Purpose
To provide trainees with the knowledge and practical skills required to use safety harness systems and temporary proprietary height safety systems when working at height, in accordance with New Zealand legislative and best-practice requirements.
Overview
Working at height carries significant risk, whether you are on a construction site, carrying out maintenance, inspecting plant, or working from scaffolds and platforms. Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace injury—so understanding how to correctly use a safety harness system is essential.
This training provides a solid foundation for anyone who is new to working at height or who needs to refresh their understanding of safe work practices. You will learn how to identify height-related hazards, select and use appropriate fall-arrest systems, and follow WorkSafe-aligned best-practice procedures.
Working at height includes (but is not limited to):
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Any work where a person could fall three meters or more
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Building and plant maintenance
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Plant inspections
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Scaffolding and temporary platforms
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Some demolition tasks
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Short-duration tasks carried out at elevated positions
Aim
This NZQA-recognised training provides the knowledge and practical capability required to correctly use a safety harness system and temporary proprietary height safety systems. By the end of the course, trainees will be able to work safely at height under supervision and in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2016 and relevant industry standards.
A safety harness system must only be used by people who have been trained and assessed as competent.
Who should attend this course?
This foundation is ideal for:
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Anyone who currently works at height
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Those preparing to enter industries requiring work at height
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Employers wanting to ensure staff meet WorkSafe expectations
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Contractors and maintenance personnel
It is designed to build confidence while ensuring that participants understand the systems that keep them safe.
Topics covered
NZQA Unit Standard 23229 – Use a safety harness system when working at height (Level 3, 4 credits)
Covers:
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Components of safety harness systems
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Inspection, care, and fitting of equipment
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Anchor points, connection methods, and fall-arrest principles
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Safe use of harness systems in a workplace environment
NZQA Unit Standard 15757 – Use, install and disestablish temporary proprietary height safety systems when working at height (Level 3, 4 credits)
Covers:
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Types of temporary proprietary height safety systems
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Requirements for installation, adjustment, and dismantling
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Inspection and compliance with manufacturer specifications
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Ensuring systems meet WorkSafe and legislative requirements
Legislative and Best-Practice Requirements
Participants will learn to:
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Explain the Health and Safety at Work Act 2016 requirements relating to working at height, fall-arrest systems, and duty of care
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Explain how standards and codes of practice apply to height safety equipment and systems
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Identify height-related hazards and assess required controls for compliance
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Apply WorkSafe NZ’s good-practice guidelines for working at height
Additional Unit Standards
Options available upon request:
NZQA Unit Standard 17600 – Explain safe work practices for working at height [Level 3, Credits 3]
NZQA Unit Standard 25045 – Explain safe work practices for working at height [Level 3, Credits 4]
Available Grade
On successful completion of the course and assessment, learners will be awarded:
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NZQA Unit Standard 23229 (Level 3, 4 credits)
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NZQA Unit Standard 15757 (Level 3, 4 credits)
This means you will have met the recognised competencies for using safety harness systems and temporary proprietary height safety systems in New Zealand workplaces.
Questions like these will be addressed, alongside practical WorkSafe best practice guidelines
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Do you need training to work at height?
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How Long Does working at height training last?
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What does working at heights training cover?
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What are the safety guidelines for working from heights?
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What are the control methods for preventing falls?
Demonstrate knowledge of hazards and associated height safety equipment, demonstrate knowledge of safety harnesses and associated equipment, use safety harness system where a fall hazard exists at height, demonstrate knowledge of the rescue plan to be used in the event of a fall and use safety harness for personal fall prevention.