IPAF Harness Inspection

Stay Secure at Height: Master Harness Safety with IPAF.

What is the IPAF Harness Inspection course?

The IPAF Harness Inspection Course is a half-day training program designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to carry out statutory inspections of harnesses, lanyards, and related personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) used in mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Course Content

What can I expect from the IPAF Harness Inspection training course?

The IPAF Harness Inspection Training Course is a focused program designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical skills required to perform statutory inspections of harnesses, lanyards, and other personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) used in Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). Here’s what you can expect:

Essential Knowledge

Understand statutory requirements and responsibilities for PFPE inspections.
Recognise different types of inspections: periodic and interim.
Learn about equipment longevity, obsolescence, and factors affecting wear and tear.
Identify common damage, failure criteria, and maintenance best practices.

Practical Skills

Conduct detailed inspections of harnesses, lanyards, connectors, and related equipment.
Demonstrate proper completion of inspection documentation.

Record Keeping

Learn how to maintain accurate and compliant records of all inspections.

Theory

Overview of harness inspection and legal requirements.
Explanation of damage types and criteria for rejection.
How to prepare and manage inspection reports.

Practical

Hands-on inspection of: Harnesses, Lanyards or self-retracting lifelines (SRLs), Connectors
Completing associated documentation during inspections.
Group discussions to reinforce learning.

This course is ideal if you're responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of fall protection equipment in the workplace. It ensures you meet legal requirements while keeping workers safe.

Entry Requirements

Are there any entry requirements for the IPAF Harness Inspection course?

Yes, there are specific entry requirements for the IPAF Harness Inspection (HI) course:

Prerequisite Courses: Before enrolling in the HI course, you must have successfully completed the following IPAF courses:

Harness Awareness (HA): This course provides theoretical knowledge on selecting, monitoring, managing, and planning the correct use of harnesses and lanyards in Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
Harness User (HU): This course includes practical training on the correct use and pre-use checks of harnesses and lanyards in MEWPs.

These prerequisites ensure that you have the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for the more advanced inspection training provided in the HI course.

Assessment

The IPAF Harness Inspection Training Course is assessed through two key components:

Theory Assessment

A 10-question open-book written test.
You must achieve a minimum score of 80% (8 out of 10) to pass.
The test ensures you understand the legal requirements, inspection criteria, and theoretical knowledge needed for inspecting harnesses and lanyards.

Practical Assessment

You will individually inspect:

2 harnesses
2 lanyards or self-retracting lifelines (SRLs)
2 connectors

You must complete the associated documentation accurately. This assessment demonstrates your competence in identifying defects and maintaining proper records.

Both assessments are designed to confirm your understanding and ability to conduct thorough and compliant inspections of harnesses and associated equipment. Passing both components is required to receive the 5-year certification.

Certification

Successful learners of the IPAF Harness Inspection Training Course will be able to access their IPAF Certificate via the ePAL app, valid for 5 years. For those who have already completed an IPAF Operator Course, each relevant Harness category will be automatically added to their electronic PAL Card within the ePAL app. This streamlined process ensures delegates can easily demonstrate their qualifications and competence to inspect harnesses, lanyards, and associated equipment, meeting statutory safety requirements and enhancing workplace compliance.

FAQs

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FAQs

How often does a safety harness need to be inspected?

A safety harness needs to be inspected at the following intervals:

Pre-Use Inspection:

Every time before use: Users must perform a visual and tactile inspection of the harness, lanyards, and connectors to check for obvious signs of damage, wear, or defects.

Periodic Inspection by a Competent Person:

At least every 6 months: A thorough inspection by a competent person is typically required.
Every 3 months in high-risk environments: For harnesses used in harsh conditions (e.g., construction, chemical exposure, or extreme weather), inspections should be conducted more frequently.

After a Fall or Incident:

Immediately after any fall arrest: Any harness or lanyard involved in a fall must be inspected by a competent person before being reused—or replaced if there is any damage or uncertainty about its condition.

Manufacturer’s Recommendations:

Always follow the specific inspection frequency and guidelines provided by the harness manufacturer, as they may vary depending on the type and use of the equipment.

Regular inspections are essential to ensure the safety and reliability of fall protection equipment and compliance with safety regulations. Proper documentation of all inspections is also required.

Do you need harness training for IPAF?

Yes, harness training is required for operating certain types of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and is essential to meet safety regulations and IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) guidelines. Here’s what you need to know:

Why Harness Training is Needed:

Operators of MEWPs, especially boom lifts (cherry pickers), must use a harness and lanyard to prevent being ejected from the platform during movement or a fall from height.
Training ensures you understand how to correctly select, inspect, fit, and use a harness safely.

IPAF Harness Awareness Course:

IPAF offers a specific Harness Awareness Course to teach operators, managers, and supervisors the proper use of harnesses, including pre-use checks, fitting, and the importance of wearing one in certain MEWP types.

When Harness Training is Mandatory:

For boom lifts: Harnesses are typically required, and operators must be trained to use them correctly.
For scissor lifts: Harnesses may not always be required but could be mandatory depending on the site’s specific safety policies.

Integration with IPAF Certification:

If you complete an IPAF Operator Training Course, you may also need Harness Training if the MEWPs you’ll operate require it. This training can be combined with your IPAF certification to ensure you’re fully compliant.

In summary, harness training is mandatory for operating boom-type MEWPs and highly recommended for all operators to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

How long does IPAF harness training last?

IPAF Harness Training typically lasts half a day (approximately 3-4 hours). This includes both theory and practical elements to ensure participants understand the correct use, inspection, and maintenance of safety harnesses and lanyards when working with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).