This course is split into two elements:
- Harness Awareness (HA) E-Learning
Harness User (HU) practical assessment
The HA E-Learning must be completed prior to the practical HU assessment. Delegates booked onto this course will pay for access to the E-Learning and for future practical assessment as a Harness User. This combination course is the easiest way to ensure that delegates are fully competent to use a harness when working within a MEWP.
When attending your IPAF operator course delegate MUST bring proof of successful completion of the Harness Awareness (HA) e-learning module to show their trainer in order to complete the practical HU portion of this course.
Please note that your practical assessment MUST be undertaken as part of one of the following IPAF Boom category courses - IPAF Dual 3a + 3B, IPAF (3b), IPAF (1b) or IPAF Triple.
The theory assessment provides delegates with the essential knowledge to select, monitor, manage and plan the correct use of Harnesses and lanyards for use in a MEWP.
Delegates successfully completing the e-learning 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.
The practical assessment evaluates the delegate’s practical application of the knowledge gained in the IPAF Harness Awareness theory training.
Successful delegates 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.
Please download IPAF's Technical guidance Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) for further guidance.
Harness Awareness (HA) E-Learning 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 e-learning.
Please note that your practical assessment MUST be undertaken as part of one of the following IPAF Boom category courses - IPAF Dual 3a + 3B, IPAF (3b), IPAF (1b) or IPAF Triple. Delegates will be required to bring their certification number from the e-learning portion of this course to provide to their trainer to be assessed for the Harness User (HU) qualification.
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.
This course is essential for anyone undertaking any level of harness training. Both elements of this course, Harness Awareness (HA) and Harness User (HU) must be completed by anyone who will personally use a harness in a MEWP.
The HA E-Learning alone does not qualify a person to use a harness and practical HU element must be completed before using a harness within a MEWP.
The practical HU assessment must be completed as part of one of the following operator courses - IPAF Dual 3a + 3B, IPAF (3b), IPAF (1b) or IPAF Triple.
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 will receive a certificate valid for 5 years.
Delegates can upgrade to the IPAF Harness Inspection Qualification at any time during the 5 year validity of the existing qualification.
IPAF Harness Awareness and User (HA/HU) Operator Add-On 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 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 and User (HA/HU) Operator Add-On course is fully accredited by IPAF and delivered by HSS Training, an approved IPAF training provider.
_________________________________________________________________________________
About the Course
Q3. What does the HA/HU Operator Add-On course cover?
It covers the correct harness selection, fitting, inspection, attachment points, safe use of MEWPs, and basic fall protection procedures.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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 HA/HU Operator course is approximately 0.4hrs.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q6. What's the difference between the HA/HU Operator Add-on course vs the HA/HU Half day?
The HA/HU Operator Add-On is booked alongside an IPAF Operator course such as IPAF 3B or Dual, allowing you to complete your harness training at the same time as your IPAF Operator course. The Half Day course is suitable for delegates who already hold their operator license and would like to add HA/HU certifications to their card or for those who only require harness training. We also offer a Harness Awareness, Harness User and Harness Inspection course for delegates that will perform detailed inspections and record keeping of harnesses.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Who Should Attend
Q7. Who is this course for?
This course is essential for anyone using harnesses on MEWPs, especially on 3b and 1b lifts. It's suitable for operators, maintenance staff and technicians across construction, facilities management, retail, airports and arboriculture.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q8. 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 14.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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), a full-body harness and a fully adjustable restraint lanyard are also required; however, we can supply these for use on the course if required. You can also purchase a powered access harness kit ahead of your training. If you need help sourcing PPE please call 0345 605 0006 or email training@hss.com.
Please also bring photo ID (passport, driving license or CSCS card), proof of your Harness Awareness (e-learning) certificate 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. Do I need to complete the HA e-learning before attending my IPAF Operator course?
Yes, you must successfully complete the Harness Awareness (HA) e-learning theory before attending the half-day Harness User (HU) practical session that will take place during your IPAF Operator course.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q11. 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
Q12. How is the course assessed?
Delegates complete an open-book written test with a pass mark of 80% then a practical Harness User assessment where you will demonstrate correct pre-use checks, fitting, and attachment to a MEWP anchor point.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q13. What certification will I receive?
Successful delegates will receive a digital IPAF certificate.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Delegate Support & Accessibility
Q14. 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 split into two elements:
- Harness Awareness (HA) E-Learning
Harness User (HU) practical assessment
The HA E-Learning must be completed prior to the practical HU assessment. Delegates booked onto this course will pay for access to the E-Learning and for future practical assessment as a Harness User. This combination course is the easiest way to ensure that delegates are fully competent to use a harness when working within a MEWP.
When attending your IPAF operator course delegate MUST bring proof of successful completion of the Harness Awareness (HA) e-learning module to show their trainer in order to complete the practical HU portion of this course.
Please note that your practical assessment MUST be undertaken as part of one of the following IPAF Boom category courses - IPAF Dual 3a + 3B, IPAF (3b), IPAF (1b) or IPAF Triple.
The theory assessment provides delegates with the essential knowledge to select, monitor, manage and plan the correct use of Harnesses and lanyards for use in a MEWP.
Delegates successfully completing the e-learning 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.
The practical assessment evaluates the delegate’s practical application of the knowledge gained in the IPAF Harness Awareness theory training.
Successful delegates 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.
Please download IPAF's Technical guidance Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) for further guidance.
Harness Awareness (HA) E-Learning 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 e-learning.
Please note that your practical assessment MUST be undertaken as part of one of the following IPAF Boom category courses - IPAF Dual 3a + 3B, IPAF (3b), IPAF (1b) or IPAF Triple. Delegates will be required to bring their certification number from the e-learning portion of this course to provide to their trainer to be assessed for the Harness User (HU) qualification.
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.
IPAF Harness Awareness and User (HA/HU) Operator Add-On 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 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 and User (HA/HU) Operator Add-On course is fully accredited by IPAF and delivered by HSS Training, an approved IPAF training provider.
_________________________________________________________________________________
About the Course
Q3. What does the HA/HU Operator Add-On course cover?
It covers the correct harness selection, fitting, inspection, attachment points, safe use of MEWPs, and basic fall protection procedures.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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 HA/HU Operator course is approximately 0.4hrs.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q6. What's the difference between the HA/HU Operator Add-on course vs the HA/HU Half day?
The HA/HU Operator Add-On is booked alongside an IPAF Operator course such as IPAF 3B or Dual, allowing you to complete your harness training at the same time as your IPAF Operator course. The Half Day course is suitable for delegates who already hold their operator license and would like to add HA/HU certifications to their card or for those who only require harness training. We also offer a Harness Awareness, Harness User and Harness Inspection course for delegates that will perform detailed inspections and record keeping of harnesses.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Who Should Attend
Q7. Who is this course for?
This course is essential for anyone using harnesses on MEWPs, especially on 3b and 1b lifts. It's suitable for operators, maintenance staff and technicians across construction, facilities management, retail, airports and arboriculture.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q8. 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 14.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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), a full-body harness and a fully adjustable restraint lanyard are also required; however, we can supply these for use on the course if required. You can also purchase a powered access harness kit ahead of your training. If you need help sourcing PPE please call 0345 605 0006 or email training@hss.com.
Please also bring photo ID (passport, driving license or CSCS card), proof of your Harness Awareness (e-learning) certificate 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. Do I need to complete the HA e-learning before attending my IPAF Operator course?
Yes, you must successfully complete the Harness Awareness (HA) e-learning theory before attending the half-day Harness User (HU) practical session that will take place during your IPAF Operator course.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q11. 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
Q12. How is the course assessed?
Delegates complete an open-book written test with a pass mark of 80% then a practical Harness User assessment where you will demonstrate correct pre-use checks, fitting, and attachment to a MEWP anchor point.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Q13. What certification will I receive?
Successful delegates will receive a digital IPAF certificate.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Delegate Support & Accessibility
Q14. 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 essential for anyone undertaking any level of harness training. Both elements of this course, Harness Awareness (HA) and Harness User (HU) must be completed by anyone who will personally use a harness in a MEWP.
The HA E-Learning alone does not qualify a person to use a harness and practical HU element must be completed before using a harness within a MEWP.
The practical HU assessment must be completed as part of one of the following operator courses - IPAF Dual 3a + 3B, IPAF (3b), IPAF (1b) or IPAF Triple.
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 will receive a certificate valid for 5 years.
Delegates can upgrade to the IPAF Harness Inspection Qualification at any time during the 5 year validity of the existing qualification.
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