Wind Turbine Blade Inspection Checklist
This wind turbine blade inspection checklist ensures compliance with IEC 61400-5 (Wind Turbine Blade Design), DNV-ST-0376 structural design standards, OSHA 1910.269 safety requirements, and AWEA Best Practices for blade inspection. Designed for blade inspection specialists and wind farm asset managers to assess blade structural integrity using rope access, drone, or zoom-lens inspection methods to prevent catastrophic blade failures.
- Industry: Renewable Energy
- Frequency: Annually
- Estimated Time: 3-6 hours per turbine
- Role: Blade Inspection Specialist / Wind Farm Asset Manager
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: IEC 61400-5 Wind Turbine Blade Design, DNV-ST-0376 Structural Design of Wind Turbine Blades, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 Electric Power Generation, AWEA Best Practices for Blade Inspection, ISO 9712 Non-Destructive Testing Personnel Qualification
Safety Setup
Turbine isolation and inspection safety.
- Turbine stopped, rotor locked, and blade orientation set?
- LOTO applied and zero energy confirmed?
- Ground exclusion zone established below rotor?
- Rope access workers IRATA/SPRAT certified (if applicable)?
- Drone operator FAA Part 107 certified (if applicable)?
Leading Edge Condition
Leading edge erosion and structural assessment.
- Leading edge erosion within acceptable limits?
- No significant pitting or gouging on leading edge?
- Leading edge protection coating (if installed) intact?
- No lightning strike damage on blade tip?
- Leading Edge Condition Photos
Blade Shell and Surface
Outer shell and surface condition.
- No surface cracks on pressure or suction side?
- No delamination observed?
- Gelcoat blistering within acceptable limits?
- Trailing edge bonding paste intact (no separation)?
- Blade Shell Condition Photos
Blade Root and Hub Connection
Root structural and pitch bearing inspection.
- Root bolts torque checked per schedule?
- Pitch bearing seal in good condition?
- No cracks at blade root or T-bolt inserts?
- Pitch bearing greasing current per schedule?
- Root and Hub Connection Photos
Internal Inspection (if applicable)
Internal blade structure and lightning system.
- Spar cap/web free of cracks or disbonding?
- Lightning down conductor intact from tip to root?
- No moisture ingress inside blade?
- Internal Condition Photos
- Vibration dampers/tuned mass dampers (if installed) secured?
Defect Classification and Reporting
Defect severity classification and action plan.
- All defects classified per severity (Cat 1/2/3/4)?
- Any Cat 3 or 4 defects requiring immediate action?
- Repair scope documented and scheduled?
- Asset owner notified of inspection results?
- Inspection Report Notes and Findings
Related Renewable Energy Checklists
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- Wind Turbine Annual Preventive Maintenance Checklist
- Wind Turbine Icing and Cold Climate Operations Checklist
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- Biomass Boiler and Combustion System Inspection Checklist
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Why Use This Wind Turbine Blade Inspection Checklist?
This wind turbine blade inspection checklist helps renewable energy teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for blade inspection specialist / wind farm asset manager professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.
Ensures compliance with IEC 61400-5 Wind Turbine Blade Design, DNV-ST-0376 Structural Design of Wind Turbine Blades, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 Electric Power Generation, AWEA Best Practices for Blade Inspection, ISO 9712 Non-Destructive Testing Personnel Qualification. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Wind Turbine Blade Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Safety Setup, Leading Edge Condition, Blade Shell and Surface, Blade Root and Hub Connection, Internal Inspection (if applicable), Defect Classification and Reporting. It is designed for renewable energy operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 3-6 hours per turbine.
Who should use this Wind Turbine Blade Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Blade Inspection Specialist / Wind Farm Asset Manager professionals in the renewable energy industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.