Wind Turbine Rescue Procedures

Wind turbine rescue involves recovering incapacitated workers from nacelles, towers, and hubs at extreme height.
Standard emergency services cannot easily reach workers at nacelle height, typically 80 to 150 metres above ground.
GWO (Global Wind Organisation) rescue training is mandatory for all personnel who work at height on wind turbines.
Rescue plans must cover casualty lowering, self-rescue, buddy rescue, and helicopter evacuation scenarios.
Suspension trauma can develop within minutes when an unconscious worker hangs in a harness after a fall.
Rescue equipment including descenders, stretchers, hauling systems, and first aid must be available at nacelle level.
Communication between the rescue team at height and ground-level support is critical throughout the operation.
Practice rescue drills must be carried out regularly so the team can perform under stress when needed.
Weather conditions at turbine height can prevent or complicate rescue attempts significantly.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require a rescue plan before any person works at height on a turbine.

Time critical	Suspension trauma kills within 20 minutes — rescue from turbine height must be fast and pre-planned.
Inaccessible location	Emergency services cannot reach nacelle height quickly — the on-site team must perform the initial rescue.
Legal requirement	The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require a rescue plan before any work at height begins.

Do

Don't

Ensure all turbine workers hold valid GWO rescue training before accessing any turbine
Position rescue equipment including descenders and a stretcher at nacelle level before work
Practise rescue drills regularly so the team can perform effectively under real conditions
Brief the rescue plan to all team members before ascending the turbine each shift
Maintain radio communication between the nacelle team and ground support at all times
Lower an unconscious casualty from a harness quickly to prevent suspension trauma
Check weather conditions before attempting any rescue — wind may prevent safe descent
Call emergency services immediately even if on-site rescue begins without delay
Carry a first aid kit including trauma dressings to the nacelle for every work session
Record and review every rescue drill to identify improvements for future emergencies

DON'T work at turbine height without a rescue plan briefed to every team member
DON'T leave rescue equipment on the ground — it must be at working height in the nacelle
DON'T delay lowering an unconscious casualty from a harness — suspension trauma is fatal
DON'T attempt rescue in conditions where the rescuer would also be at serious risk
DON'T assume emergency services can reach the nacelle — plan for on-site rescue first
DON'T skip rescue drills because the team is experienced — practice maintains competence
DON'T ascend the turbine without confirmed communication between nacelle and ground teams
DON'T use damaged or uninspected rescue equipment — check before every deployment
DON'T leave a rescued casualty lying flat if suspension trauma is suspected — raise legs
DON'T treat rescue planning as optional — it is a legal requirement for work at height

See also: Working at Height on Wind Turbines | Rescue Plan Requirements

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