Fall Protection Training - Planning, Work and Rescue - 2 Days

About the course

Planning, Work and Rescue with Personal Fall Protection Systems is a two-day course for people who need to plan, supervise or carry out work where personal fall protection systems are used – while also ensuring that rescue preparedness is included in the planning from the outset.

The course follows the complete work process:

work task → risk assessment → selection of control measures → personal fall protection system → inspection and use → rescue preparedness and rescue

Theory is combined with practical exercises and realistic scenarios. Participants train not only in how to use the equipment, but also in understanding the function and limitations of the systems, making safe choices, and determining when work needs to be stopped or reassessed.

Quality assurance

The training concept has been developed by Hewall Safety since 2008 and is quality assured within Hewall Safety’s management system, in line with the principles of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and is based on defined learning objectives, controlled training material and theoretical and practical assessment according to defined criteria. The content is based on applicable work environment legislation, relevant regulations, standards and current manufacturer instructions.

Learning objectives

After successfully completing the course, the participant shall, within the scope of the course, be able to:

• explain fundamental rules, responsibilities and risks associated with work where there is a risk of falling,
• describe the work task, identify hazards, assess risks and select appropriate control measures,
• select an appropriate personal fall protection system based on the risk assessment,
• inspect, fit, assemble and use the personal fall protection systems included in the course,
• assess rescue preparedness and carry out the rescue activities included in the course,
• determine when work must not begin or must be stopped,
• reassess the risk assessment when conditions change.

Target group

The course is intended for people whose role involves:

• responsibility for or supervision of work where there is a risk of falling,
• planning and risk assessment of work where personal fall protection systems may be required,
• carrying out work using personal fall protection systems,
• planning or carrying out rescue and evacuation using personal fall protection systems.

Typical participants include supervisors, installers, service technicians, and operations and maintenance personnel.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites.

Participants must be able to take part in the practical elements included in the course. Prior reading on personal fall protection equipment and personal fall protection systems is recommended.

Course delivery

The course is delivered over two days and combines theory, current manufacturer instructions, physical equipment, scenario-based exercises and extensive practical training.

During the course, participants work with topics including risk assessment and selection of control measures, checks in accordance with the current instructions for use, selection and assembly of personal fall protection systems, risks and limitations, and assessment and planning of rescue preparedness where required.

Day 1 also includes applied exercises using current instructions for use, system assessment and scenario-based application of systematic occupational health and safety management.

Practical skills are developed through instruction, practice and feedback. Participants’ knowledge and skills are verified through a theory test and practical assessment against predefined criteria.

From risk assessment to the right system

Personal fall protection is not the starting point of the planning process. Participants are trained to first understand the work task and the risks, select appropriate control measures and then – when personal fall protection is required – choose the correct system function and suitable, compatible products.

Current manufacturer instructions are used throughout the course to verify matters such as intended use, limitations, inspection and compatibility.

Practical application and rescue

Participants work practically with different personal fall protection systems in realistic but controlled training environments.

The course includes areas such as inspection and fitting, anchorage, harness and connection, work positioning, fall arrest systems, movement in different environments, and risks such as clearance, swing falls and falls over an edge.

Rescue preparedness is an integral part of the planning process. Participants practise assessing when rescue planning is required, as well as self-evacuation and different rescue scenarios where a casualty needs to be lowered, lifted or brought to a place of safety.

Personal fall protection systems covered

The training covers the application of the following system functions:

• Restraint systems
• Work positioning systems
• Fall arrest systems
• Rope access systems – introductory level
• Rescue systems

Product categories and standards covered

The training covers the selection, pre-use checks and safe use of the following product categories:

• Harnesses – EN 361, EN 358, EN 813
• Work positioning lanyards – EN 358
• Connectors – EN 362
• Lanyards – EN 354
• Energy absorbers – EN 355
• Retractable type fall arresters – EN 360
• Guided type fall arresters on a flexible anchor line – EN 353-2
• Guided type fall arresters on a rigid anchor line or rail – EN 353-1
• Low-stretch kernmantel ropes – EN 1891
• Rope adjustment devices for rope access – EN 12841
• Anchor devices – EN 795 Type A and Type B
• Descender devices for rescue – EN 341
• Rescue lifting devices – EN 1496

Introductory content

• Anchor devices – EN 795 Type E

Permanent solutions covered

The training also covers the use and basic understanding of:

• Permanent lifeline systems – EN 795 Type C
• Permanent rail systems – EN 795 Type D
• Permanent anchor devices and safety hooks – EN 17235

Scope of competence

After successful completion, a course certificate is issued confirming that the participant has met the theoretical and practical requirements within the defined scope of the course.

The course does not provide general authorisation for all types of work at height or all types of personal fall protection equipment, and it does not qualify the participant as a competent person for periodic inspection.

The course does not include practical rope access, design or installation of permanent anchor devices or permanent lifeline systems, or advanced technical rescue beyond the defined course activities.

Would you like to read more about the course content, assessment, scope of competence and limitations? Download the full course description.