IPAF Harness Awareness, User And Inspection Course

Key Features

Of this IPAF Harness HA/HU/HI Course:

  • Covers full harness selection, fitting, use and pre-use inspection for MEWP operations
  • Aligns with current IPAF guidance, BS EN 365 and Work at Height Regulations 2005
  • Includes practical inspection of full-body harnesses, lanyards and fall-arrest devices
  • Addresses common failure points found during site audits and insurance investigations
  • Suitable for operators, supervisors and those responsible for equipment checks
  • Delivered to the current IPAF Harness Awareness, User & Inspection syllabus

Course Date Availability

IPAF Harness HA/HU/HI training at the following 12 centres. Prices from £220 per person :

Training Centres Next Dates

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Course Information

Overview:

The IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection course provides the knowledge and practical skills required to select, fit, use and inspect personal fall-protection equipment when working from mobile elevating work platforms. Delegates learn how to identify harness types suitable for different MEWP categories, carry out thorough pre-use checks and recognise defects that could lead to equipment failure. The training emphasises real workplace scenarios, including restricted access, overhead obstructions and rescue considerations, ensuring delegates can apply the techniques immediately on site.


Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

  • MEWP operators who use fall protection
  • Site supervisors overseeing powered access work
  • Equipment inspectors and maintenance staff
  • Health and safety advisors responsible for work at height
  • Rental company personnel who prepare and check harnesses
  • Contractors and subcontractors working on construction, maintenance or facilities management

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • How to select the correct harness and lanyard combination for specific MEWP models and tasks
  • Correct fitting procedures including adjustment of shoulder, leg and chest straps
  • Step-by-step pre-use inspection of harness webbing, buckles, D-rings and energy absorbers
  • Identification of common defects such as cuts, abrasion, chemical damage and UV degradation
  • Understanding of fall-arrest principles, clearance distances and swing-fall hazards
  • Documentation requirements and record-keeping for harness inspections
  • Basic rescue considerations when a worker is suspended after a fall

Course Agenda

Overview:

The course runs over one day and combines classroom theory with hands-on practical sessions. Delegates complete a written test and a practical inspection and fitting assessment.


Key Modules Covered

What you will learn:

  • Legislation, guidance and responsibilities under the Work at Height Regulations
  • Harness types, components and compatibility with different MEWP categories
  • Pre-use inspection techniques and defect recognition
  • Correct donning, fitting and adjustment in realistic workplace conditions
  • Fall-arrest theory, clearance calculations and anchor-point selection
  • Inspection recording, storage and retirement criteria
  • Emergency procedures and post-fall rescue awareness

Private Courses On-site

IPAF Harness Awareness, User And Inspection training is also available as a dedicated course, at your premises, and on a date and time of your choosing. Advantages of group / private course is the convenience of candidates being in familiar surroundings and not having to travel, the lowest price, and the ability to have the course tailored to your own application.


Latest Delegate Feedback

⭐ Rated 4.2 By Our Candidates - (170 reviews)

IPAF Harness HA/HU/HI Class / course was brimming with decent content. Nicoleta was very communicative.

★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Lauren S - Fri 8th May 2026

Training that took place in Birmingham recently was worthy of the cost.

★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Ray H - Fri 8th May 2026

Training course was easy to grasp.

★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Andrew B - Tue 5th May 2026

Well presented...

★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Mihai V - Sun 3rd May 2026


Accreditation & Next Steps

What you will achieve as a result:

Successful delegates receive an IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection certificate and e-card valid for five years. The qualification is recognised across the UK construction, facilities management and industrial sectors. Refresher training is recommended before expiry or when there is a significant change in equipment or site conditions.


Frequently Asked Questions

Most commonly asked IPAF Harness Awareness, User And Inspection questions:

The standard course is delivered over one day, typically seven hours including breaks, theory sessions and practical assessments.

No formal prerequisites are required. Delegates should be comfortable working at height and physically able to don and inspect a harness.

The syllabus includes legislation, harness types and components, pre-use inspection, correct fitting, fall-arrest principles, clearance distances, record keeping and basic rescue awareness.

Delegates complete a multiple-choice theory test and a practical assessment covering harness inspection, fitting and adjustment.

Successful delegates receive an IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection certificate and digital e-card.

The qualification remains valid for five years from the date of successful completion.

Refresher training is recommended before the five-year expiry or when equipment, legislation or site practices change significantly.

The MEWP operator course focuses on machine operation while this course concentrates specifically on the selection, use and inspection of harnesses and fall-protection equipment.

Delegates should wear suitable work clothing and safety footwear. All harnesses, lanyards and inspection equipment are provided during the training.

The course can be delivered at an approved training centre or at a suitable client location with appropriate facilities and space for practical sessions.

Yes, the syllabus includes pre-use checks and defect recognition for common fall-arrest devices including self-retracting lifelines used with MEWPs.

Clearance calculations and swing-fall hazards are covered in detail during the theory and practical modules.

Prices per person typically start at £220. Discounts available for multi person or group bookings (depending upon location)


More Information

This qualification equips delegates with the practical competence to manage harness use safely on any MEWP operation. It supports compliance with current industry standards and helps reduce the risk of falls from height.

Last updated: Jun 2026 • Part of XYZ Training Group