For workers who access towers, masts or similar using pre-installed fall arrest systems and use work positioning techniques to carry out work at height.

In the morning, you will be taken through our theory foundation course to gain a thorough understanding of the principles of using PFPE. This includes selection of the correct equipment for the task, pre-use inspection, safe use, maintenance and mandatory record keeping.

In the afternoon, you will gain practical experience in the safe use of PFPE and temporary and permanently installed guided-type fall arrest systems.

Course Syllabus:

Theory

• Delegates will have an understanding of the common features of permanently installed guided-type fall arrest systems used for access onto towers and masts
• They will learn the potential dangers and bad practices when using guided-type systems, such as operative suspension, fallback and hoop ladder issues.
• They will have an understanding of the limitations of Fall Arrest equipment and how to improve safety with respect to reducing impact forces, reducing fall distance and clearance requirements
• Delegates will learn basic Work Positioning techniques and where these can be applied to increase safety over the use of Fall Arrest techniques.
• They will learn common equipment abuses and how to select appropriate equipment to avoid this.
• Delegates will learn rescue techniques and rescue equipment. And an awareness of other hazards relating to work at height, such as dropped objects and exposure to environmental conditions.

Practical

The delegates will gain practical experience in climbing using the following types of equipment/systems:

• Full Body Harness for Work Position and Fall Arrest
• Fall Arrest Block
• Permanently installed guided-type fall arrest systems
• Temporary guided type fall arrest systems
• Double Fall Arrest Lanyards
• Work Position Lanyards
• Climbing a permanently installed access system on a 25m structure.

Delegates will also be shown and given the opportunity to use an example temporary horizontal anchor-line system A.

Delegates must be 18 years and over, and all delegates must be able to certify they are physically fit and have no medical conditions that might prevent them from working at height prior to commencement of training.

This course is designed for those who intend to access towers, masts, or similar structures using pre-installed fall arrest systems and use work positioning techniques to carry out work at height.

On completion of the course, they should be able to carry out pre-use checks and use pre-installed access systems on masts, towers and similar structures. They will also be able to safely position themselves to work in these environments.

During training, delegates will be expected to carry out activities at a height above 20m. This will provide insight into the delegates’ ability to operate in such conditions. This only indicates their capability, as it is impossible to recreate exact working environments.

The actual height and exposure will be set out on the certification, but this is only to show what was included in the training. The height shown on the certification is not intended to limit the height at which the delegate can operate.

An awareness of the requirement for rescue provision while working with fall arrest and work position systems.

On successful completion, delegates will receive a Spanset certificate valid for three years.