IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User Course

Overview

The IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User course is designed to provide participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills to use fall protection harnesses safely when working at height in Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPS). This course covers the correct selection, use, and maintenance of personal fall protection equipment, ensuring workers understand how to minimise the risks associated with working at height.

Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, and proper use of fall protection equipment is a critical element in preventing accidents. This course is suitable for those who need to wear a harness for their work.

Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and hands-on demonstrations, participants will develop the skills needed to safely use a harness and lanyard while working at height.

Who Should Attend?

The IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User course is ideal for workers who are required to wear a harness whilst operating MEWPs, including:

• Construction Workers: Those working on building sites where height safety is critical.
• Maintenance Personnel: Employees involved in maintaining roofs, towers, or other elevated structures.
• Roofers, Window Cleaners, and External Workers: Workers in industries that regularly require work at height.
• IPAF MEWP Operators and Demonstrators: Operators of mobile elevating work platforms who may be required to use fall protection equipment in conjunction with their equipment.
• Health and Safety Officers: Those responsible for ensuring safe working practices and equipment compliance on site.
• Supervisors and Managers: Individuals in charge of teams working at height and who oversee the use of fall protection equipment.

No previous knowledge of fall protection systems or harness use is required, making this course suitable for both beginners and those looking to refresh or enhance their skills.

What You’ll Learn

The IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User course covers a wide range of topics designed to ensure participants understand the principles of safe working at height and the proper use of fall protection systems. The course combines theoretical instruction with practical, hands-on experience, allowing participants to demonstrate their skills in a safe and controlled environment. Key areas include:

• Introduction to Fall Protection: Understanding the risks of working at height and the importance of using fall protection systems to minimise the risk of injury or fatality.
• Types of Fall Protection Equipment: Overview of different types of personal fall protection equipment, including harnesses, lanyards, fall arresters, and other fall protection devices.
• Choosing the Right Harness: How to select the correct harness and fall arrest equipment based on the task and environment, ensuring the right type of protection is used for the job.
• Inspection and Maintenance: How to inspect fall protection equipment before use to ensure it is in good condition and free from damage. Participants will learn how to recognise signs of wear and tear and when equipment needs to be replaced.
• Fitting a Harness: Correctly fitting and adjusting a harness to ensure safety and comfort, including the importance of proper adjustment for maximum efficiency and protection.
• Attachment Points: Understanding the importance of selecting safe and suitable attachment points on the harness and in the work environment to ensure correct load distribution.
• Safe Working Practices: Best practices for working safely at height when using a harness, including proper posture, safe movement, and how to avoid putting yourself in dangerous positions.
• Legal Requirements and Regulations: An overview of relevant health and safety legislation, including the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and the legal responsibilities of employers and employees in ensuring safety while working at height.

Certification & Assessment

Upon successful completion of the IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User course, participants will receive:
IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User Certificate: This certificate demonstrates the participant’s competency in using a harness safely and is recognized across various industries.

Assessment: The course includes both theoretical and practical assessments:

Written Theory Assessment: Participants must complete a short multiple-choice exam to test their understanding of fall protection equipment, safety procedures, and legal requirements.

Practical Assessment: Participants will be required to demonstrate their ability to correctly use and adjust a harness, conduct a pre-use inspection, and demonstrate safe working practices when using fall protection equipment.

Validity: The IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User certification is valid for 5 years. To remain certified, participants must complete a revalidation or refresher course prior to the expiration of their certification.

The IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User course is an essential training program for anyone who works at height and is required to wear fall protection equipment. By completing this course, participants will be able to safely use and maintain harnesses and other fall protection systems, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with legal and industry safety standards.

With a combination of theory and practical skills, the course ensures that participants not only understand the importance of fall protection but also have the hands-on experience to apply it safely in real-world situations. This course is vital for creating a safer work environment for employees working at height and is an important step toward promoting a culture of health and safety in any organisation.

Maximum Candidates

Maximum of 10 candidates

Duration

Half a Day

Price

£150 + VAT / person