Course Overview
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) are commonly used on construction sites and warehouses. One major risk when working at height is falling from the platform, so working safely is crucial. If you work with MEWPs or inspect safety equipment, you must know how to choose the right harness. It is also important to keep equipment in good condition, inspect it regularly, and store it properly to ensure everyone's safety.
The IPAF Harness Awareness, User, and Inspection Course will teach you everything about harnesses and lanyards. You will learn about different types, how to put them on and adjust them, your legal responsibilities, and how to check they’re safe to use.
The course is divided into three parts, so by the end of the day, you will earn three IPAF qualifications: Harness Awareness (HA), Harness User (HU), and Harness Inspection (HI).
IPAF (HA, HU, HI) Course Entry Requirements
Candidates need to be able to read and understand safety instructions and manuals. They should also be in good physical health, with no issues with their eyesight or hearing.
No specific qualifications are needed.
For the hands-on part of the course, candidates must wear appropriate gear: a hard hat with a chin strap, safety glasses, suitable footwear, a hi-vis jacket or vest, and a harness with a short adjustable lanyard.
What Will You Learn
- Types of Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE)
- Appropriate harness for different tasks
- Risks of working from Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs)
- Inspecting harnesses before use
- Proper storage of harnesses and lanyards
- Effectively fit and adjust a harness and lanyard
- Recognise suitable anchor points on MEWPs
Course Assessment & Certification
At the end of each module, you will take a theory test and/or a practical assessment to check your understanding. After passing each section, you will earn qualifications in Harness Awareness (HA), Harness User (HU), and Harness Inspection (HI).
- Harness Awareness: An open-book exam with 30 questions. You need to score at least 80% to pass.
- Harness User: A practical test where you perform pre-use checks, fit and adjust a harness and lanyard, and attach the harness to a proper anchor point on a MEWP.
- Harness Inspection: A practical assessment where you inspect a harness and lanyard, demonstrate your skills, and complete necessary paperwork.
- Final Assessment: An open-book exam with ten questions. You need to score at least 80% to pass.
Once you pass, you will get an IPAF Certificate valid for five years, which you can access through the ePAL app. If you’ve completed an IPAF Operator Course, the harness qualifications will be added to your electronic PAL Card. If you need a physical PAL card or certificate, you must request it when booking, and there will be an extra charge.
MEWP Training Assessment
The training includes a written test and a hands-on assessment.
During the theory part of the course, you can take notes and discuss topics in detail. You will also receive an operator safety guide to use as a reference at work. After the tutorials, there will be an open-book test on what you have learned.
Practical Training
- Once you pass the theory test, you will move on to the practical training. This will teach you how to:
- Check a machine before use to make sure it’s safe
- Wear a safety harness properly and use descent procedures
- Operate a MEWP safely and move it as needed
Practical Assessment
You will be assessed based on IPAF standards at the end of the practical training.
