Fall Arrest Protection
Instructor Guide for
Hands-on User Certification
Instructor Guide
Use this guide for the Hands-on training and observation.
You may adapt as needed for your Site, Equipment and Procedures.
Check “Yes” when the participant demonstrates each of the competencies, or “NA” when not applicable.
1. Identify the parts of the fall arrest equipment YES NO NA
Full Body Harness: D-rings, straps, buckles/adjustments, etc.
Connecting Device: Shock Absorbing Lanyard, Self-Retracting-Lifeline,
Rope Grab, etc.
Anchorage Connector: Self-locking Snap Hooks and Carabineers, Tie-
Off Adapter (Beam Strap), Roof Anchor, etc.
Anchorage: Beam , Support Structure, Engineered Anchorage Points, etc.
2. Discuss how to inspect the system before use YES NO NA
Is Certification of the equipment provided?
(Certain regions / countries require specific pre-use equipment certification
/ documentation.)
General Inspection Review
Hardware – Free from missing parts, damage, distortion, sharp edges,
burrs, cracks, corrosion, and faulty locking operation.
Webbing – Free from cuts, burns, tears, abrasion, frays, excessive soiling,
and discoloration.
Stitching – Free from pulling or cut stitches.
Labels and markings - Labels, markings are legible and labels securely
in place.
Synthetic Rope - Free from pulled or cut yarns, burns, abrasion, knots,
excessive soiling and discoloration.
Wire Rope – Free from broken wires, corrosion, kinks, and separation of
strands.
Energy Absorbing Component – Does not show elongation, ruptured
stitching, tears, and excessive soiling.
Locking Action - Proper lock-up of brake mechanism for life-line.
Retraction / Extension – Lifeline spring tension. Test by pulling lifeline out
fully and allowing to retract fully (lifeline must be taut, no slack).
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General Maintenance and Storage (as applicable to User)
Maintain and store the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Store equipment away from heat, light, dampness, oil, chemicals, or other
damaging conditions.
Hang each harness by the back D-ring to help keep the shape when not in use.
Check the shelf-life limit of the fall protection equipment
3. Demonstrate how to Use the Equipment – YES NO NA
a. How to don a harness and adjust the fit properly
General (adapt to equipment as needed)
1. Hold harness by back D-ring. Shake harness to allow all straps to fall in
place. Avoid twisted straps.
2. If chest, leg and/or waist straps are buckled, release straps and unbuckle at
this time.
3. Slip straps over shoulders so D-ring is located in middle of back between
shoulder blades.
4. Pull leg strap between legs and connect to opposite end. Repeat with second
leg strap. If provided, connect the waist strap after leg straps. Waist strap
should be tight, but not binding.
5. Connect chest strap and position in mid-chest area. Tighten to keep shoulder
straps taut.
6. Tighten all buckles so that harness fits snugly but allows full range of
movement. Pass excess strap through loop keepers.
7. Discuss self-rescue feature of equipment if applicable.
Observe - User is able to don the Equipment properly
3. Demonstrate how to Use the Equipment - YES NO NA
b. Use of lanyards, connecting devices and anchors
Demonstrate how to connect the harness to the other fall-protection system
parts.
Remind User that the entire system must be selected / designed by a qualified
person and meet AP requirements.
Remind User that components produced by different manufacturers are not
interchangeable.
Remind User of limitations of the systems and the risks of using the equipment
incorrectly or using the wrong equipment.
Observe – User is able to use the other Equipment properly (Observe use if
possible, depending on situation)
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Fall Arrest Protection (User Certification)
Attendance / Certification Document
Date ________________________________________
Instructor Name ________________________________________
Instructor Signature ________________________________________
Location ________________________________________
Name Employee Number Signature (hand-written)
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