NPORS Safe Working at Height (N404) - Novice

Stay Secure and Work Smart Whilst Working at Height

What is a NPORS Safe Working at Height course?

The NPORS Safe Working at Height (N404) course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to work safely and efficiently in environments where there is a risk of falling. The course covers fundamental topics such as the hazards associated with working at height, accident causation, and the responsibilities of workers and employers in managing these risks. Participants will learn how to define work at height, identify associated dangers, and understand the general requirements to control and mitigate hazards, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Course Content

What can I expect from the NPORS Safe Working at Height Training course?

The NPORS Safe Working at Height Training course provides a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills focused on safety while working above ground level. Here's what you can expect from the course:

Understanding Industry Risks and Responsibilities: You'll gain a clear understanding of the dangers associated with working at height, along with the responsibilities you hold as an operator in managing these risks. The course covers how to identify potential hazards and the importance of planning and organising work at height to prevent accidents.
Accident Prevention and Safety Protocols: The training covers accident causation, teaching you how to recognise the factors that lead to incidents during height-related tasks. You'll also learn to set up exclusion zones, identify overhead hazards, and take necessary emergency actions in case of an incident.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Practical Application: You will learn how to identify, use, and maintain the appropriate PPE for safe working at height. The practical element of the course allows you to demonstrate your ability to work safely at height, applying all safety protocols learned throughout the training.

By the end of the course, you’ll be well-prepared to manage risks, understand safety procedures, and operate efficiently in height-related environments.

Entry Requirements

Are there any entry requirements for the NPORS Safe Working at Height training course?

Please note that all learners are required to submit supporting documentation with their application. This includes proof of passing the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test within the last two years. Additionally, applicants must have a strong understanding of both spoken and written English.

Assessment

The NPORS assessment includes both theoretical and practical components. The theory portion consists of a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Additionally, learners will participate in a practical assessment, demonstrating their skills in real-world applications.

Certification

Existing NPORS Card Holders Without (S)NVQ:

Learners without the necessary (S)NVQ qualifications will be issued a Trained Operator card, which remains valid for two years. Within this period, they must enrol in and successfully complete the relevant (S)NVQ pertaining to the types of plant equipment listed on their card.

Existing NPORS Card Holders With (S)NVQ:

Learners who possess an (S)NVQ qualification will receive a Competent Operator card, which has a validity of five years. Additionally, they will be provided with a CPD record/operator logbook to track their continuous professional development and log hours of operation in their field of work.

FAQs

Available training dates

Search below to browse through thousands of course dates across the UK.

Find a training date

FAQs

Does working at height require a permit to work?

Yes, working at height often requires a permit to work, especially in high-risk environments or on sites where strict safety protocols are in place. A permit to work is a formal, written document issued to authorise a specific task under controlled conditions. It ensures that all necessary safety precautions, such as risk assessments, hazard identification, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), have been considered and implemented before work begins.

This process is typically required in industries such as construction, maintenance, and industrial work, where working at height poses significant risks. The permit helps ensure that all involved personnel understand their roles, the risks, and the safety measures in place, including emergency procedures, to minimise the likelihood of accidents.

The need for a permit can depend on local regulations, site-specific policies, and the nature of the work being carried out at height.

What is the minimum height for working at height?

There is no specific minimum height defined for working at height in regulations. Instead, working at height refers to any task where a person could potentially fall and injure themselves, regardless of the height. According to the UK’s Work at Height Regulations 2005, working at height applies when:

A person could fall from one level to another that may cause injury (this could be as little as falling from ground level into a hole or a drop).
The work involves being above ground level, such as on ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated surfaces.

The key consideration is the risk of falling and the severity of potential injuries, rather than the height itself. Therefore, even low heights where a fall could result in injury are covered under "working at height" rules. Risk assessments and appropriate safety measures must be in place regardless of the height involved.

Does working at height require a rescue plan?

Yes, a rescue plan is required when working at height.

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (and similar safety regulations globally), employers must ensure that adequate measures are in place for the rescue of individuals in the event of a fall or emergency. This is part of the broader responsibility to plan and organise work at height in a safe manner.

A rescue plan is essential because relying solely on emergency services is not always practical, especially in time-sensitive situations like suspension trauma after a fall. A rescue plan should include:

Clear Procedures: Steps for safely retrieving a worker who has fallen or is suspended in a harness, including the use of equipment like ladders, harnesses, or mechanical rescue devices.
Training: Workers should be trained on how to execute the rescue plan and operate the rescue equipment.
Available Equipment: The necessary rescue equipment (e.g., ropes, pulleys, harnesses) should be readily available and regularly maintained.
Regular Drills: Rescue drills should be practiced to ensure that all workers are familiar with the procedures and can respond quickly and effectively in an emergency.

Having a rescue plan is a critical part of ensuring that workers at height can be rescued promptly and safely in the event of an accident or fall, preventing further injury.