Understand safe working at height: identification, planning, equipment and rescues

After this working at heights course, you will know how to identify the risks for a job at height, plan the task, choose the right equipment, and conduct a rescue if something doesn't go to plan. 

The training covers all the places you could work at height:

• Ladders and stepladders

• Scaffolding

• MEWPs (scissor lifts, boom lifts, etc)

• Temporary work platforms

• Roofs

And you'll understand safe access and egress, plus the equipment and techniques that will protect you:

• Static lines

• Anchor points

• Harnesses

• Communication options

• Inspection and maintenance of equipment

Who is this working at heights training for?

Anyone who is at risk of a fall due to working at any height:

• Tradespeople (builders, plumbers, electricians, painters, roofers, etc)

• Installers (solar panels, glazing)

• Maintenance workers (HVAC and air conditioning, utility workers, lighting technicians, etc)

• Building cleaning services

• Architects and building inspectors

• Arborists

• Supervisors and managers.

FAQ’s

What working at heights training do you need to do?

Companies must provide working at heights training, and ensure that their team members are safe. After initial training, this would involve doing some kind of refresher training (commonly every two years). This could be called a 'working at heights ticket'.

Do you have to complete all the modules?

Module content can be tailored to the trainee. Mobile elevating work platforms, static lines, working on roofs, working with brittle or fragile surfaces, and working near power lines can be disabled by a manager if they are not relevant for a trainee. Note that if you are purchasing the course as an individual for yourself, all modules are compulsory.

To pass the course, you must get 100% in all available modules.

Are working at heights and harness unit standards required?

Unit standards are one way of demonstrating competence. The relevant unit standards are 23229 (Use a safety harness for personal fall prevention when working at height), 25045 (Employ height safety equipment in the workplace), and 17600 (Explain safe work practices for working at heights). These are optional - you can do equivalent or better training as an alternative. If you already have the unit standards, you don't need to do them again - simply use this course as a refresher (this course does not give you unit standards).

What do you get in this course?

As a trainee, you get 6 months' access to the working at heights course materials and any related downloadable documentation. If you successfully complete the theory, you will get a theory certificate. If you are verified by your supervisor or manager at work, you will also get an ID card and Working at Heights operator's certificate; verification (or 'validation') is optional.

Do you need to do a practical assessment?

It's recommended that you demonstrate your understanding of how to work at heights to your supervisor who can then verify you are competent and fill out the validation form. This isn't compulsory, it's just advisable. We do not provide these assessments, we provide a downloadable checklist for a supervisor to conduct a practical assessment with you.

Does the course cover the erection of scaffolding?

No - you'll need to do a scaffolding course for that. We cover working on scaffolding, i.e. if you're a painter, builder, plumber, etc.

Does the course cover working on roofs?

Yes, we cover working on roofs and brittle surfaces, but not installing roofs.

How long is the certificate valid for?

We suggest a renewal every two years. While this isn't strictly required, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, refreshers every couple of years are common in the industry to maintain your knowledge, and they are especially important if you don't work at heights very often.