To mitigate the challenge of falls that might occur when people are working at 2 m or more above ground, work at height training institute Height Wise Training Academy marketing manager Mike Zinn says the academy has developed training courses.

The academy offers rope access levels 1, 2 and 3; basic fall arrest; basic fall arrest and rescue; and fall-arrest technician as the main course required for personnel working at height. The duration of the courses varies between one and six days. Since the beginning of the year, about 102 trainees have registered for the various courses.

During the rope access courses, trainees physically learn the skill of using rope to work at height. Basic fall-arrest training equips trainees with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to safely work at height, minimise risks and increase their chances of survival, should a fall occur. Basic fall arrest and rescue training offers basic training on self-rescue and assists supervisors and personnel who work at height with falls. The fall-arrest technician course is aimed at small working teams that need to use a combination of fall-arrest systems, install their own temporary systems and perform their own rescues if required.

Owing to its affiliation with the Institute of Working at Height (IWH) – which governs all work at height activities, from scaffolding and ladders to fall arrest and rope access – the academy remains up to date with the latest techniques and guidelines.

“The IWH issues what is called the good practice notes, which provide updates for training institutions on the latest techniques, equipment or lessons learned from the industry internationally,” Zinn points out.

Any work at height training accredited with the IWH is worth recommending, as the institution has been audited for the capacity to provide trainees with the necessary training skills.

The academy also offers the fall protection planner course, aimed at those who manage people working at height, to equip them to write or implement a fall protection plan. Personnel who acquire the competencies stipulated in this course will be responsible for the safety and protection of those working at height where risk or injury may occur from falls. The equipment controller course teaches trainees how to inspect work at height equipment and to keep an accurate record.