This course covers IPAF Harness Awareness (HA), Harness User (HU) and Harness Inspection (HI) assessments in a full day classroom course.
The day is split into the following sections:
- AM Session - IPAF Harness Awareness & User
- PM Session - IPAF Harness Inspection
If you have already completed one of the above certifications and would like to continue onto the next level of Harness training please contact our team on 0345 605 0006.
Alternatively the HU assessment can be undertaken as part of an IPAF Boom course, for more information on how to integrate this into your existing training please click here.
Harness Awareness and User
Provides delegates with the essential knowledge to
select, monitor, manage and plan the correct use of Harnesses and
lanyards for use in a MEWP.
The practical test evaluates the delegate’s practical application of the
knowledge gained in the IPAF Harness Awareness theory training.
Delegates successfully completing this course will:
- Have an awareness of how to correctly identify and select the appropriate form of personal
protection against falls from MEWPs. - Have a theoretical awareness only of how to check, use, maintain and store a harness and
lanyard with manufacturer’s instructions. - Have a theoretical awareness of how harnesses and lanyards should be fitted and adjusted
They will be able to:
- 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.
Harness Inspection
Upon successful completion of this part of the course delegates will be able to:
- Demonstrate competence in conducting periodic and interim inspections of harnesses and lanyards for use in a MEWP
- Demonstrate how to maintain associated records of inspections
Please download IPAF's Technical guidance Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) for further guidance.
Harness Awareness (HA) Theory
- Introduction
- Hierarchy of Person Fall Protective Equipment (PFPE)
- Know your Equipment: Harness Systems
- Anchor Points
- Boom Platform Hazards: Stay Safe
- Vertical Platform Hazards: Stay Safe
- Pre-use Checks
- Donning and Doffing
- Cleaning and Storage
- Summary
Theory Test
- Individual, 30 question, open book, written test with explanation of pass requirements
- A pass result requires a score of at least 80% (24/30)
This assessment
looks at the delegate’s ability to physically apply what they learned in
the Harness Awareness theory training.
The Harness User practical assessment
covers:
- Pre-use check of a harness and lanyard
- Fitting and adjustment of a harness and lanyard for use in a MEWP
- Attaching to the correct anchor point in a MEWP and adjustment of the lanyard to provide effective restraint
This will be observed and assessed by the Instructor and marked as correct or incorrect.
Harness Inspection
- Introduction
- Statutory Inspections
- Types of Detailed Inspections
- Longevity and Obsolescence
- Common Types of Damage and Criteria for Failure
- Inspection Report
Practical
- Harness and Lanyard Inspection
- Demonstration and group discussion to include associated documentation
- Detailed Harness and Lanyard Inspection and completion of associated documentation
Theory Test
- Individual, 10 question, open book, written test with explanation of pass requirements
- A pass result requires a score of at least 80% (8/10)
Practical Assessment
Individual Practical Assessment:
Inspection of:
- 2 harnesses
- 2 Lanyards or SRLs
- 2 Connectors
- Completion of the associated documentation
This course is suitable for those who require all 3 of the below harness qualifications:
- Harness Awareness (HA)
- Harness User (HU)
- Harness Inspection (HI)
This course provides delegates with the skills required to use and inspect harnesses used within MEWP's.
As a company that is committed to providing high quality
services to all our clients, we will always aim to make reasonable adjustments
ensuring all individuals receive the required help they need.
Click here to learn more
Upon successful completion of the theory and practical assessments, delegates receive a Digital certificate valid for 5 years.
Please note: This course includes a certificate only – a PAL card is not issued.
IPAF Harness Awareness, User, and Inspection (HA/HU/HI) Course FAQs
About IPAF
Q1. My site has told me I need IPAF Training. What does this mean?
IPAF stands for the International Powered Access Federation. It's an organisation that sets training standards, provides accredited courses and aims to help improve health, safety and skills across sectors such as construction or maintenance that use powered access equipment. If your site or employer requires IPAF training, it means you'll be operating mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and need the correct IPAF qualification to use this equipment safely and legally.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q2. Is this course accredited?
Yes, the IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection course is fully accredited by IPAF and delivered by HSS Training, an approved IPAF training provider.
_________________________________________________________________________________
About the Course
Q3. What's the difference between HA, HU and HI?
HA covers Harness Awareness theory, HU covers practical harness use and HI is aimed at delegates that will perform detailed inspections and record keeping of harnesses. We also offer a Harness Awareness and Harness User Operator Add-On, commonly booked alongside an IPAF Operator course so you can gain full harness training whilst training on your IPAF course.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q4. What do the different IPAF categories mean?
Each machine type is given an IPAF category based on whether it’s static or mobile and how it moves.
- The 3A category covers mobile vertical lifts (scissor lifts), which move straight up and down.
- The 3B category covers mobile boom lifts (cherry pickers), which can extend both up and out for greater reach.
- The 1B category covers static boom lifts, which have a fixed base and extend up and out.
To learn more about the machine categories, you can visit the IPAF Machine Categories page.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q5. How long does the course take to complete?
The course runs for 1 day.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Who Should Attend
Q6. Who is this course for?
The course is aimed at those who use and inspect harnesses when working with MEWPs, including maintenance staff, construction workers, site operatives, facilities teams or contractors across industrial, commercial, retail, maintenance and similar sectors.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q7. Are there any entry requirements?
Delegates must be at least 16 years old, in good physical health and fitness with no serious issues related to vision, hearing, heart conditions or a severe fear of heights/vertigo. Delegates must also have a good understanding of spoken and written English. For additional support, please see question 13.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q8. Is this an e-learning or classroom course?
The Harness Awareness is an e-learning theory module that delegates complete before the attending the practical assessment. Delegates must then contact us to book their Harness User (HU) and Harness Inspection (HI) practical training session at an IPAF-approved HSS Training centre. All elements must be completed to gain the full HA/HU/HI qualification.
_________________________________________________________________________________
How the Training Works
Q9. What should I bring on the day?
PPE: safety boots, hi-vis vest/jacket, hard-hat, protective gloves, safety footwear, long-sleeve top and trousers (shorts are not permitted). You'll also need valid photo ID (passport, driving license, CSCS card). A full-body harness and a fully adjustable restraint lanyard are also required; however, if you don’t have a suitable harness, you can also purchase a powered access harness kit ahead of your training. If you need help sourcing PPE or a harness, please call 0345 605 0006 or email training@hss.com.
Please also bring photo ID (passport, driving license or CSCS card) and your own lunch as this is not provided. Complimentary tea and coffee are available and your trainer can suggest nearby dining options if needed. All course materials are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own notebook and pen.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q10. Is there parking available at the training centre?
Most of our training venues offer free on-site parking, although spaces may be limited. You’ll receive full parking details, including What3Words navigation, in your joining instructions once your booking is confirmed. Alternatively, you can find parking availability and other venue details on our Training Centres information page.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Assessments & Certification
Q11. How is the course assessed?
The Harness Awareness e-learning module concludes with a 30-question theory test with an 80% pass mark. The Harness User and Harness Inspection include practical assessments, with the Harness Inspection also requiring a 10-question theory test. All practical assessments are under trainer supervision covering fitting, use, inspection and documentation.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q12. What certification will I receive?
Successful delegates receive a digital IPAF certificate (via the IPAF ePAL app), valid for 5 years. Delegates that would like to upgrade their certification can also purchase a physical IPAF certificate.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Delegate Support & Accessibility
Q13. What support is available if I have additional needs or require adjustments?
At HSS Training, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment. If you’re neurodivergent, have a disability, have a specific learning need, or English isn’t your first language, please refer to our reasonable adjustments guide.
For the IPAF operator courses only, theory test papers are available in 30+ languages, including Albanian, Bulgarian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (UK), English (US), Estonian, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, and Ukrainian.
You may be able to bring an impartial, approved translator, depending on the course and awarding body. Please let us know as early as possible on 0345 605 0006 so we can confirm what’s allowed, discuss any fees and ensure the right support is in place.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Still Have Questions?
If you need further support please contact us on 0345 605 0006, use our live chat or email training@hss.com.
_________________________________________________________________________________
This course covers IPAF Harness Awareness (HA), Harness User (HU) and Harness Inspection (HI) assessments in a full day classroom course.
The day is split into the following sections:
- AM Session - IPAF Harness Awareness & User
- PM Session - IPAF Harness Inspection
If you have already completed one of the above certifications and would like to continue onto the next level of Harness training please contact our team on 0345 605 0006.
Alternatively the HU assessment can be undertaken as part of an IPAF Boom course, for more information on how to integrate this into your existing training please click here.
Harness Awareness and User
Provides delegates with the essential knowledge to
select, monitor, manage and plan the correct use of Harnesses and
lanyards for use in a MEWP.
The practical test evaluates the delegate’s practical application of the
knowledge gained in the IPAF Harness Awareness theory training.
Delegates successfully completing this course will:
- Have an awareness of how to correctly identify and select the appropriate form of personal
protection against falls from MEWPs. - Have a theoretical awareness only of how to check, use, maintain and store a harness and
lanyard with manufacturer’s instructions. - Have a theoretical awareness of how harnesses and lanyards should be fitted and adjusted
They will be able to:
- 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.
Harness Inspection
Upon successful completion of this part of the course delegates will be able to:
- Demonstrate competence in conducting periodic and interim inspections of harnesses and lanyards for use in a MEWP
- Demonstrate how to maintain associated records of inspections
Please download IPAF's Technical guidance Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) for further guidance.
Harness Awareness (HA) Theory
- Introduction
- Hierarchy of Person Fall Protective Equipment (PFPE)
- Know your Equipment: Harness Systems
- Anchor Points
- Boom Platform Hazards: Stay Safe
- Vertical Platform Hazards: Stay Safe
- Pre-use Checks
- Donning and Doffing
- Cleaning and Storage
- Summary
Theory Test
- Individual, 30 question, open book, written test with explanation of pass requirements
- A pass result requires a score of at least 80% (24/30)
This assessment
looks at the delegate’s ability to physically apply what they learned in
the Harness Awareness theory training.
The Harness User practical assessment
covers:
- Pre-use check of a harness and lanyard
- Fitting and adjustment of a harness and lanyard for use in a MEWP
- Attaching to the correct anchor point in a MEWP and adjustment of the lanyard to provide effective restraint
This will be observed and assessed by the Instructor and marked as correct or incorrect.
Harness Inspection
- Introduction
- Statutory Inspections
- Types of Detailed Inspections
- Longevity and Obsolescence
- Common Types of Damage and Criteria for Failure
- Inspection Report
Practical
- Harness and Lanyard Inspection
- Demonstration and group discussion to include associated documentation
- Detailed Harness and Lanyard Inspection and completion of associated documentation
Theory Test
- Individual, 10 question, open book, written test with explanation of pass requirements
- A pass result requires a score of at least 80% (8/10)
Practical Assessment
Individual Practical Assessment:
Inspection of:
- 2 harnesses
- 2 Lanyards or SRLs
- 2 Connectors
- Completion of the associated documentation
IPAF Harness Awareness, User, and Inspection (HA/HU/HI) Course FAQs
About IPAF
Q1. My site has told me I need IPAF Training. What does this mean?
IPAF stands for the International Powered Access Federation. It's an organisation that sets training standards, provides accredited courses and aims to help improve health, safety and skills across sectors such as construction or maintenance that use powered access equipment. If your site or employer requires IPAF training, it means you'll be operating mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and need the correct IPAF qualification to use this equipment safely and legally.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q2. Is this course accredited?
Yes, the IPAF Harness Awareness, User and Inspection course is fully accredited by IPAF and delivered by HSS Training, an approved IPAF training provider.
_________________________________________________________________________________
About the Course
Q3. What's the difference between HA, HU and HI?
HA covers Harness Awareness theory, HU covers practical harness use and HI is aimed at delegates that will perform detailed inspections and record keeping of harnesses. We also offer a Harness Awareness and Harness User Operator Add-On, commonly booked alongside an IPAF Operator course so you can gain full harness training whilst training on your IPAF course.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q4. What do the different IPAF categories mean?
Each machine type is given an IPAF category based on whether it’s static or mobile and how it moves.
- The 3A category covers mobile vertical lifts (scissor lifts), which move straight up and down.
- The 3B category covers mobile boom lifts (cherry pickers), which can extend both up and out for greater reach.
- The 1B category covers static boom lifts, which have a fixed base and extend up and out.
To learn more about the machine categories, you can visit the IPAF Machine Categories page.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q5. How long does the course take to complete?
The course runs for 1 day.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Who Should Attend
Q6. Who is this course for?
The course is aimed at those who use and inspect harnesses when working with MEWPs, including maintenance staff, construction workers, site operatives, facilities teams or contractors across industrial, commercial, retail, maintenance and similar sectors.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q7. Are there any entry requirements?
Delegates must be at least 16 years old, in good physical health and fitness with no serious issues related to vision, hearing, heart conditions or a severe fear of heights/vertigo. Delegates must also have a good understanding of spoken and written English. For additional support, please see question 13.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q8. Is this an e-learning or classroom course?
The Harness Awareness is an e-learning theory module that delegates complete before the attending the practical assessment. Delegates must then contact us to book their Harness User (HU) and Harness Inspection (HI) practical training session at an IPAF-approved HSS Training centre. All elements must be completed to gain the full HA/HU/HI qualification.
_________________________________________________________________________________
How the Training Works
Q9. What should I bring on the day?
PPE: safety boots, hi-vis vest/jacket, hard-hat, protective gloves, safety footwear, long-sleeve top and trousers (shorts are not permitted). You'll also need valid photo ID (passport, driving license, CSCS card). A full-body harness and a fully adjustable restraint lanyard are also required; however, if you don’t have a suitable harness, you can also purchase a powered access harness kit ahead of your training. If you need help sourcing PPE or a harness, please call 0345 605 0006 or email training@hss.com.
Please also bring photo ID (passport, driving license or CSCS card) and your own lunch as this is not provided. Complimentary tea and coffee are available and your trainer can suggest nearby dining options if needed. All course materials are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own notebook and pen.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q10. Is there parking available at the training centre?
Most of our training venues offer free on-site parking, although spaces may be limited. You’ll receive full parking details, including What3Words navigation, in your joining instructions once your booking is confirmed. Alternatively, you can find parking availability and other venue details on our Training Centres information page.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Assessments & Certification
Q11. How is the course assessed?
The Harness Awareness e-learning module concludes with a 30-question theory test with an 80% pass mark. The Harness User and Harness Inspection include practical assessments, with the Harness Inspection also requiring a 10-question theory test. All practical assessments are under trainer supervision covering fitting, use, inspection and documentation.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q12. What certification will I receive?
Successful delegates receive a digital IPAF certificate (via the IPAF ePAL app), valid for 5 years. Delegates that would like to upgrade their certification can also purchase a physical IPAF certificate.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Delegate Support & Accessibility
Q13. What support is available if I have additional needs or require adjustments?
At HSS Training, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment. If you’re neurodivergent, have a disability, have a specific learning need, or English isn’t your first language, please refer to our reasonable adjustments guide.
For the IPAF operator courses only, theory test papers are available in 30+ languages, including Albanian, Bulgarian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (UK), English (US), Estonian, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, and Ukrainian.
You may be able to bring an impartial, approved translator, depending on the course and awarding body. Please let us know as early as possible on 0345 605 0006 so we can confirm what’s allowed, discuss any fees and ensure the right support is in place.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Still Have Questions?
If you need further support please contact us on 0345 605 0006, use our live chat or email training@hss.com.
_________________________________________________________________________________
This course is suitable for those who require all 3 of the below harness qualifications:
- Harness Awareness (HA)
- Harness User (HU)
- Harness Inspection (HI)
This course provides delegates with the skills required to use and inspect harnesses used within MEWP's.
As a company that is committed to providing high quality
services to all our clients, we will always aim to make reasonable adjustments
ensuring all individuals receive the required help they need.
Click here to learn more
Upon successful completion of the theory and practical assessments, delegates receive a Digital certificate valid for 5 years.
Please note: This course includes a certificate only – a PAL card is not issued.
