Leading Edge Protection training:

The Leading Edge Protection training course is designed to provide delegates with the knowledge and practical understanding required to work safely near unprotected edges where there is a significant risk of falling from height. This specialist course is suitable for anyone who works in environments where leading-edge hazards exist, including construction sites, steel frame buildings, roofing projects, infrastructure works, industrial maintenance, and other high-risk workplaces.

Working near a leading edge presents one of the highest risks within the construction and maintenance industries. Falls from height continue to be the leading cause of fatal workplace accidents in the UK, with many serious injuries occurring each year as a result of inadequate planning, poor risk assessment, incorrect use of fall protection equipment, or unsafe working practices. Through effective training, proper planning, and the use of suitable collective and personal fall protection systems, these risks can be significantly reduced.

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers have a legal duty to ensure that all work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out by competent individuals. Before any work begins, employers must carry out suitable risk assessments, eliminate risks where possible, and implement appropriate control measures to protect employees and others who may be affected by the work.

This comprehensive Leading Edge Protection training course provides delegates with a thorough understanding of leading-edge hazards, fall prevention strategies, and the safe use of collective and personal fall protection systems. Learners will understand the importance of planning work activities correctly, selecting suitable equipment, inspecting safety systems, and following safe systems of work at all times.

Throughout the Leading Edge Protection training course, delegates will gain an understanding of the hierarchy of control for working at height, with particular emphasis on avoiding work at height wherever possible, preventing falls through collective protection systems, and minimising the consequences of a fall through suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall arrest systems when necessary.

The Leading Edge Protection training course also explains the differences between collective protection measures, such as edge protection barriers and guardrails, and personal fall protection equipment, including safety harnesses, lanyards, inertia reels, and anchor systems. Delegates will learn when each type of protection should be used and understand the importance of ensuring all equipment has been inspected, maintained, and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

Risk assessment forms an essential part of the training. Delegates will learn how to identify leading-edge hazards before work begins, assess environmental conditions, recognise unsafe situations, and implement suitable control measures. The course also covers emergency procedures, rescue planning, and the importance of having an effective rescue plan in place before anyone begins working at height.

Safe behaviour and communication are reinforced throughout the course, helping delegates understand their responsibilities for maintaining safe working practices, reporting hazards, and preventing accidents. By developing greater awareness of leading-edge risks, employees become better equipped to protect themselves, their colleagues, contractors, and members of the public.

Successful completion of the Leading Edge Protection training course provides delegates with the knowledge required to contribute to a safer workplace while helping employers demonstrate compliance with UK health and safety legislation and current industry best practice.

Course Content

• Understanding the Work at Height Regulations 2005
• Employer and employee legal responsibilities
• Identifying leading-edge hazards
• Working safely near unprotected edges
• Conducting working at height risk assessments
• The hierarchy of fall prevention
• Collective edge protection systems
• Personal fall protection equipment (PFPE)
• Safety harnesses and lanyards
• Anchor points and fall arrest systems
• Equipment inspection before use
• Safe systems of work
• Rescue planning and emergency procedures
• Accident prevention and hazard reporting

Anybody working at height must comply with the Working at Height Regulations 2005. These regulations stipulate that we must avoid working at height where possible. Employers must do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent anyone from falling.

Get trained

Falls from height are the leading cause of workplace deaths and one of the top sources of non-fatal injuries. Because of this, it’s a legal duty to risk assess all work at height and establish control measures that minimise the risk to a reasonably practicable level. Adequate training must also be provided for workers.

Entry requirements: Delegates must have good understanding of English.

What’s covered?

In this Leading Edge Protection training course you will learn about a range of subjects including:

• An introduction to the risks of working at height.
• The Work at Height Regulations 2005 – employer and employee responsibilities.
• Understanding risk assessments and identifying hazards.
• Who is at risk of harm?
• How to evaluate, record and review risks.
• Minimising risks.
• How to reduce the consequences of a fall.
• Personal protective equipment, using the correct work equipment.
• Working with fragile surfaces.
• Inspection of work equipment.
• Emergency procedures & Rescue plans.

Is this the right course for me?

This Leading Edge Protection training course is for anyone working at height using leading edge protection to ensure they can work safely – above or below ground.

By the end of this Leading Edge Protection training course you will:

• Understand the key elements of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
• Identify various tasks that are undertaken at height, along with their associated risks.
• Explain what happens to cause a person or object to fall from height.
• Define the control measures that should be put in place to limit risk.
• Understand how to use leading edge protection equipment properly.
• Demonstrate safe methods of access to reduce the risk of falls.

Who Should Attend?

This Leading Edge Protection training course is suitable for:

• Construction workers
• Roofing contractors
• Steel erectors
• Cladding installers
• Maintenance engineers
• Industrial contractors
• Facilities management teams
• Site supervisors
• Site managers
• Anyone working near unprotected edges or exposed fall hazards

Course details

• Aimed at: Anyone working at height using leading edge protection should undertake this training to ensure they can work safely – at or below ground level.
• Duration: 0.5 day
• Maximum class size: 12
• Qualification length: 5 years
• On-site training available: Yes

Assessment details

The qualification is assessed through a theory assessment paper which the learner must successfully pass. Once completed the delegate will be awarded the Davis Access Leading Edge Protection training certificate.