Introduction
Working in a harness distributes fall forces safely across a worker's body in the event of a free fall while providing freedom of movement while performing their duties.
The Work at Height regulations, 2005 state that all those working at height must be trained to use appropriate safety equipment, and harnesses and lanyards are a critical part of said training. In addition, all PPE must be inspected and certified by a competent person at least every six months, and more so if the PPE is in use in harsh conditions.
This IPAF Harness Use and Inspection qualification provides the knowledge and skills to confidently select, inspect and don a harness for working at height activities.
In addition, delegates will receive training in the various legislation associated with work at height and a background in the different additional equipment available to aid safety and prevent accidents.
Course Outline
With a mix of practical and theory-based exercises and tutorials, delegates will cover manufacturer information and general knowledge of MEWPs harnesses and participate in practical activities to recognise best practices and operating methods, including fitting, assembly, and removal.
The course reflects national standards and industry best practices and is fully accredited with IPAF. In addition, choose to learn with Citrus, and delegates benefit from our custom-built training facilities and customer-first approach.
Our occupationally and technically-experienced trainers will take delegates through the course, completing the session with a practical observation and theory examination.
Course Programme
The training day is a mixture of classroom-based discussion and practical demonstrations focussing on correctly fitting and assembling harnesses and lanyards.
Delegates will review legal requirements, ensure safety compliance and inspections, and understand procedures, appropriate documentation and classifications.
The course content includes:
- Health & Safety regulations and legislation relevant to MEWPs
- Working at Height Regulations
- Hierarchy of fall protection measures
- IPAF harness statement
- Harness, lanyard and fittings
- Pre-use checks (including practical)
- Usage and anchor points
- Inspection and safe use
- Performing the task safely
- Storage and maintenance
- Hazards and precautions Rescue planning
Assessment consists of a multiple-choice test and a practical fitting and assembly session.
On Completion
At the end of the training, successful delegates will:
- Have an excellent understanding of relevant legislation for harness use
- Be competent in working at height hazard analysis and risk assessment
- Know the definition of the three categories for safe work at height
- Be aware of the PPE necessary to prevent falls from height
- Be able to inspect, maintain, fit and use a harness and lanyard safely
On successfully completing the course, delegates receive a Harness Use and Inspection awareness qualification and an IPAF Certificate of Training. Delegates will also have access to the IPAF ePAL app where their certificate is stored. Available on Android and iOS smartphones, the app also includes their logbook and safety information. Please note that hardcopy PAL cards and certificates must be arranged with the training department before the course start date, with an additional charge of £15.00, plus VAT.
Who Should Attend?
The IPAF programme is for any operator, supervisor or manager required to select, carry out pre-use checks, and adjust and inspect harnesses and lanyards for MEWP usage.
Course Duration
This comprehensive half-day training prepares delegates to safely and responsibly inspect and use harnesses and lanyards when working at height.
Why Citrus?
We dedicate our efforts to unrivalled quality and the customer experience at Citrus Training, providing exemplary service to our clients and producing excellent results from our delegates. As a result, we are the leading UK-based provider of health, safety, and technical training and assessment services to the Built Environment and Utility sectors.
Employers and delegates can choose from dedicated courses to suit customer-specific requirements, locations, and dates. As a result, we’ve successfully delivered training for over 20,000 delegates across the Working at Heights training category.
Things You Need to Know
Please note that this is a harness awareness course only and that delegates that successfully pass this course will not be deemed competent enough to perform mandatory periodic inspections.
The training has practical elements, so delegates must inform their trainer if they have any serious health issues, physical problems, special considerations or are taking any medication, which may create difficulties in any elements of this course. In addition, delegates should also bring suitable PPE on the day of training, for example, safety helmets, safety shoes or boots, hi-vis and gloves.
For training held at your location, please ensure that the classroom you make available has a power supply and is a suitable size for the number of delegates attending. In addition, please ensure that the practical area has been risk-assessed, is free from harm, and is ideal for training.
Popular FAQ's
Yes - delegates need to have a good understanding of the English language to take the course.
No, but there are practical elements, so delegates must inform their trainer if there is anything they need to consider before starting the course.
Yes, all delegates need to bring their own harnesses for training.
You will require a full-body harness with short restraint lanyard. These can be purchased from our sister company Altitude Safety.
Yes, you will need a classroom suitable for the number of delegates and for all relevant machinery to be in good working order with the complete manufacturer and operating manuals. You will also need to risk-assess all areas you plan to train in, proof of which we will need before any training takes place.
No, you will need to retake the course.
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