What training is required for work at height?

When working at height, operatives must be competent to carry out work safely. Classroom or practical on-the-job training can be needed to develop skills and deliver the information required to keep people safe.

The training required depends on the type of work and job role. Those responsible for planning and managing work at height may need more in-depth training than an operative using a harness.

?

Competency

The Work at Height Regulations state that workers must be ‘competent’ to carry out the relevant work. To be considered competent, each operative needs sufficient skills, knowledge and experience to perform the relevant tasks safely. While in training, operatives must be supervised by a competent person.

Workers must understand how to use the relevant equipment correctly. This can range from safe use of ladders, to how to fit a height safety harness, or operate a rescue device.

For a low-risk, short duration task using ladders, providing instructions on how to use ladders safely and appropriate training for the task may be enough to ensure competency. However some work involves a more technical level of competence, and industry certification may be required to carry out certain tasks.

?

Legislation and control requirements

All operatives must be aware of the general legal requirements and hierarchy of controls. Those involved in planning and managing work at height need an in-depth understanding of legislation, risk and method statements, work permits and risk assessments.

?

Use of height safety equipment

Training must cover how to select and use equipment safely. Users need to know how to conduct pre-use checks and fit personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) properly. Training should include information on fall arrest and restraint, as well as the compatibility of different system components.

?

Inspection and maintenance

Another important role of training is to ensure operatives know how to inspect and maintain PFPE correctly. The training should teach operatives relevant inspection methods for different textile and metal components, outlining considerations for safe use and critical defects, as well as legal requirements and recording methods.

?

Rescue

Specific training is required to ensure rescues can be carried out safely. Those responsible for rescue need to know how to use rescue equipment in different scenarios and how to keep themselves safe. Training should cover casualty care and suspension trauma, instructing people on how to care for the rescued operative and protect them against further injury.

?

It is essential to make sure operatives are appropriately trained and competent. The type and level of training required to ensure competency varies for different tasks and job roles, ranging from how to use and maintain equipment to more in-depth knowledge of legislation and legal requirements. Contact JSP for more information on work at height training.

?

Learn more about managing fall risks

Find out more about working at height