Work At Height
The ICSPS Work at Height Safety and Technical Rescue Professional Certification Programme is a globally recognised, competency-based qualification designed to address the complex and high-risk nature of working at height across all industrial sectors, with specialised focus on construction, oil and gas, power generation, and infrastructure maintenance. Falls from height remain a leading cause of workplace fatalities and serious injuries worldwide, necessitating a rigorous, multi-layered approach to hazard control, equipment mastery, and procedural discipline. This comprehensive programme moves beyond basic compliance to instil a culture of meticulous planning, technical proficiency, and rescue readiness.
Structured around the hierarchy of controls—from elimination and passive protection to fall restraint, fall arrest, and rescue—the programme equips professionals with the knowledge to select the safest system of work for any scenario. Participants will engage with international standards such as OSHA 1926 Subpart M, ANSI Z359, and the Work at Height Regulations, gaining expertise in equipment inspection, anchor point selection, and the physics of fall arrest forces. A core philosophy of the programme is that any plan for work at height is incomplete without a validated, practical rescue plan, making technical rescue competencies a fundamental pillar of the curriculum.
Through a blend of immersive classroom theory and demanding practical simulations on training structures and in realistic environments, graduates will emerge as authoritative practitioners capable of designing safe work systems, auditing existing practices, and leading advanced rope access or rescue operations. This certification is the definitive credential for those committed to eliminating fall hazards, protecting personnel, and setting the highest standard of safety in elevated work environments.
Offered Courses
Level 1 Award in Principles of Work at Height Safety
The ICSPS Level 1 Award in Principles of Work at Height Safety provides the critical foundational knowledge for anyone involved in planning, supervising, or performing work where a fall risk exists. This entry-level certificate establishes a firm understanding of the core legal and moral responsibilities, the hierarchy of controls, and the fundamental types of equipment and systems used to prevent falls. Participants will learn to recognise common at-height hazards on sites ranging from construction projects to industrial plants and understand the severe consequences of inadequate planning, from personal injury to organisational liability.
Focusing on prevention first, the course covers basic risk assessment methodologies, the importance of selecting the right equipment for the task, and the vital role of pre-use inspections. It introduces key concepts such as safe anchor points, clearance calculations, and the differences between fall prevention (e.g., guardrails, scaffolds), fall restraint, and fall arrest systems. The award also emphasises the critical importance of having an emergency rescue plan, ensuring that personnel understand that planning for a fall is as important as planning to prevent one.
This qualification is designed to create a knowledgeable and vigilant workforce. It is the essential first step in building a safety-conscious mindset, ensuring that all personnel, regardless of their specific role, appreciate the gravity of work at height and contribute to a culture where no task is so urgent or routine that it justifies compromising safety protocols.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 12 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 48 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Legislation, Regulations, and the Hierarchy of Controls
|
2 |
8 |
|
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Work at Height
|
2 |
8 |
|
Introduction to Fall Protection Systems: Prevention, Restraint, and Arrest
|
2 |
8 |
|
Equipment Fundamentals: Harnesses, Lanyards, and Anchor Points
|
2 |
8 |
|
Pre-Use Inspection and Basic Equipment Care
|
2 |
8 |
|
Emergency Planning and the Need for Rescue Provision
|
2 |
8 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Legislation, Regulations, and the Hierarchy of Controls
Identify key legal duties of employers and employees under work at height regulations.
Explain the hierarchy of controls (eliminate, prevent, minimise) and its application to work planning.
Recognise the moral and financial implications of failing to manage fall hazards.
Unit 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Work at Height
Conduct a basic site survey to identify potential fall hazards (fragile surfaces, edges, openings).
Contribute to a simple risk assessment for a defined work at height task.
Understand the impact of environmental factors (weather, lighting) on risk levels.
Unit 3: Introduction to Fall Protection Systems: Prevention, Restraint, and Arrest
Differentiate between collective protection (guardrails, scaffolds) and personal protection systems.
Define the operational principles of fall prevention, work restraint, and fall arrest.
Select the most appropriate system type based on a given task scenario.
Unit 4: Equipment Fundamentals: Harnesses, Lanyards, and Anchor Points
Identify the core components of a personal fall protection system (PFPS).
Describe the function and correct application of full-body harnesses and different lanyard types (shock-absorbing, restraint).
Recognise characteristics of a suitable structural anchor point.
Unit 5: Pre-Use Inspection and Basic Equipment Care
Perform a thorough pre-use inspection (PFPE) on a harness and lanyard following manufacturer guidelines.
Identify common defects (cuts, abrasions, chemical damage, deformed hardware) that necessitate equipment removal from service.
Explain correct storage and handling procedures to maintain equipment integrity.
Unit 6: Emergency Planning and the Need for Rescue Provision
State why a rescue plan is a mandatory component of any fall protection plan.
Identify the dangers of suspension trauma and the time-critical nature of rescue.
Describe the basic components of a site-specific rescue plan.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
New Entrants and General Workforce: All personnel who may be exposed to fall hazards on site.
Site Operatives and Assistants: Individuals working in construction, maintenance, or warehousing.
Junior Supervisors and Team Leaders: Those beginning to take on planning and oversight responsibilities.
Health and Safety Committee Members: Personnel involved in promoting site safety awareness.
Facilities Management Staff: Individuals responsible for organising or overseeing contractor work at height.
Level 2 Certificate in Fall Protection Equipment Competent User
The ICSPS Level 2 Certificate in Fall Protection Equipment Competent User builds directly on foundational knowledge to deliver the practical skills and technical understanding required for the correct selection, fitting, use, and inspection of personal fall protection equipment (PFPE). This hands-on certificate is designed for individuals who will be actively using harness-based systems for work restraint or fall arrest in their daily roles. The course moves from theory to application, ensuring users are not only familiar with equipment but are proficient in its safe deployment in real-world scenarios, such as working on roofs, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), or steel structures.
A core component is the development of muscle memory and procedural discipline through repeated practical drills. Participants will become adept at donning and adjusting a full-body harness, connecting to appropriate anchor points using various lanyards and connectors, and calculating required clear distances to prevent strike injuries. The curriculum thoroughly covers the implications of fall factors, the function of shock absorbers, and the critical importance of maintaining connection through the principles of 100% tie-off when moving horizontally. Rescue preparedness is advanced, with participants learning to use basic descent devices and managing a suspended colleague prior to rescue team arrival.
This certification transforms a worker from a passive equipment user into a competent, thinking professional who understands the why behind every procedure. It instils the confidence and skill to work safely at height while recognising personal limits and the need for specialised solutions for complex tasks, thereby significantly reducing the risk of fall-related incidents and injuries.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 18 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 72 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Advanced Harness Fitting, Donning, and Adjustment
|
3 |
12 |
|
Lanyard Selection, Application, and Calculating Fall Clearance
|
3 |
12 |
|
Anchor Point Selection, Classification, and Use of Mobile Anchors
|
3 |
12 |
|
Work Positioning and Restraint Techniques
|
3 |
12 |
|
Fall Arrest Physics, Forces, and System Compatibility
|
3 |
12 |
|
Pre-Rescue Procedures and Use of Basic Descent Devices
|
3 |
12 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Harness Fitting, Donning, and Adjustment
Perform a correct and efficient donning sequence for a full-body harness.
Adjust all harness straps (leg, chest, shoulder) to achieve a secure, comfortable fit per manufacturer specifications.
Identify incorrect fitting and its potential consequences during a fall event.
Unit 2: Lanyard Selection, Application, and Calculating Fall Clearance
Select the correct lanyard type (restraint, shock-absorbing, Y-lanyard) for a given task and system.
Calculate total fall clearance required, including harness stretch and deceleration distance, to prevent ground strike.
Correctly connect and disconnect lanyards using double-action snap hooks and compatible anchor points.
Unit 3: Anchor Point Selection, Classification, and Use of Mobile Anchors
Assess a structural anchor point for strength, location, and suitability (ANSI/CSA classification).
Safely deploy and use mobile anchor devices such as temporary horizontal lifelines or beam anchors.
Understand the load implications of multiple persons on a single anchor.
Unit 4: Work Positioning and Restraint Techniques
Apply 100% tie-off techniques when moving laterally across a work area.
Use work positioning lanyards to achieve hands-free stability on vertical structures (e.g., communication towers).
Implement safe procedures for passing intermediate anchor points.
Unit 5: Fall Arrest Physics, Forces, and System Compatibility
Explain the concepts of fall factor, arresting force, and the role of the shock-absorbing lanyard.
Ensure all components of a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) are compatible per manufacturer instructions.
Recognise swing fall hazards and methods to mitigate them.
Unit 6: Pre-Rescue Procedures and Use of Basic Descent Devices
Perform immediate actions to assist a suspended colleague, including communication and limb movement encouragement.
Deploy a basic controlled descent device (e.g., sharp-edge descent) for self-evacuation from height.
Prepare a casualty in a harness for vertical pick-off by a rescue team.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Skilled Tradespersons: Roofers, steel erectors, glaziers, and electricians who routinely work at height.
Industrial Technicians: Maintenance personnel in energy, manufacturing, and processing plants.
Telecommunications and Wind Turbine Technicians: Workers on towers and elevated structures.
Construction Workers: Individuals using PFPE on formwork, scaffolding, and structural frames.
Safety Watch / Standby Persons: Personnel tasked with monitoring colleagues working at height.
Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Fall Protection Planning and Supervision
The ICSPS Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Fall Protection Planning and Supervision is designed for professionals who hold responsibility for developing site-wide fall protection plans, authorising high-risk work, and supervising complex at-height operations. This advanced certificate focuses on the strategic and managerial aspects of fall hazard control, shifting from individual competence to organisational system safety. Participants will learn to design comprehensive Fall Protection Plans (FPPs) that integrate engineering controls, administrative procedures, and rescue plans, ensuring compliance not just with regulations but with best practice engineering principles.
The curriculum delves into advanced hazard analysis, including the design and specification of temporary horizontal lifeline systems, anchor system load calculations, and the selection of collective protection measures like perimeter guardrail systems and safety nets. A significant emphasis is placed on the supervisor’s role in pre-job briefings, auditing active work sites, and managing contractor compliance. The course also covers incident investigation specific to falls, focusing on root cause analysis of equipment failure, plan deficiencies, or human factor deviations.
This certification empowers leaders to create an environment where work at height is managed with the same rigor as any other critical safety system. Graduates will be able to critically assess work methods, specify correct equipment systems, train and mentor others, and ultimately exercise the informed judgement necessary to approve or stop work, thereby acting as the crucial link between policy and safe practice on the front line.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 24 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 96 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Development and Documentation of a Fall Protection Plan (FPP)
|
4 |
16 |
|
Advanced Anchor System Design and Engineering
|
4 |
16 |
|
Specification and Management of Collective Protection Systems
|
4 |
16 |
|
Supervisory Auditing, Compliance, and Stop-Work Authority
|
4 |
16 |
|
Rescue Plan Development and Resource Management
|
4 |
16 |
|
Incident Investigation and Analysis for Fall-Related Events
|
4 |
16 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Development and Documentation of a Fall Protection Plan (FPP)
Research site conditions and task requirements to develop a comprehensive, site-specific FPP.
Document all elements of the plan, including hazard analysis, system selection, rescue procedures, and training records.
Effectively communicate the FPP to all affected workers, supervisors, and contractors.
Unit 2: Advanced Anchor System Design and Engineering
Perform basic load calculations for anchor points under anticipated forces.
Design and specify a temporary horizontal lifeline system, considering sag, deflection, and end-anchor loads.
Interpret engineering drawings and certifications for permanent anchor systems.
Unit 3: Specification and Management of Collective Protection Systems
Select appropriate collective protection (guardrails, nets, scaffolds) based on task duration and hazard profile.
Oversee the correct installation and inspection of collective protection systems.
Manage the interface between collective and personal fall protection systems.
Unit 4: Supervisory Auditing, Compliance, and Stop-Work Authority
Conduct behavioural and compliance-based audits of active work at height.
Apply coaching and corrective action techniques to address unsafe practices.
Confidently exercise stop-work authority when an uncontrolled hazard is identified.
Unit 5: Rescue Plan Development and Resource Management
Develop detailed, task-specific rescue plans that identify methods, equipment, and personnel.
Coordinate internal and external rescue resources, including emergency services.
Organise and evaluate rescue drills to validate plan effectiveness.
Unit 6: Incident Investigation and Analysis for Fall-Related Events
Lead or participate in a fall incident investigation using a systematic, non-punitive approach.
Analyse equipment, environmental, human, and procedural factors to determine root causes.
Develop actionable recommendations to prevent recurrence and update the FPP.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Site Superintendents and Construction Managers: Individuals with overall safety responsibility for projects.
HSE Managers and Advisors: Professionals developing organizational fall protection programs.
Project Engineers and Planners: Personnel involved in the design and sequencing of work at height.
Principal Contractors and Client Representatives: Those responsible for approving contractor methodologies.
Foremen and Lead Hands: Frontline leaders directly supervising high-risk work crews.
Facility and Asset Managers: Individuals authorising maintenance work on buildings and infrastructure.
Level 1 Diploma in Technical Rope Access (Operative)
The ICSPS Diploma in Technical Rope Access (Operative) provides industry-leading training for technicians who perform work using rope access methods as their primary means of access and support. Rope access, governed by international standards such as IRATA and SPRAT, is a highly technical discipline that combines advanced rigging, rope manoeuvres, and stringent safety protocols to allow safe and efficient work in situations where traditional access is impossible or impractical. This diploma moves beyond basic fall arrest, focusing on a twin-rope system (working and backup) that enables technicians to descend, ascend, and traverse vertical and complex structures with unparalleled control and safety.
This intensive programme covers the core techniques of descent and ascent, rope-to-rope transfers, passing knots and deviations, and advanced rigging for re-anchoring. A paramount focus is placed on system redundancy, buddy checks, and the constant maintenance of a two-point attachment. The curriculum is heavily practical, with trainees spending the majority of time on ropes under the direct supervision of Level 3 instructors, simulating real-world industrial environments from steel frameworks to confined space entries. Rigorous rescue training is embedded throughout, ensuring every technician is first and foremost a rescuer, capable of performing colleague-assisted rescues from day one.
Graduates of this diploma are qualified as competent rope access technicians, capable of working within a team under the supervision of a Level 3 Supervisor. They possess the skills to execute a vast array of tasks—from inspection and cleaning to welding and demolition—while suspended, combining access methodology with trade skill. This certification is the gold standard for personnel working in sectors like offshore wind, bridge maintenance, façade engineering, and any environment where elegant, safe, and non-invasive access solutions are required.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 144 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Rope Access Equipment: Standards, Inspection, and Care
|
6 |
24 |
|
Core Techniques: Descent, Ascent, and Changeovers
|
6 |
24 |
|
Manoeuvres: Passing Knots, Deviations, and Re-belays
|
6 |
24 |
|
Rigging Principles and Advanced Anchor Systems
|
6 |
24 |
|
Rescue Techniques: Pick-offs, Lowers, and Raises
|
6 |
24 |
|
Practical Application and Simulated Industrial Scenarios
|
6 |
24 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Rope Access Equipment: Standards, Inspection, and Care
Identify all components of a twin-rope system (harness, descender, ascenders, ropes, connectors).
Perform detailed equipment inspections per manufacturer and industry scheme guidelines.
Demonstrate correct coiling, packing, and storage techniques to prevent damage.
Unit 2: Core Techniques: Descent, Ascent, and Changeovers
Execute a controlled descent using a handled descender, maintaining optimal speed and posture.
Perform an efficient ascent using a chest ascender and handled ascender (frog system or equivalent).
Safely perform a changeover from descent to ascent and vice-versa while maintaining two-point attachment.
Unit 3: Manoeuvres: Passing Knots, Deviations, and Re-belays
Pass a knot in both the ascending and descending rope while maintaining safety.
Negotiate pre-installed rope deviations to alter the working path.
Perform a re-belay manoeuvre to transfer ropes to a new anchor point.
Unit 4: Rigging Principles and Advanced Anchor Systems
Assess anchor structures and select appropriate rigging methods (wrap-around, sling, steel).
Establish main and safety anchor points with appropriate redundancy and angle considerations.
Rig simple rope-to-rope transfer stations and tensioned lines.
Unit 5: Rescue Techniques: Pick-offs, Lowers, and Raises
Perform a casualty pick-off from a fixed rope onto the rescuer’s system.
Execute a controlled lower of a conscious or unconscious casualty to a place of safety.
Perform a mechanical advantage (3:1) raise to lift a casualty a short distance.
Unit 6: Practical Application and Simulated Industrial Scenarios
Integrate rope access techniques with a trade skill (e.g., ultrasonic testing, painting) in a controlled environment.
Work effectively as part of a rope access team, performing buddy checks and clear communication.
Navigate a complex multi-pitch scenario requiring a sequence of manoeuvres to complete a task.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Aspiring Rope Access Technicians: Individuals seeking entry into the rope access industry.
Industrial Tradespersons: Welders, NDT inspectors, painters, and cleaners aiming to add rope access to their skillset.
Wind Turbine and Telecom Technicians: Personnel working on tall, difficult-to-access structures.
Construction and Maintenance Workers: Those involved in work on bridges, stadiums, and high-rise buildings.
Search and Rescue Personnel (Industrial): Individuals requiring advanced vertical access skills.
Offshore and Marine Technicians: Workers on platforms, ships, and other marine structures.
Level 2 Diploma in Confined Space & Height Integrated Rescue
The ICSPS Diploma in Confined Space & Height Integrated Rescue represents the pinnacle of technical rescue training, designed for specialists who must respond to incidents where a casualty is located in a confined space and at height—a scenario that multiplies complexity and risk. This advanced programme synthesises the disciplines of confined space entry, rope access, and technical rescue into a unified skill set. Rescuers learn to operate in toxic, oxygen-deficient, or engulfment-hazard environments while simultaneously managing the vertical challenges of access, packaging, and extrication, often in total darkness or under severe time pressure due to suspension trauma or atmospheric hazards.
The curriculum is built around a systematic rescue process: incident assessment, atmospheric management, advanced rigging for mechanical advantage systems, patient packaging in a confined opening, and complex vertical or horizontal extrication. Participants will master the use of tripods, davit arms, and custom rigging to create stable rescue systems over openings. A heavy emphasis is placed on team coordination, incident command (ICS) for small teams, and the use of supplied-air breathing apparatus (SABA) or SCBA within the context of a rope rescue operation.
This diploma produces elite rescue team leaders and operators capable of planning for and responding to the most challenging industrial rescue scenarios. It instills a mindset of calm, procedural execution under extreme stress, ensuring that rescuers can safeguard themselves while delivering a casualty to definitive medical care. This certification is essential for in-plant emergency response teams in refineries, mines, utilities, and for specialist municipal rescue units that support industrial facilities.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 144 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrated Risk Assessment for Combined Space & Height Incidents
|
6 |
24 |
|
Advanced Atmospheric Monitoring and Ventilation for Rescue
|
6 |
24 |
|
Rigging Mechanical Advantage Systems (MA) in Constrained Environments
|
6 |
24 |
|
Patient Access, Packaging, and Medical Considerations in Confined Spaces
|
6 |
24 |
|
Complex Extrication: Vertical Hauls, Low-Angle Lowers, and Horizontal Drags
|
6 |
24 |
|
Team Leadership, Incident Command, and Scenario-Based Drills
|
6 |
24 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Integrated Risk Assessment for Combined Space & Height Incidents
Conduct a dynamic risk assessment (DRA) that evaluates both atmospheric and height-related hazards simultaneously.
Develop a rescue plan that prioritises rescuer safety and addresses the unique constraints of the environment.
Implement control measures for multiple energy sources (chemical, electrical, gravitational).
Unit 2: Advanced Atmospheric Monitoring and Ventilation for Rescue
Use continuous gas monitoring to establish and maintain a safe rescue atmosphere.
Set up and manage active ventilation systems (e.g., blowers) to support rescue operations.
Work effectively while wearing supplied-air breathing apparatus (SABA/SCBA) in a confined, vertical space.
Unit 3: Rigging Mechanical Advantage Systems (MA) in Constrained Environments
Construct and operate simple (3:1) and compound (5:1, 9:1) pulley systems for hauling.
Design and rig lowering systems with programmable braking devices for controlled descent.
Utilise tripods, davits, and high-point anchors to create stable rescue systems over hatches and manholes.
Unit 4: Patient Access, Packaging, and Medical Considerations in Confined Spaces
Perform a primary assessment and stabilise a casualty in a confined space before movement.
Package a casualty into a full-body vacuum mattress or rescue stretcher within a restricted opening.
Manage spinal precautions and administer basic life support in a challenging environment.
Unit 5: Complex Extrication: Vertical Hauls, Low-Angle Lowers, and Horizontal Drags
Execute a vertical haul of a packaged patient through a narrow portal.
Perform a low-angle lower of a patient down a ladderway or sloping tunnel.
Utilise skeds, drag sheets, and rollers for horizontal patient movement in tunnels or vessels.
Unit 6: Team Leadership, Incident Command, and Scenario-Based Drills
Assume the role of Rescue Team Leader within a mini-ICS structure, managing resources and communication.
Coordinate a multi-phase rescue operation involving entry team, haul team, and medical team.
Participate in and critique full-scale, multi-hazard rescue scenarios under simulated stress.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Industrial Emergency Response Team (ERT) Members: Specialist responders in oil/gas, chemical, and power plants.
Fire Service Technical Rescue Specialists: Personnel on USAR, confined space, or high-angle rescue teams.
Mine Rescue Team Members: Responders dealing with underground vertical incidents.
Rope Access Supervisors (Level 3): Individuals needing integrated rescue capabilities for complex worksites.
HSE Advisors with Rescue Responsibility: Professionals designing and leading emergency response programmes.
Specialist Rescue Contractors: Individuals providing rescue standby for high-risk entry projects.
Level 2 Diploma in Work at Height Equipment Inspection & Management
The integrity of work at height equipment is the literal lifeline for personnel operating in elevated environments. The ICSPS Diploma in Work at Height Equipment Inspection & Management trains professionals to become competent persons authorised for the formal inspection, certification, and lifecycle management of fall protection and rope access equipment. This technical diploma focuses on the forensic examination of equipment to identify wear, damage, and latent defects that may not be apparent during pre-use checks. Participants will learn to determine equipment serviceability based on manufacturer criteria, industry standards, and an understanding of material science and degradation mechanisms.
The curriculum covers a wide range of equipment: textile-based (harnesses, lanyards, ropes), metal-based (carabiners, descenders, anchors), and systems (horizontal lifelines, winches). Trainees will use inspection tools, understand load testing principles, and master detailed documentation procedures for inspection logs and certification tags. A key component is understanding the legal and liability framework that governs the competent person’s role, making clear the distinction between a user’s pre-use check and a formal, recorded inspection. The management strand of the diploma covers equipment tracking, retirement criteria, and the development of a company-wide inspection registry.
Graduates of this programme become the crucial quality assurance gatekeepers for at-height safety. They provide organisations with the confidence that their equipment portfolios are compliant, traceable, and fit for purpose, thereby mitigating one of the most significant technical risks in fall protection. This certification is vital for maintaining the highest standard of equipment integrity and forms the backbone of a professional asset management system.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 30 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 120 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Standards, Regulations, and the Role of the Competent Person
|
5 |
20 |
|
Inspection Methodologies for Textile-Based Equipment
|
5 |
20 |
|
Inspection Methodologies for Metal Hardware and Mechanical Devices
|
5 |
20 |
|
Load Testing Principles and Equipment Retirement Criteria
|
5 |
20 |
|
Documentation, Certification, and Inventory Management Systems
|
5 |
20 |
|
Audit of Inspection Programmes and Supplier/Contractor Assurance
|
5 |
20 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Standards, Regulations, and the Role of the Competent Person
Define the legal term “competent person” and its associated liabilities and authorities.
Reference the key standards (ANSI Z359, EN 365, CSA Z259) governing inspection intervals and criteria.
Explain the difference between pre-use inspection, detailed inspection, and interim inspection.
Unit 2: Inspection Methodologies for Textile-Based Equipment
Perform a step-by-step detailed inspection on harnesses, lanyards, and ropes under good lighting with tools.
Identify and classify defects in webbing and rope (cuts, abrasion, chemical degradation, UV damage, heat fusion).
Assess stitching integrity and recognise inappropriate repairs.
Unit 3: Inspection Methodologies for Metal Hardware and Mechanical Devices
Inspect metal components (carabiners, snap hooks, descenders) for cracks, corrosion, deformation, and wear.
Check for proper function of gates, locking sleeves, and moving parts on mechanical devices.
Use inspection gauges to measure wear on critical load-bearing surfaces.
Unit 4: Load Testing Principles and Equipment Retirement Criteria
Understand the principles of proof load testing and when it is required.
Apply manufacturer-specified retirement criteria (e.g., time in service, number of falls).
Make definitive pass/fail decisions on equipment and clearly tag items accordingly.
Unit 5: Documentation, Certification, and Inventory Management Systems
Complete a formal inspection record for each item, detailing its condition and next inspection date.
Issue inspection certificates and manage a system of colour-coded or unique identification tags.
Maintain a digital or physical equipment register that tracks inspection history and location.
Unit 6: Audit of Inspection Programmes and Supplier/Contractor Assurance
Audit an organisation’s equipment inspection programme for gaps and compliance.
Verify the inspection credentials and procedures of contractors bringing equipment on site.
Provide professional advice on equipment selection, maintenance, and portfolio management.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
Lifting Equipment Inspectors: Professionals expanding their competency to include fall protection gear.
Rope Access Equipment Logicians (Riggers): Individuals responsible for gear in rope access companies.
HSE Managers and Advisors: Personnel overseeing corporate asset management systems.
Facility and Maintenance Managers: Those responsible for equipment used by in-house teams.
Rental Company Technicians: Staff inspecting and certifying equipment for hire.
Quality Assurance Auditors: Professionals auditing safety-critical equipment processes.
Level 3 Diploma in Strategic Management of Work at Height Risk
The ICSPS Diploma in Strategic Management of Work at Height Risk is an executive-level qualification designed for senior leaders, project directors, and HSE executives who are accountable for an organisation’s strategic direction and performance in managing fall hazards. This diploma operates at the intersection of safety, business, and human factors, focusing on creating organisational systems and cultures that sustainably prevent falls. It moves beyond technical controls to address governance, safety culture, human performance, and the integration of safety into business planning and capital projects.
Participants will explore how to establish meaningful leading and lagging key performance indicators (KPIs), analyse incident data for systemic trends, and allocate resources effectively to mitigate the greatest risks. The curriculum covers the development of corporate standards, the management of contractor pre-qualification and performance, and the implementation of enterprise-wide technology solutions for monitoring at-height work. A significant focus is on influencing board-level decisions, building a compelling business case for safety investments, and fostering a generative safety culture where preventing falls is a core value shared by all.
This diploma empowers leaders to transform work at height safety from a compliance activity into a strategic advantage. Graduates will be able to design and lead organisation-wide initiatives that not only reduce fatalities and injuries but also improve productivity, reduce liability, and enhance corporate reputation, ensuring that safety leadership is visibly demonstrated at the highest levels of the organisation.
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 30 |
| Total Units | 6 |
| GLH (Guided Learning Hours) | 120 |
| Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
|---|---|---|
|
Corporate Governance and Strategic Risk Leadership
|
5 |
20 |
|
Developing and Implementing Enterprise-Wide Fall Protection Standards
|
5 |
20 |
|
Innovation, Technology, and the Future of Work at Height Safety
|
5 |
20 |
|
Safety Culture Analytics and Behavioural Influence Strategies
|
5 |
20 |
|
Data-Driven Performance Management and Predictive Analytics
|
5 |
20 |
|
Contractor Management and Supply Chain Safety Integration
|
5 |
20 |
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Unit 1: Corporate Governance and Strategic Risk Leadership
Define and implement a corporate governance framework for work at height with clear board-level accountability.
Develop a strategic risk register that prioritizes fall hazards based on potential business impact.
Communicate safety strategy effectively to stakeholders, investors, and the workforce.
Unit 2: Developing and Implementing Enterprise-Wide Fall Protection Standards
Author comprehensive corporate technical standards that exceed regulatory minima.
Design and roll out global implementation plans for new standards or procedures.
Establish assurance processes to verify consistent standard application across all operating units.
Unit 3: Safety Culture Analytics and Behavioural Influence Strategies
Utilise culture assessment tools (surveys, focus groups) to diagnose organisational strengths and weaknesses.
Design and sponsor leadership programmes and interventions to drive cultural maturity.
Implement recognition and accountability systems that reinforce desired safety behaviours.
Unit 4: Data-Driven Performance Management and Predictive Analytics
Define a balanced suite of leading and lagging KPIs for work at height performance.
Analyse incident and near-miss data to identify precursor events and systemic causes.
Use data trends to predict risk and proactively allocate intervention resources.
Unit 5: Contractor Management and Supply Chain Safety Integration
Develop robust contractor pre-qualification criteria focusing on fall protection competence.
Integrate contractor safety performance into tender evaluation and contract management.
Lead collaborative partnerships with key contractors to drive mutual safety improvement.
Unit 6: Innovation, Technology, and the Future of Work at Height Safety
Evaluate emerging technologies (drones, wearable sensors, AI monitoring) for risk reduction.
Champion the adoption of inherently safer design (ISD) principles in new projects and modifications.
Foster an organisational mindset of continuous innovation in safety methods and equipment.
This qualification is ideally suited for:
HSE Directors and Vice Presidents: Executives with organisational safety leadership responsibility.
Project Directors and Senior Project Managers: Leaders of major capital projects with significant height risks.
Operations Directors: Individuals accountable for the safety of large, distributed workforces.
Corporate Risk Managers: Professionals integrating safety risk into enterprise risk management.
Consultancy Partners and Senior Advisors: Individuals guiding client organisations on safety strategy.
Board Members and Non-Executive Directors: Leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of safety governance.
Certification & Verification
Each module in this certification is assessed internally by an accredited training provider and subsequently verified externally by ICSPS. The program employs a criterion-referenced assessment model, guaranteeing that participants achieve all defined learning objectives.
To earn a passing grade for a module, candidates must submit evidence that is valid, comprehensive, and genuine, demonstrating full mastery of the required outcomes and adherence to the established assessment standards. An assigned Assessor evaluates this evidence to confirm the learner meets the necessary proficiency levels.
Assessors are required to keep a detailed and transparent record of the evaluation process, clearly documenting the rationale behind their decisions. This ensures accountability, consistency, and strict adherence to all quality assurance protocols.
