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IPAF Harness Awareness, User and IPAF MEWP Harness Inspector Combined Course (HA, HU, HI)
The 1-day IPAF Harness Awareness, User, and Inspection Course teaches correct identification, selection and awareness of harnesses and lanyards for those working at heights with MEWPs.
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Rated Excellent
on major review sites
Course Features
Learning Options
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.
Who is this course for?
- Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) Operators
- Static Boom (1b) Operators
- 3a and 3b Operators
- Beginners and Experienced MEWP Workers
- Construction Workers Working at Heights
General Course Content
Understanding the different types of MEWPs and harness systems is the first step in ensuring safe operations at height. This introduction provides a foundation for recognising the equipment you will use and the importance of proper safety measures.
The Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE) hierarchy outlines the different protection levels to ensure safety while working at height. It starts with the most effective form of protection, such as fall prevention systems that eliminate the risk of falling.
It is crucial to familiarise yourself with the components of harness systems—including the harness itself, lanyards, and connectors—as each is specific to providing safety, and knowing how they work together ensures you can use them correctly.
Selecting the right harness and lanyard depends on the specific job and the type of MEWP you’ll be using. Factors to consider include the type of work being performed, the height of the work area, and the particular risks associated with the task.
Identifying and using safe anchor points is critical to ensure harnesses and lanyards function correctly. Anchor points are locations where safety equipment is attached to prevent a fall. They must be sturdy, secure, and capable of supporting the necessary load.
Boom platforms and vertical platforms each present unique hazards when working at height. With their extending arms, boom platforms can lead to risks such as falling objects or being thrown off balance. Vertical platforms, such as scissor lifts, may pose risks related to sudden movements or tipping over. Understanding these specific hazards and how to mitigate them is crucial for safe operation and avoiding accidents.
Before using any harness or MEWP, it is essential to perform thorough pre-use checks. These checks involve inspecting the equipment for any signs of damage or wear and ensuring all components function correctly. Pre-use checks help identify potential issues before they lead to accidents, ensuring the equipment is safe and reliable.
Working at height involves inherent safety risks; a rescue plan is vital to safety procedures. Knowing how to respond in case of an emergency, including understanding the rescue techniques and equipment available, is crucial. Training on safety risks and rescue procedures ensures you are prepared to handle emergencies, reducing the potential for injury.
Properly donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) a harness is essential for maintaining safety and comfort. Donning involves adjusting the harness to fit correctly and securely, ensuring full protection. Doffing requires careful harness removal without compromising safety. Learning the correct procedures for both processes helps ensure the harness functions properly and remains in good condition.
Regular cleaning and properly storing harnesses are important for maintaining their effectiveness and longevity. Harnesses should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions to remove dirt, chemicals, and other contaminants that could weaken the material. Proper storage involves keeping the harness in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and potential damage. Following these practices helps ensure the harness remains in good condition and is ready for use.
Understanding how to conduct these inspections is essential for maintaining safety standards on site. This introduction covers the basics of what to look for during an inspection, including key components of the harness and common signs of damage or deterioration that should be addressed.
Regulations typically mandate that harnesses be inspected before each use, and more thorough inspections should be conducted regularly. These legal requirements are in place to ensure that safety equipment remains reliable and effective. Adhering to these regulations helps prevent accidents and ensures compliance with safety standards, protecting the individual worker and the organisation.
Conducting a detailed harness inspection involves systematically checking each component for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Begin by examining the webbing for frays, cuts, or signs of chemical damage. Check the buckles, D-rings, and other metal parts for corrosion or cracks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The course covers everything you need to know about harnesses and lanyards, including types, fitting and adjusting, legal responsibilities, inspections, and safe use on-site. It also provides qualifications in Harness Awareness (HA), Harness User (HU), and Harness Inspection (HI).
This course is designed for individuals who work at height or are responsible for inspecting and approving harnesses for use with boom-type MEWPs. It is for those who must ensure safety and compliance with harness and lanyard use.
Applicants should be at least 16 years old, physically fit, and have a good understanding of the English language. Delegates must also bring their harness and lanyards for demonstration purposes.
The course includes both theory and practical assessments. You will take an open-book and practical test for each module: Harness Awareness, Harness User, and Harness Inspection. You must achieve a pass mark of 80% or more.
The Harness Awareness module includes a 30-question open-book exam. The Harness User module involves practical assessments on pre-use checks, fitting, adjusting, and anchoring. The Harness Inspection module includes practical inspections, group discussions, and documentation.
Successful delegates will receive IPAF certifications for Harness Awareness (HA), Harness User (HU), and Harness Inspection (HI), which are valid for five years. The certifications will be accessible electronically via the ePAL app.
IPAF certification is issued electronically via the ePAL app. If you require a physical PAL card or certificate, you must request it at the time of booking, which will incur an additional cost.
The Harness Inspection module covers an introduction to harnessing inspections, legal requirements, detailed inspection procedures, longevity and obsolescence, spotting damage, criteria for failure, and completing inspection reports.
After completing this course, you may consider further training, such as the IPAF MEWPs for Managers course, to advance your knowledge and skills in managing and operating MEWPs.