Locations

• Glasgow (HVO)
• Leicester
• Manchester (HVO)

The IPAF Harness User, Awareness and Inspection course is essential for anyone who will personally conduct statutory inspections on behalf of an organisation.

All 3 elements of this course can be taken at one of our training centres and completed within 1 day. 

If you have any queries, please contact our Training Team on 01455 552800.

About the IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection Course 

The IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection Training Course is designed for anyone who uses personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) or is responsible for conducting statutory inspections in the workplace. This combined course covers three essential elements, Awareness, User, and Inspection, delivered in a single, efficient training day. 

 

Through a mix of theory and hands-on practical learning, delegates will gain the knowledge and confidence to select, use, and inspect harness systems safely and legally. The course follows IPAF standards and aligns with UK health and safety regulations, making it ideal for operatives, supervisors, and safety managers across construction, facilities management, industrial maintenance, and similar industries. 
 

Whether you're new to harness use or need to formalise your inspection responsibilities, this course ensures full compliance and helps reduce risk when working at height. 

What’s Covered in the IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection Course 

This one-day IPAF course combines three key modules - Awareness, User, and Inspection - to give delegates a complete understanding of harness safety. Training is split between classroom learning and practical exercises, ensuring you gain both knowledge and hands-on skills. 

 

You’ll cover the following: 

 

• Harness Awareness 
   

• The importance of personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) 

• Relevant UK health and safety regulations and IPAF guidance 

• Different types of harnesses, lanyards, and connectors 

• Identifying risks when working at height 
   

• Harness User 
   

• Selecting the correct harness and lanyard for the job 

• How to fit, adjust, and wear a harness correctly 

• Safe connection methods and anchor points 

• Common user errors and how to avoid them 

• Pre-use checks before starting work 
   

• Harness Inspection 
   

• Statutory requirements for harness inspections 

• Detailed examination of harness components 

• Recording and maintaining inspection logs 

• Identifying wear, damage, or defects 

• Deciding when to quarantine or replace equipment 
   

By the end of the course, delegates will have the confidence to use and inspect harnesses safely, understand their legal responsibilities, and keep accurate inspection records that meet industry standards. 

Who Should Take the IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection Course? 

This course is designed for anyone who uses personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) or is responsible for inspecting and maintaining it on behalf of their organisation. It’s particularly suited to roles where working at height is routine and where compliance with safety standards is essential. 

 

You should take this course if you are: 

 

• A MEWP or access platform operator using harnesses as part of daily work 

• A construction worker or site operative working at height 

• A supervisor or manager responsible for enforcing safe work at height practices 

• A safety officer or site manager conducting harness inspections 

• Anyone appointed to maintain statutory inspection records of PFPE 

• Someone needing to meet IPAF or legal training requirements for harness use and inspection 
   

No prior IPAF harness training is needed, making this course ideal for both new users and those looking to refresh or formalise their knowledge. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Do I need all three modules - Awareness, User, and Inspection? 

If you're responsible for both using and inspecting harnesses (or maintaining inspection records), then yes, all three modules are essential to meet legal and safety requirements. 

2. Is this course suitable for beginners? 

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

3. How long is the qualification valid for? 

While IPAF does not mandate an expiry, refresher training is recommended every 3–5 years, or sooner if regulations or job roles change. 

4. Will I receive a certificate? 

Yes. Successful delegates receive an IPAF-approved certificate showing completion of the Harness Awareness, User, and Inspection training. 

5. Is practical training included? 

Yes. The course includes hands-on exercises, covering correct fitting, usage, and inspection of harnesses and associated fall protection equipment. 

Course Objectives

Who Should Attend