Basic Heights - Harness Training

This course is suited to workers who use fall arrest harnesses or other personal height safety equipment as part of their work. That includes construction workers, maintenance personnel, roofers, installers, warehouse staff, and others who need practical skills for working safely at height using harness systems.

If workers are relying on harness systems as part of working at height, they need training, supervision, and equipment that are suitable for the task and the risks involved. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, PCBUs must ensure workers have the appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to use height safety equipment safely and correctly.

Yes, learners need written and spoken English equivalent to NCEA Level 1 (Year 11) or an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher. If a learner may need additional support, please contact our team before enrolment to discuss available support options.

The course runs for 1 day. That time is used to cover core knowledge, practical harness work, and assessment activities, so learners should plan to attend the full session.

Yes, this course includes one on-course assessment to confirm learners can apply safe harness use and working at height practices appropriately.

The course covers harness types, harness inspection and fitting, the role of the height safety triangle, and the importance of emergency planning when working at height. Learners build practical understanding of how to inspect, fit, and use a harness correctly as part of a broader safe system of work.

Learners who successfully complete the assessment are awarded NZQA Unit Standard 23229, which covers using a safety harness system safely when working at height.

IMPAC recommends refresher training at least every two years to help workers maintain confidence using harness systems safely and correctly in the workplace. Refresher training may also be needed where equipment, tasks, procedures, or workplace risks change, or after incidents or near misses.

No, NZQA unit standards do not expire from a learner’s Record of Achievement. However, some workplaces may still require refresher training or competency checks where working at height is safety-critical or equipment, tasks, or site conditions change.

Yes, this course is available nationwide for both public and in-house delivery. In-house training can help organisations train teams together while connecting the learning to the equipment, systems, and work tasks workers deal with every day.

Please bring the following to training:

• Closed footwear
• A driver’s licence or another form of photo identification

For public face-to-face courses, morning tea and lunch are provided. If you have dietary requirements such as allergies, vegan, or gluten-free needs, please contact IMPAC at training@impac.co.nz at least two working days before training. Please note that dietary preferences cannot be accommodated.

Learners are welcome to bring their own harnesses or other height safety equipment if useful. IMPAC training equipment is available, however IMPAC harnesses are rated to 120kg (XXL).

In-house: $3000 + GST for up to 12 persons OR $3500 + GST for up to 14 persons.