PPE Inspection Competent Person
What Is the PPE Inspection Competent Person Course?
The PPE inspection competent person course equips personnel with the essential knowledge and practical skills to carry out formal thorough examinations of personal fall protection equipment in the workplace. Under the Working at Heights Regulations 2005 and LOLER 1998, all personal protective equipment must be regularly inspected and thoroughly examined by a competent person. This course gives delegates the formal assessment and certification needed to fulfil that role within their own organisation.
0.5 Days
£117 ex VAT
In Person
Salford
Course Information
The ‘Working at Height regulations 2005’ (WAH) and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) state that all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to be thoroughly examined and inspected at a regular and set interval by a ‘competent person’. A competent person is defined as “someone who has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities that allow them to assist you properly”.
On completion of this course which will include practical and written exams, those who pass will be deemed competent to inspect PPE within their own company.
What the Course Covers
The PPE inspection competent person course provides comprehensive coverage of everything needed to conduct thorough examinations of personal fall protection equipment. Delivered through formal presentations, practical sessions, and written and practical assessments, the course covers the following areas:
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Current date legislation and height regulations including the Working at Heights Regulations 2005
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Equipment standards, conformity markings, and manufacturer equipment inspection requirements
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Detailed inspection of equipment including harnesses, fall arrest lanyards, helmets, and anchorage systems examined under various conditions
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Appropriate selection and appropriate examination regimes for different equipment types
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Discard criteria and equipment disposal procedures including destructive testing demonstrations
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Storage, quarantine processes, and record keeping requirements
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Written examination reports selection and compliance management systems
This course is suitable for anyone responsible for the inspection, maintenance, or management of height PPE in the workplace. It is particularly relevant for safety supervisors, rope access supervisors, and any PPE industry competent person who needs to inspect PPE across their team or site. There are no formal entry requirements, though some practical experience working with height equipment is beneficial for those with less experience in the field.
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Legislation
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Equipment markings
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Inspection of various equiptments such as harnesses, fall arrest lanyards and helmets
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Discard criteria
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Quarantine process
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Storage of equipment
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Recording of inspections
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There are no prerequisites for this course.
Registration and Welcome: The day typically begins with registration, where participants confirm their attendance and receive any necessary training materials or equipment.
Safety Briefing: A safety briefing is conducted to highlight the importance of adhering to safety protocols throughout the training session and in our centre.
Catering: Lunch is provided for any course 1 day and over.Participants or individuals booking the course are responsible for ensuring that they meet all the necessary prerequisites and provide the required evidence, such as valid certificates for revalidation courses, on the first day of the course.
Failure to fulfill any of these prerequisites may lead to the participant being requested to leave the course. Please note that no refunds will be issued in such cases.
Course Assessment
The course assessment combines a written test and a practical assessment. Successful candidates accompanied by a formal debrief will receive their certification on the day. An external moderator oversees the course assessment process to ensure standards are maintained. Successful completion of both written and practical assessments is required to qualify as an inspection competent person.
Following the course, successful candidates receive a certificate valid for three years, confirming they are a PPE inspection competent person authorised to conduct formal thorough examinations within their organisation. The certificate includes an id card record for easy identification on site.
Why PPE Inspection Competence Matters
Failure to maintain appropriate examination regimes for fall protection equipment puts personnel at serious risk. Worn, damaged, or incorrectly stored personal protective equipment can fail without warning at height. Having a qualified PPE inspection competent person on site ensures that equipment is examined to the correct standard, discard criteria are applied consistently, and compliance management systems are kept up to date. This is not just a legal requirement, it is a critical part of keeping people safe.