IPAF Harness Awareness and User

The IPAF Harness Awareness and User Course is designed to provide participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed for the safe use of harnesses when working at height, particularly in Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). The course covers key areas such as the correct selection, fitting, and adjustment of harnesses and lanyards, as well as understanding the associated risks of working at height.

Participants will learn how to conduct pre-use checks, identify the appropriate personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) for MEWPs, and understand how to safely attach to anchor points. The course also provides theoretical awareness on maintaining and storing harnesses in line with manufacturer instructions. By the end of the course, attendees will be competent in the proper use of harnesses, ensuring they meet industry safety standards and work with confidence when using MEWPs.

What can I expect from the IPAF Harness Awareness and User Training course?

In the IPAF Harness Awareness and User Training course, participants can expect to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge on the safe use of harnesses when working at height, particularly in Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). Here’s what you can expect:

1. Harness Awareness: You will learn about the importance of fall protection, the different types of harnesses and lanyards, and how to select the correct equipment for specific tasks. This includes an understanding of the risks associated with working at height and the role of harnesses in preventing falls.
2. Correct Usage: The course will teach you how to correctly wear, fit, and adjust harnesses to ensure maximum safety. You'll also learn how to attach the harness to the proper anchor points in MEWPs and how to perform pre-use safety checks to ensure equipment is functioning correctly.
3. Safety and Compliance: Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the regulations and best practices for working at height, ensuring compliance with industry safety standards. You will also learn how to store and maintain harnesses to keep them in optimal condition.

By the end of the course, you'll have the competence and confidence to safely use harnesses in height-related tasks, ensuring both your safety and that of others on-site.

Are there any entry requirements for the IPAF Harness Awareness and User training course?

There are no strict formal entry requirements for the IPAF Harness Awareness and User Training course. However, participants are typically expected to meet the following criteria:

• Basic Understanding of English: A good level of spoken and written English is necessary to follow the course material and understand safety instructions.
• Physical Fitness: Since the course involves practical exercises, participants should be physically capable of wearing, adjusting, and using a harness.

While prior experience in working at height or using personal protective equipment (PPE) is not mandatory, it can be helpful for those taking the course. The training is designed to ensure that anyone using a harness in Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) or working at height is fully competent and safe.

The IPAF Harness Awareness and User Training course is assessed through a combination of a theory test and a practical assessment:

Theory Test:

• Participants will complete a written test that covers the theoretical aspects of harness awareness and usage. This may include multiple-choice or short-answer questions about selecting, fitting, and maintaining harnesses, as well as safety procedures and regulations.
• The test is designed to ensure participants have a thorough understanding of the principles and regulations related to working at height and using fall protection equipment.

Practical Assessment:

• In the practical component, participants are required to demonstrate their ability to correctly fit, adjust, and use a harness and lanyard in a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) scenario.
• The assessment will involve performing pre-use checks, attaching the harness to the appropriate anchor points, and ensuring the lanyard is adjusted correctly to provide effective fall protection.

Upon successful completion of the Harness Awareness (HA) and Harness User (HU) courses, candidates with a valid Powered Access Licence (PAL Card) will have their qualifications digitally added to their card, accessible via the IPAF ePAL app. For those without a PAL Card, a digital certificate valid for 5 years will be issued, also available through the IPAF ePAL app.