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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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.

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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.