Harness and Fall Arrest

What Does the Course Cover?

The training typically covers the following topics:

• Health and safety legislation: Understanding relevant work-at-height requirements and the responsibilities of employers and employees.
• Fall protection principles: Understanding the difference between fall prevention, work restraint and fall arrest systems.
• Harness selection: Identifying suitable safety harnesses, lanyards, connectors and associated equipment for the task.
• Pre-use inspections: Recognising damage, wear, defects and other signs that equipment may be unsafe to use.
• Correct fitting and adjustment: Learning how to put on, fit and adjust a safety harness in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Equipment connection: Understanding suitable anchor points, compatible connectors and the importance of following the system’s specified requirements.
• Fall clearance and swing-fall hazards: Understanding the need for sufficient clearance below the work area and the risks associated with swinging falls.
• Safe working practices: Recognising hazards, following risk assessments and using equipment in accordance with site procedures.
• Equipment care and storage: Understanding how to protect, store and maintain fall protection equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidance.
• Emergency and rescue planning: Recognising the dangers of suspension after a fall and the importance of having an effective rescue plan.

Who Should Attend?

This training is suitable for construction workers, roofers, steel erectors, maintenance operatives, telecommunications workers, installers and other personnel whose duties require the use of safety harnesses or personal fall arrest equipment.

It is also beneficial for supervisors and employers responsible for managing work-at-height activities and ensuring workers understand the correct use of fall protection equipment.

Course Duration

The duration depends on the training provider, course content and practical assessment requirements. Please contact 1st2 Achieve for details of available course dates and delivery options.

Benefits of the Training

On completion, learners should have a better understanding of harnesses and fall arrest equipment, including how to inspect, fit and use the equipment safely within the scope of their training. The course can help improve awareness of fall hazards, encourage safer working practices and support compliance with relevant health and safety requirements.

Where practical assessment is included, learners may also demonstrate their ability to carry out equipment checks and use the relevant equipment correctly.

Important Information

Harnesses and fall arrest equipment must be selected for the specific task, inspected and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant safety requirements. Suitable anchor points, sufficient fall clearance and a suitable rescue plan are essential when using fall arrest systems.

This training does not automatically qualify learners to carry out specialist rope access, rescue operations or other activities requiring separate training and competence. The course content and any certificate issued will depend on the training programme delivered and the assessment completed.