IPAF Harness Inspector Course

Overview

The IPAF Harness Inspector course is a specialised training program designed for individuals responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and ensuring the safe condition of fall protection equipment, specifically harnesses and associated components. As fall protection is a critical aspect of working at height, this course provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify potential faults, ensure compliance with safety standards, and maintain equipment in optimal working condition.

This course is essential for those who are tasked with inspecting and certifying fall protection systems, including harnesses, lanyards, and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Participants will learn how to conduct thorough, systematic inspections, recognise damage or wear, and take the appropriate actions to maintain the safety of those using fall protection equipment on site.

Who Should Attend?

The IPAF Harness Inspector course is suitable for anyone involved in the inspection and maintenance of fall protection equipment, including:

• Safety Managers and Supervisors: Individuals responsible for overseeing workplace safety and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding fall protection equipment.
• Health and Safety Professionals: Those who need to develop expertise in inspecting and managing fall protection systems, ensuring that equipment is safe to use.
• Site Managers and Supervisors: Those tasked with ensuring that workers using harnesses and other fall protection gear are doing so safely and that the equipment is in good working order.
• Equipment Maintenance and Inspection Personnel: Technicians and safety officers who are directly involved in inspecting, maintaining, or certifying fall protection equipment in accordance with industry standards.
• Workplace Safety Officers: Personnel in charge of ensuring workplace safety equipment is maintained, regularly inspected, and replaced when necessary.

This course is especially important for those working in industries where employees are required to use harnesses as part of their daily duties, such as construction, maintenance, utilities, and the oil and gas sectors.

What You’ll Learn

The IPAF Harness Inspector course provides participants with the expertise required to assess the condition and safety of fall protection harnesses and associated equipment. Key learning outcomes include:

• Understanding Fall Protection Equipment: Overview of the different types of fall protection systems, including harnesses, lanyards, shock-absorbers, and associated PPE. Understanding the materials and components that make up a harness system and how they function.
• Legal and Industry Standards: An introduction to the Work at Height Regulations 2005, EN standards (European Norms), and other relevant guidelines concerning fall protection. Learn about the legal responsibilities of employers and employees regarding the use, inspection, and maintenance of fall protection equipment.
• Inspection Techniques: Learn how to conduct a systematic and thorough inspection of fall protection equipment, including: (Visual Checks: Identifying visible damage or wear such as frayed straps, cuts, abrasions, corrosion, or deformities in hardware components.) (Functional Checks: Inspecting the functionality of buckles, webbing, stitching, and other components to ensure proper operation.)
• Signs of Wear and Tear: How to identify specific types of damage that could compromise the effectiveness of harnesses and fall protection systems, including: (Damage from UV exposure, chemicals, or environmental factors.) (Impact damage, especially after a fall.) (Corrosion of metal components.) (Loss of elasticity or distortion in straps.)
• Recording and Documentation: How to properly document the results of inspections and record actions taken (e.g., repairs or replacements) in compliance with health and safety regulations. Learn about inspection logs, certification of equipment, and record-keeping best practices.
• Maintaining and Storing Harnesses: Best practices for the proper care, maintenance, and storage of fall protection equipment to extend its service life and ensure its safety and readiness for use.
• Making Recommendations: How to assess equipment that has failed inspection and make appropriate recommendations for repair, retirement, or replacement.
• Practical Inspection Exercises: Hands-on training where participants will perform mock inspections on harnesses and associated PPE, working through real-life scenarios to identify faults and take the appropriate actions.

Certification & Assessment

Upon successful completion of the IPAF Harness Inspector course, participants will receive:
IPAF Harness Inspector Certificate: This certification demonstrates that the individual is trained and competent in inspecting fall protection equipment, specifically harnesses, and is valid for 5 years.

Assessment: The course includes both theoretical and practical assessments to ensure participants can apply their learning in real-world situations.

Written Theory Assessment: A short multiple-choice exam covering key topics such as inspection methods, legal requirements, industry standards, and types of equipment.

Practical Inspection Assessment: Participants will be required to inspect fall protection equipment, identify faults, and demonstrate their ability to take the appropriate actions in response to their findings. This will include both the identification of physical damage and the recording of results.

Validity: The IPAF Harness Inspector certification is valid for 5 years. To remain compliant and up-to-date with current standards, individuals must attend a revalidation or refresher course before their certificate expires.

The IPAF Harness Inspector course is a crucial training program for anyone involved in the inspection and maintenance of fall protection equipment. By completing this course, participants will gain the competence to identify risks, ensure the safety of workers, and maintain equipment to the highest standards. This is essential for minimising workplace injuries and fatalities related to falls from height.

With a mix of theoretical instruction and hands-on practical experience, participants will leave the course with the confidence and ability to conduct thorough inspections and ensure that harnesses and fall protection systems meet all necessary safety regulations and standards. Whether you’re working in construction, maintenance, or any other industry that involves working at height, this course will enable you to contribute to a safer work environment.

Maximum Candidates

Maximum of 6 candidates

Duration

Half a Day

Price

£150 + VAT / person