Frequently Asked Questions
About the Courses
About Enrollments
About the Course Content
About Certifications
About Prices and Payments
What types of courses does Total HSE offer?
Total HSE offers a wide range of specialized courses in safety and technical training for the wind industry and work at heights. These include:
- All GWO certifications are available. This global organization provides an extensive list of standards regulating the safety conditions and knowledge required for workers in wind turbine environments.
- IRATA-accredited courses: Training in rope access techniques for vertical work, available at all three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
- Proprietary courses: Training in safety and emergency response, such as Electrical Risk in Wind Turbines, Confined Spaces ATEX, PPE Inspection, Anchor Point Review, among others.
Can I take the courses online, or are they in-person?
Most of Total HSE’s courses are delivered in-person at their training centers, as they include essential practical sessions to ensure safety and competency in real-life situations. However, some courses are available in a blended format, combining online content and in-person training. It is recommended to contact Total HSE directly for specific information about each course’s modality.
What certifications will I receive upon completing a course?
Upon successfully completing the courses, you will receive internationally recognized official certifications:
- GWO: Certificates for the corresponding modules, such as BST, BTT, CoHE, among others.
- IRATA: Certification in vertical work according to the completed level (Level 1, 2, or 3).
How long do the courses last?
The duration of courses varies depending on the type and content:
- GWO BST: Approximately 3.5 days (25.5 hours).
- GWO BTT: Around 54 hours, spread over seven and a half days.
- IRATA Level 1: Five days of training plus one examination day.
Other courses have specific durations; it is recommended to consult the detailed program of each course for precise information.
What career opportunities do the courses offer?
Both GWO and IRATA certifications are internationally recognized, which broadens job opportunities across various sectors and countries. These certifications are particularly in demand in the wind energy industry and rope access work.
GWO Courses
GWO (Global Wind Organisation) courses are designed to prepare participants to work in the wind energy industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. The main career opportunities include:
- Wind turbine maintenance technician: Performing preventive and corrective maintenance tasks on wind turbines.
- Wind turbine installer: Participating in the assembly and commissioning of wind farms.
- Safety officer in wind projects: Overseeing compliance with safety standards in work environments related to wind turbines.
- Renewable energy operator: Working in the energy sector at wind power plants.
- Technical inspector of equipment and structures: Assessing wind turbine components to ensure proper functioning.
IRATA Courses
IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) courses are highly sought after for rope access work in industries that demand precision, agility, and safety at height. The main career opportunities include:
- Rope access worker: Performing tasks at height in industries such as construction, industrial maintenance, and building restoration.
- Structural inspection technician: Inspecting and repairing structures like bridges, telecommunications towers, and oil platforms.
- Industrial cleaning technician: Cleaning and maintaining hard-to-reach installations such as skyscrapers and industrial chimneys.
- Stage and structure assembly for events: Assembling and dismantling structures for sports events, concerts, and theater productions.
- Emergency specialist: Supporting rescue situations in confined spaces or difficult-to-access areas.
How can I enroll in a course?
To make a reservation, please contact us through the available channels:
After contacting us and providing your details (full name, ID, full address, phone, and email), we will send you a quote tailored to the center and selected edition.
What are the requirements to enroll in a course?
To participate in the courses, you must be of legal age (18 years old) and in good physical condition, as the courses include practical exercises requiring physical effort (typically, being able to do at least 5 pull-ups is recommended).
Additionally, to complete the reservation, you must pay the full course fee or at least 50% of the amount in advance and provide your details.
Do I need prior experience to participate in the courses?
In general, prior experience is not required, but this depends on the specific training you are interested in
In this section of our website, you can see detailed requirements for each course.
You can also contact us, and we will resolve any doubts you may have.
You can find information on how to contact us in this section: How can I enroll in a course?
What happens if a course is canceled due to a lack of participants?
You will be notified at least one week in advance if the course is canceled. In such cases, you can either request a full refund of the amount advanced for the reservation or apply it as a new reservation for the next scheduled edition.
What materials are included in the course?
The course fee includes:
- Permanent access to the Total HSE web platform with all course documentation.
- Registration fees and examination rights.
- All equipment and materials necessary for the development of practical activities.
- If the final exam is passed, the processing of certification and the Logbook for IRATA Level 1 participants.
Are practical sessions conducted in in-person courses?
Yes, practical sessions are a fundamental part of the courses. The in-person courses include intensive practical activities designed to develop real skills in a safe and controlled environment. For example, in IRATA courses, participants spend much of their time performing practical rope access exercises.
What languages are available for the courses?
Although most courses are taught in Spanish, Total HSE can offer training in other languages depending on the group’s needs and instructor availability. It is advisable to consult directly with the team to confirm the availability of specific languages.
How are participants evaluated?
The assessment includes:
- Continuous assessment during the course days, based on performance in practicals and acquired knowledge.
- A final exam, supervised by an independent assessor, which evaluates the participant’s practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
What happens if I fail the course?
If the final exam is not passed, the corresponding certification will not be awarded. However, participants have the option to retake the course and the exam in a new session. It is advisable to contact the Total HSE team to learn about the conditions and costs for re-enrollment.
How long are the obtained certifications valid?
- IRATA: The certification is valid for three years. After this period, participants must complete a renewal course to maintain their accreditation.
- GWO: The validity of certifications depends on the specific course:
- Most certifications, such as the Basic Safety Training (BST) modules, are valid for two years.
- However, some specific modules, such as Control of Hazardous Energies (CoHE), may have different validity periods. It is important to review the specific conditions of each course and plan the renewal in advance to avoid expiration.
A refresher course must be completed before the original certification expires.
Can I renew my certification with Total HSE?
Yes, Total HSE offers renewal courses to keep your certification up to date for both IRATA and GWO accreditations.
It is recommended to register well in advance to avoid gaps in your certification validity.
What happens if I lose my certificate?
In case of certificate loss, you can request reissuance directly from Total HSE. Additionally, for IRATA and GWO certifications, these organizations maintain records on their platforms where the document can be verified and reissued, usually for an administrative fee.
How can I verify the authenticity of my certification?
The authenticity of certifications can be verified through official platforms:
- IRATA: Certification records are available in their official database. Each certificate has a unique number for validation.
- GWO: Certifications are registered in the WINDA (Wind Industry Database) platform. Employers or interested parties can verify the certification using the holder’s WINDA ID.
What is the difference between GWO and IRATA certifications?
- GWO (Global Wind Organisation): Focuses on safety and technical skills training required to work in the wind industry. Includes modules such as working at heights, manual handling, first aid, among others.
- IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association): Specializes in rope access techniques for working at height and in complex environments, such as industrial maintenance, construction, and event setups. It offers three levels of certification, depending on the participant’s experience and skills.
Both certifications are internationally recognized and highly valued in their respective sectors. The choice between them depends on the type of work and sector in which you wish to specialize.
How much does a course cost?
For information about the prices of our courses, we invite you to contact our team via email, phone, or web form. We will be happy to provide you with a detailed quote and address any questions you may have, offering personalized assistance with no obligation.
What happens if I cannot attend a course I have already registered for?
At Total HSE, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. Therefore, we offer various options regarding the amount paid if you cannot attend the course you registered for. Our refund or reservation transfer policies are as follows:
- More than 15 days in advance: You can request a 100% refund of the amount paid or transfer it as credit for a future course.
- Between 15 and 11 days in advance: An 80% refund of the amount paid will be issued.
- Between 10 and 6 days in advance: A 70% refund of the amount paid will be issued.
- With 5 days or less notice: A 50% refund of the amount paid will be issued.
We recommend notifying us of any changes to your attendance as early as possible to ensure the best solution.
Does the price include all necessary materials for the course?
Yes, the price includes:
- All equipment and materials necessary for practical activities.
- Registration fees and examination rights.
- Permanent access to the Total HSE web platform with course documentation.
- In case of passing the exam, the processing of the certification and the Logbook (for IRATA Level 1).
How can I contact Total HSE for inquiries?
You can contact Total HSE through:
- The company’s official social media channels.
- Sending your queries by email or using the contact form available on the website.
- Their contact numbers, available for commercial and administrative inquiries.
Where are the training centers located?
You can find this information in the “Our Total HSE Centers” section of our website.
All our centers are duly accredited by IRATA International, ensuring the quality of their facilities and equipment.
Do you offer training in countries other than Spain?
Yes, Total HSE also provides training in several international centers located outside of Spain. These centers specialize in training for the wind industry and feature high-quality facilities and equipment, as well as instructors with over 10 years of experience. The main international centers include:
- San Bernardo, Chile:
- Specialized in wind safety training, particularly in blade repair.
- Facilities include dedicated areas for practical workshops.
- Contact: (+56) 9 5819 5060 | chile@totalhse.com
- San José, Costa Rica:
- Offers wind industry safety training, with an outdoor wind turbine simulator and an indoor climate-controlled classroom for theory.
- Contact: (+506) 2282 7468 | costarica@totalhse.com
- Hatzor Ha’Glilit, Israel:
- Center specialized in safety training for wind industry jobs, with a simulated wind turbine and an indoor metal structure for practice.
- Contact: +972 050-720-2950 | office@turbine-il.com
These centers are equipped to provide practical and theoretical training in compliance with GWO and IRATA international standards.
What should I bring on the day of the course?
Participants only need to bring:
- Comfortable work clothing.
- Safety footwear.
Total HSE provides all necessary equipment for practical activities, including harnesses, ropes, and other required materials.