IPAF Harness Awareness & User

The IPAF Harness Awareness Theory Course is delivered as a convenient 2-hour e-learning module, giving candidates the essential knowledge needed to select, monitor, manage and plan the correct use of safety harnesses and lanyards in MEWPs. This online theory course is also the mandatory prerequisite for progressing to the IPAF Harness User training course.

The IPAF Harness User assessment then focuses on the candidate’s practical skills, testing how effectively they can apply the knowledge gained from the Harness Awareness e-learning module. Successful completion of the Harness User course is a required step before moving on to the IPAF Harness Inspector training course.

Harness Awareness Module:

Get equipped with the essential knowledge to work safely at height. In this module, you’ll explore:

• Introduction – Understand why harness safety matters and how it protects you.

• Hierarchy of PFPE – Learn how Personal Fall Protective Equipment fits into safe work-at-height planning.

• Know Your Equipment: Harness Systems – Get familiar with different harness types and their uses.

• Anchor Points – Discover how to identify and use safe, approved anchor points.

• Boom Platform Hazards: Stay Safe – Recognise common risks when operating boom platforms.

• Vertical Platform Hazards: Stay Safe – Understand the hazards unique to vertical lifts.

• Pre-use Checks – Learn the essential inspections to complete before every use.

• Donning and Doffing – Master how to correctly put on and remove your harness.

• Cleaning and Storage – Keep your harness in optimal condition with proper care.

• Summary – Recap the key safety principles and best practices.

Harness User Module:

In the Harness User practical session, you’ll demonstrate your ability to apply what you’ve learned. Candidates will:

• Carry out a full pre-use inspection of a harness and lanyard

• Correctly don and adjust the harness for a secure, safe fit

• Attach to the correct MEWP anchor point, ensuring proper restraint and positioning

Your performance will be closely observed and assessed by an accredited Instructor, with each step recorded as correct or incorrect in the Training Assessment Booklet under the Operator Training Practical section.

Candidates must have completed the IPAF Harness Awareness e-learning course before they can move on to Harness User

Successful candidates will:
• Demonstrate competence in the correct pre-use check of a harness and lanyard
• Demonstrate competence in how to correctly fit and adjust a harness and lanyard for use in a MEWP
• Demonstrate the correct anchor point to attach the lanyard to in a MEWP and adjust the lanyard to be effective

To enable both potential MEWP operators and site supervisors/managers to properly plan the use of harnesses. To establish that the harness user can correctly fit their harness and perform a  pre-use check prior to use.