Locations

• Birmingham (HVO)

IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection Key Info

• Duration: 1 day - all three modules (Awareness, User, and Inspection) completed in a single session
• Certification: IPAF Harness Awareness (HA), Harness User (HU), and Harness Inspection (HI) qualifications - valid for 5 years
• Delivery: Classroom theory and hands-on practical - in-person at a Nationwide Platforms training centre
• Max delegates: 6
• Accreditation: Fully accredited by IPAF

IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection Course Programme

This one-day course combines three IPAF modules - Awareness, User, and Inspection - delivered through a mix of classroom learning and practical exercises.

Module 1 - Harness Awareness (HA)

The foundation theory module covering the essential knowledge needed to select, monitor, manage, and plan the correct use of harnesses and lanyards for use in MEWPs.

Topics include how to correctly identify and select the appropriate form of personal protection against falls, the different types of harnesses and lanyards available, the legal framework around fall protection, and how to check, maintain, and store harness equipment in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Module 2 - Harness User (HU)

The practical module that evaluates your ability to apply the knowledge gained in the Harness Awareness theory training.

You will be assessed on carrying out correct pre-use checks on a harness and lanyard, fitting and adjusting a harness for safe and comfortable use, attaching to the correct anchor point in a MEWP, and adjusting the lanyard to provide effective restraint. All practical elements are observed and assessed by the instructor.

Module 3 - Harness Inspection (HI)

The inspection module provides the knowledge and practical skills for the statutory inspection of harnesses, lanyards, and associated ancillary PFPE.

This module covers an introduction to harness inspections, the legal requirements for periodic and interim inspections, detailed inspection procedures, longevity and obsolescence of equipment, how to spot damage and identify failure criteria, and how to complete inspection reports and maintain associated records to meet regulatory requirements.

IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection Assessment

Harness Awareness Assessment

A 30-question open-book multiple choice assessment based on the theory content. A pass mark of 80% is required to progress to the Harness User practical assessment.

Harness User Practical Assessment

A practical assessment observed by the instructor, covering pre-use checks, correct fitting and adjustment of the harness and lanyard, attaching to the correct anchor point in a MEWP, and adjusting the lanyard to provide effective restraint. Each element is marked as correct or incorrect by the instructor.

Harness Inspection Assessment

A practical assessment where delegates demonstrate competence in conducting a full inspection of a harness and lanyard, identifying defects, and completing the required inspection paperwork. This is followed by a 10-question open-book assessment with a pass mark of 80%.

What if I don’t pass? If you do not achieve the required pass mark in any element, please speak to your instructor on the day for details on resit options.

Certification and What You’ll Receive

On successful completion of all three modules, you will receive:

• IPAF Harness Awareness (HA) qualification
• IPAF Harness User (HU) qualification
• IPAF Harness Inspection (HI) qualification
• IPAF Certificate of Training, accessible via the IPAF ePAL app on iOS and Android
• Digital logbook and safety resources within the ePAL app

All three IPAF harness qualifications are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. If you already hold a valid IPAF Powered Access Licence (PAL Card), the harness qualifications will be added to your card digitally via the ePAL app.

Candidates without a PAL Card will receive a standalone digital certificate. If you require a physical PAL Card and printed certificate, these can be arranged for £20 + VAT - please contact the training team before you attend the course.

What to Bring

The course includes practical elements, so delegates must bring suitable Personal Protective Equipment:

• Hard hat with chin strap
• Safety footwear (boots or shoes)
• Safety glasses / eye protection
• Hi-vis jacket or vest
• A full-body harness with a short adjustable restraint lanyard

Delegates must inform the trainer before the course if they have any serious health issues, physical problems, special considerations, or are taking any medication that may affect their ability to complete the practical elements.

Please ensure the IPAF ePAL app is downloaded on your smartphone before attending.

IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection FAQs

What is the IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection course?

It is a one-day training programme that combines three IPAF harness modules - Harness Awareness (HA), Harness User (HU), and Harness Inspection (HI) - into a single session.

The course covers how to select, fit, use, and inspect harnesses and lanyards used with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms. On successful completion, delegates receive all three IPAF harness qualifications.

What is the difference between the three harness modules?

Harness Awareness (HA) is the theory foundation - it covers harness selection, legal responsibilities, and safe use principles. It is suitable on its own for managers, planners, and supervisors who do not personally wear a harness.

Harness User (HU) is a practical assessment for anyone who personally wears a harness when working from a MEWP.

Harness Inspection (HI) is for anyone responsible for conducting statutory periodic and interim inspections of harnesses and maintaining inspection records. This combined course covers all three in one day.

Do I need all three modules?

If you personally use a harness and are also responsible for conducting statutory inspections on behalf of your organisation, then yes - all three modules are essential. If you only need awareness (for planning or supervisory roles), we offer a standalone IPAF Harness Awareness eLearning course. If you need awareness and user training but not the inspection element, we offer an IPAF Harness Awareness and User course.

Do I need previous harness training or experience?

No. The course is designed for both first-time users and experienced workers looking to refresh or formalise their knowledge. No formal qualifications are required, although a basic understanding of the Work at Height Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 would be beneficial.

How long does the IPAF harness certification last?

All IPAF harness qualifications (HA, HU, and HI) are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. While IPAF does not mandate a specific expiry-based renewal, refresher training is recommended every 3–5 years, or sooner if regulations, equipment, or job roles change.

Is harness training a legal requirement?

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers must ensure that anyone working at height is trained to use appropriate safety equipment. If your role requires you to wear a harness when working from a MEWP, you must be trained in its correct use. The IPAF Harness qualifications provide the recognised proof of that training.

Do I need to bring my own harness?

Yes. Delegates need to bring a full-body harness with a short adjustable restraint lanyard to the course. If you do not have one, please contact our training team before the course to discuss options, these are available to purchase beforehand or on the day for £89 + VAT.

Can I add harness training to my IPAF operator course instead?

Yes. If you are taking an IPAF boom operator course (3B or 1B), you can bolt on the Harness User (HU) assessment to complete both your operator and harness user qualifications in a single day. You will need to complete the Harness Awareness (HA) eLearning before attending. If you also need the Harness Inspection (HI) qualification, you would need to take this combined course separately.

How much does the IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection course cost?

The combined course is priced from £200.00 per person when booked online. The fee includes all three modules (Awareness, User, and Inspection), all assessments, and your digital IPAF certification via the ePAL app. A physical PAL Card and printed certificate can be arranged for an additional £20 + VAT - please contact the training team before the course.

Have more questions? Call our expert team on 01455 552800 or send us an email.

Related Courses

Looking to expand your qualifications or train your team further? These courses complement the IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection course:

• IPAF 3A and 3B Operator Training Course – The industry-standard operator training for scissor lifts and cherry pickers. If your team also operates MEWPs, this 1-day course covers the safe operation of mobile vertical (3A) and mobile boom (3B) platforms. From £245.00 per person.
• IPAF Harness Awareness — eLearning – A standalone online theory course for anyone who plans, manages, or supervises harness use but does not personally wear one. Completed in 2–3 hours at your own pace. From £105.00 + VAT per person.
• IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User – A half-day classroom course combining the Awareness (HA) and User (HU) modules. Ideal if you need to personally wear a harness but are not responsible for statutory inspections. Approximately 3 hours of theory and practical learning.
• Harness Use/Inspection Course - IPAF accredited course designed for any operator, supervisor or manager required to select, pre-use check, adjust and inspect harnesses and lanyards.

Course Objectives

IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection Course Overview

The IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection Course is a comprehensive one-day training programme that combines three essential IPAF harness modules into a single, efficient session.

Designed for anyone who uses personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) or is responsible for conducting statutory inspections in the workplace, the course covers everything from selecting the correct harness and lanyard to carrying out formal inspections and maintaining accurate records.

According to IPAF data, falls from the platform are one of the major causes of injury and fatality associated with using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). Awareness and understanding of how to correctly use a harness is critical to the safe operation of boom-type MEWPs. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers must ensure that anyone working at height is trained to use appropriate safety equipment - and harnesses and lanyards are a critical part of that requirement.

Through a mix of classroom theory and hands-on practical exercises, delegates will gain the knowledge and confidence to select, fit, use, and inspect harness systems safely and in compliance with UK health and safety regulations.

By the end of the course, you will hold three separate IPAF qualifications - Harness Awareness (HA), Harness User (HU), and Harness Inspection (HI) - giving you a complete understanding of harness safety from selection through to statutory inspection.

If you only need harness awareness training (for example, if you plan, manage, or supervise harness use but do not personally wear one), we also offer a standalone IPAF Harness Awareness eLearning course that can be completed online in 2–3 hours. If you need harness user training alongside your IPAF operator course, consider our IPAF Operator and Harness User combined course.

Nationwide Platforms is Europe’s largest provider of IPAF training, with the knowledge, experience, and expertise to help you work at height safely and productively.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for anyone who uses personal fall protection equipment or is responsible for inspecting and maintaining it on behalf of their organisation. It is particularly suited to:

• MEWP operators who are required to wear a harness when working from boom-type platforms (3B and 1B categories)
• Designated harness inspectors responsible for conducting statutory periodic and interim inspections of PFPE on behalf of their organisation
• Supervisors and safety managers who need to understand harness selection, use, and inspection requirements
• Maintenance operatives, technicians, and tradespeople who routinely work at height using fall protection equipment
• Professionals working in construction, facilities management, retail, airports, utilities, arboriculture, and other industries where harnesses are used with MEWPs
• Anyone who needs to formalise their inspection responsibilities and maintain compliant inspection records

No previous harness training or formal qualifications are required. The course is designed for both first-time users and experienced workers looking to refresh or formalise their knowledge.

Candidates should be physically fit and in good health, as the course includes practical elements. A good understanding of written and spoken English is required to follow safety instructions and manufacturer’s manuals.