This course is available at all our nationwide training centres, making it easy to find a location convenient for you. If you have any queries, please contact our Training Team on 01455 552800. 

Please call our service team on 01455 552800

About the IPAF Harness Awareness and User Course 

The IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User Training Course (London) is a short but essential programme for individuals who personally use fall protection equipment (PFPE) during their daily work. This course combines the Harness Awareness module (theory) and the Harness User module (practical), ensuring learners understand both the importance and correct usage of safety harnesses when working at height. 

The training is delivered in a half-day classroom format, combining interactive theoretical learning with a practical assessment. Ideal for anyone using harnesses while operating MEWPs or working at height, this course ensures both safety and compliance with UK health and safety regulations and IPAF guidance. 

What You’ll Learn on The IPAF Harness Awareness and User Course 

By completing this course, delegates will gain essential knowledge and practical skills in the correct use of personal fall protection equipment (PFPE), including: 

• The purpose and importance of using a harness when working at height 

• Legal responsibilities and health & safety regulations 

• Different types of harnesses, lanyards, and connectors 

• Pre-use checks and inspection requirements 

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

• Safe connection techniques and anchorage points 

• Avoiding common user errors that lead to accidents 

Who Should Take This Course? 

This course is designed for anyone who personally uses or is required to wear a harness during work activities involving access equipment or work at height. It is not suitable for those responsible for inspecting harnesses - those individuals should take the IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection Course. 
 

You should take this course if you are: 

• A MEWP operator using boom or scissor lifts 

• A construction or maintenance worker working at height 

• A warehouse or logistics worker using access equipment 

• A technician, installer, or contractor using harnesses on-site 

• Any employee required by their employer to wear PFPE 

Course Format & Duration 

• Total Duration: Approximately 3 hours 

• Delivery Method: Classroom-based learning (theory) + hands-on practical session 

• Location: Call us on 01455 552800 or complete our enquiry form.

• Maximum Group Size: Subject to availability 

Course Content Breakdown 

1. Harness Awareness (Theory) 

• Role of PFPE in preventing falls from height 

• Legal duties under UK regulations 

• Selecting the right type of harness and lanyard 

• Hazards and risk factors in poor harness use 

• Visual checks and basic inspection procedures 

2. Harness User (Practical) 

• Fitting and adjusting a full-body harness 

• Using short adjustable lanyards 

• Connecting to safe anchor points 

• Common mistakes in wearing or attaching PFPE 

• Live demonstration and assessment 

Assessment & Certification 

• Theory Test: Multiple-choice questions on awareness topics 

• Practical Assessment: Hands-on demonstration of correct harness use 
  
  Certification: 

• Successful candidates receive an IPAF-approved Harness User certificate 

• Validity: 5 years 

• Can be delivered via the IPAF ePAL app or printed on request (additional fees apply) 
   

Candidate Requirements 

To complete the course, delegates must: 

• Be physically fit and capable of wearing and adjusting a safety harness 

• Have basic literacy to read safety instructions and complete the theory assessment 

• Wear appropriate PPE including: 

• Hard hat (with chin strap preferred) 

• Hi-vis vest 

• Safety footwear 

Harnesses and lanyards for the practical session will be provided on-site if you do not have your own. 

Why Take This Course? 

• Complies with UK Working at Height Regulations 

• Ensures legal and safe use of PFPE on-site 

• Minimises risk of injury or fall-related incidents 

• Proves competency to employers, site managers, and insurers 

• Enhances your awareness, safety, and employability 

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, delegates will: 

 

• Understand the need for harnesses and lanyards when working at height. 

• Identify different types of harnesses and associated equipment. 

• Correctly inspect, fit, and adjust a harness. 

• Understand the importance of pre-use checks and periodic inspections. 

• Learn best practices for storage, care, and maintenance of harness equipment. 

• Safely don, doff, and use a full-body harness in a work-at-height environment. 

What You Will Learn on a IPAF Harness Awareness and Harness User Course 

During the course, you will gain essential knowledge and skills, including: 

• The importance of wearing a harness when working at height 

• Legal requirements and industry best practices for harness use 

• Types of harnesses and lanyards and their specific uses 

• How to inspect a harness for damage or defects before use 

• Correct fitting, adjustment, and wearing of a full-body harness 

• How to connect a harness safely to anchor points and fall arrest systems 

• Storage, care, and maintenance of harness equipment 

• Safe use of harnesses in Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) 

• Understanding rescue requirements and planning in case of a fall 

• Practical application of harness use in a controlled environment 

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for: 

• Anyone who needs to wear and use a harness as part of their work. 

• Workers operating MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms). 

• Supervisors who oversee personnel working at height. 
   

Important: Delegates must first complete the Harness Awareness theory course (included) before attending the practical Harness User assessment.