Wind Turbine Quarterly Inspection

Quarterly condition inspection template for wind turbine tower, nacelle, drivetrain, blades, and pitch/yaw systems, including oil and vibration sampling to identify defects not visible through remote monitoring.

Inspection Setup and Safety Controls

• Work order, site access, and turbine identification verified
• Lockout-tagout applied and verified before internal inspection
  Confirm energy isolation for electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and stored-energy sources per OSHA 1910.147 before opening access panels or entering restricted areas.
• Weather and access conditions safe for inspection
  Record whether wind speed, lightning risk, icing, visibility, and tower access conditions are within site limits for safe inspection.
• Required PPE worn and in good condition
  Verify task-appropriate PPE such as helmet, eye protection, gloves, fall protection, hearing protection, and arc-flash PPE where applicable.
• Inspection area free of immediate safety hazards
  Check for unsecured tools, spills, obstructions, damaged ladders, missing guards, or other hazards that could affect safe access.

Tower, Access, and External Structure

• Tower shell, seams, and external fasteners free of visible damage or corrosion
• Access ladder, rungs, cages, and fall-arrest components in serviceable condition
• Platforms, handrails, toe boards, and doors secure and unobstructed
• Visible signs of water ingress, leaks, or contamination in tower sections
• Tower grounding and bonding connections visually intact
  Inspect accessible grounding and bonding points for looseness, corrosion, or damage; escalate any non-conformance for electrical review per site procedure and NFPA 70E expectations.

Nacelle and Drivetrain Condition

• Nacelle interior clean, dry, and free of loose debris
• Gearbox, main bearing, and drivetrain housings free of visible oil leaks
• Oil level within acceptable range
• Oil sample collected and labeled
  Record sample point, date/time, and chain-of-custody details per site procedure for analysis of contamination, wear metals, and moisture.
• Abnormal vibration, noise, or temperature observed in drivetrain components
  Document any unusual vibration, noise, or heat signatures that may indicate bearing wear, misalignment, imbalance, or lubrication issues.
• Vibration reading captured at required measurement point

Blades, Hub, Pitch, and Yaw Systems

• Blades free of cracks, leading-edge erosion, lightning damage, or delamination
• Blade surface condition acceptable across visible span
  Check for contamination, missing surface protection, impact damage, or abnormal wear patterns visible from the inspection point.
• Pitch system operates smoothly without binding or abnormal noise
• Yaw system alignment and movement appear normal
  Verify yaw bearing, yaw drive, and brake condition for abnormal movement, looseness, or misalignment.
• Pitch and yaw lubrication points serviced as required
• Blade, pitch, or yaw defects require immediate escalation
  Use this item to flag any defect that could affect safe operation, structural integrity, or turbine availability.

Controls, Electrical, and Monitoring

• Controller, alarms, and fault history reviewed
• Remote monitoring discrepancies documented
  Record any condition found during physical inspection that was not identified by SCADA or remote monitoring.
• Electrical enclosures, cabling, and connectors visually intact
  Inspect accessible electrical components for damage, overheating, loose connections, or missing covers; escalate per site electrical safety procedure and NFPA 70E.
• Any non-conformance or corrective action entered

Inspector Sign-Off

• Overall inspection result
• Corrective actions and follow-up owner documented
• Inspector signature