations safely, following manufacturer manuals and applicable legislation. Inspection and Maintenance prepares personnel to inspect equipment against manufacturer specification and statutory requirements, identify faults and maintain accurate records.
The standard excludes dynamic lifting and personnel transfer, and additional type- or brand-specific training may still be required by the duty holder.
Why this training matters
Lifting equipment inside a turbine is used routinely and often by people who are not full-time lift operators. Dropped objects — including tools and items from pockets — are among the most common causes of injury during these operations.
What you will learn
- Apply relevant safety practice and name the emergency procedures that apply to lifting operations
- Explain a lifting plan to colleagues and apply it to the operation
- Distinguish between crane types and identify their major components
- Mitigate mechanical, hydraulic and electrical hazards and prevent dropped objects
- Inspect and maintain lifting equipment to manufacturer specifications and legislation
Training pathways
Initial Training
Delivered as either the basic user route or the inspection and maintenance route, depending on the role.
Training content
GWO Crane and Hoist Basic User (CHBU) Training
Safely operating fixed cranes and small hoists in turbine environments.
13 hours 10 minutes
View ModuleGWO Crane and Hoist Inspection and Maintenance (CHIM) Training
Inspecting and maintaining lifting equipment to manufacturer specification and legislation.
12 hours 30 minutes
View ModuleKey knowledge
- Crane and hoist types — davit, boom, telescopic and knuckle
- Hoisting systems using chain, wire and rope
- Lifting plans and risk assessments
- National and international lifting equipment regulations
- Safety systems including overload and lateral boom protection
Practical skills
- Pre-use inspections and pre-lifting tasks
- Load positioning and control during lifting operations
- Applying emergency procedures
- Fault identification across mechanical, hydraulic and electrical components
Safety and risk awareness
- Dropped objects including tools, phones and pocket items
- Hydraulic injection and pressure exposure
- Load failure and load swing
- Overload protection system malfunction
Competencies
- Safely operate fixed cranes and hoists following manufacturer manuals
- Conduct pre-use inspections and apply lifting plans
- Take responsibility for following safety and emergency procedures
- Identify equipment defects and maintain accurate inspection logs
Key learning outcomes
- Safe lifting operations
- Crane and hoist operation
- Load handling and dropped-object prevention
- Inspection and maintenance responsibilities
Practical training
Hands-on pre-use inspection, lifting operations and emergency procedure practice, applied onshore and offshore.
Important information
- The standard covers fixed cranes and hoists up to approximately 8 tonne-metres that do not require formal licensing.
- Dynamic lifting and personnel transfer are excluded from the standard.
- Additional type- or brand-specific training may be required by the duty holder.
- Maximum 8 hours contact time per training day.