IPAF Harness Awareness & User (HA & HU)

What is IPAF Harness Awareness & User (HA & HU) Training?

The IPAF Harness Awareness & User (HA & HU) course provides delegates with essential knowledge and practical understanding of how to correctly select, inspect, and use personal fall protection equipment when operating MEWPs. The training ensures candidates follow current safety standards and legal requirements while working at height. This half‑day course is designed to develop confidence and competence in recognising safe harness use, identifying hazards, and applying best practice techniques.

Who Should Attend an IPAF Training Course?

This course is ideal for individuals working with or around Mobile Elevating Work Platforms who require formal training in harness use. MEWPs are considered one of the safest methods for working at height, but misuse of harness equipment still presents risks. This programme is suitable for operators, supervisors, and anyone responsible for ensuring compliant harness practice on site.

IPAF Harness Awareness & User Training - Key Information

Half-Day Training Course
Learn how to select, inspect and use harnesses and associated safety PPE
No formal entry requirements to start the course
Assessed through practical + theory exam (multiple-choice questions)
Your qualification will be valid for 5 years
Own harness, lanyard, and PPE required

Who should attend IPAF training courses?

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) strongly recommends wearing a full‑body harness with a short, adjustable restraint lanyard when operating from a boom‑type MEWP. If your role involves working in boom lifts, the IPAF Harness Awareness & User (HA & HU) course provides the essential knowledge needed to select, fit, and use harness equipment safely. Incorrect harness use or poor product selection can lead to serious or fatal incidents, making proper training essential for anyone working at height in a MEWP

Choose a course option

All of our courses are delivered with the same level of information and support, so you can choose the style of training that best suits your environment.

Our prices include:

Certificates
Exams
Course materials

IPAF Harness Awareness & User Course (HA & HU) Training Course Content

Delegates will learn how to safely use, select, and check fall protection systems through both theory and practical instruction. Topics include:

Key health & safety legislation relating to harness use
Identifying different types of fall arrest and restraint equipment
Correct fitting and adjustment of harnesses
Selecting appropriate lanyards and fall arrest systems
Safe use of fall arrest blocks and shock‑absorbing lanyards
Understanding connectors and anchor points
Equipment care, maintenance and record‑keeping
Instruction manuals and paperwork
Multiple‑choice written examination

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Equipment to bring on the day

You will need to bring the following to your IPAF course:

Hard hat
Safety goggles/glasses
High visibility jacket/coat/vest
Safety gloves
Safety boots
1.5m full body adjustable short restraint harness and lanyard set

Under no circumstances will any delegate be allowed to take part in any outdoor work without the above personal safety equipment.
Attendees to the IPAF training course are required to bring their own harnesses as they are not supplied at the training centres.

Assessment and Certification

This qualification will be assessed through a practical and theory test. The aim of the assessment is to ensure that successful learners have adequate knowledge and understanding of the use and inspection of harnesses for use in a MEWP.

Certification

ePAL certification is valid for 5 years; you will then need to complete the course again to renew your qualification.

Entry Requirements

All candidates must be physically able to participate in the course and be over the age of 16. The course will be in verbal English, as will all slides shown during the theory session. The customer can provide a translator if it is deemed necessary; however, the translator cannot be a candidate in the course. If you would like to bring a translator, please get in touch with our team before your course date.

IPAF and Working at Height Courses

Below are other health and safety courses for those who work at height:

IPAF Training 2 Categories

This course is for those who operate or work with mobile elevation platforms (MEWPs). MEWPs come in different categories, the most popular being 3a & 3b.

IPAF PAL+

The PAL+ course for category 3a and 3b is an optional one-day, advanced qualification aimed at trained operators who work in higher-risk or challenging environments.

Working at Heights Awareness

On this course you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent falls when working at heights, ensure proper use of equipment, and understand the risks and hazards associated with working at heights.

Find a course near you

This IPAF Harness Awareness & User (HA & HU) course is available in 0 location across the UK. Remember, you can always enquire for team training if there's not a location near to you - you may find it a cheaper alternative!

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