PFPE Competent Person
About this course
Our PFPE Competent Person course is designed for those responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and recordkeeping of personal fall protection equipment. Whether you’re a site supervisor, rope access operative, store personnel, or someone with safety responsibilities in your organisation, this training equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out thorough examinations in compliance with LOLER, EN 365, and the Working at Height Regulations.
The course combines essential theory with hands-on practical sessions. Delegates will gain a deep understanding of current legislation, inspection procedures, equipment marking, and the criteria for assessing both textile and metal components. You’ll also learn how to identify damage or wear and manage storage and maintenance processes effectively.
By the end of the course, candidates will be certified as a competent person, qualified to perform detailed inspections of Category III PPE, including technical and rope access equipment. Training also includes guidance on documentation and traceability – ensuring your inspection records meet regulatory standards and support the continued safety of your workforce. Personnel who attend this course will need to develop procedures for recording equipment inspections. Candidates will undertake a short written test at the end of the course.
Understand Relevant Legislation and Standards
Demonstrate knowledge of key regulations such as the Work at Height Regulations, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), and EN/CE/UKCA marking standards.
Conduct Thorough Inspections
Perform detailed examinations of various PFPE components—including full body harnesses, lanyards, retractable fall arresters, and anchorage slings—to identify signs of wear, degradation, or damage.
Assess Equipment Fitness for Use
Evaluate whether PFPE is fit for purpose and determine when equipment should be removed from service, including implementing quarantine procedures and preventing further damage.
Maintain Comprehensive Documentation
Complete detailed inspection reports and maintain accurate records to ensure traceability and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Apply Best Practices in PFPE Management
Understand the manufacturing, design, and development processes of PFPE, and apply best practices in storage, maintenance, and handling to prolong equipment life and ensure safety.
Understand the Hierarchy of Fall Protection
Identify and apply the hierarchy of fall protection controls – elimination, prevention, arrest, and administrative measures – to mitigate fall hazards effectively
Theory and Practical
Candidates must be 18 years of age.
Course payments
If booking online please follow instructions, payment can be made using debit or credit card. Should you wish to pay by invoice please contact a member of our team and we will be able to process your booking for you. We require either payment or a purchase order at the time of reservation. We will issue a formal invoice and once payment has been successfully processed, we will issue your joining instructions.
Course materials, a complimentary light lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
After booking
Our courses vary so timings will be confirmed in your joining instructions. All candidates are required to arrive 15 minutes prior to the course start to register and provide their photographic identification.
Directions
From M5 junction 30 take the A376, at the first roundabout take the second exit on to the A3052. Continue for approximately 1 mile and Westpoint enterance is on the left hand side (also signed as Devon Drivers Centre).
When entering through the main gates take the first turning on the right signed Red One Ltd Headquarters. Red One is the first red brick building on the right. Please park in the spaces on the right prior to the building.
Book a course
What our clients thought of their experience
The course was extremely well-structured, with a great balance of theory and hands-on practical sessions. We covered essential topics like personal flotation devices (PFDs), safe working practices in water, self-rescue techniques, and co-worker rescue – all demonstrated clearly and safely.
Instructors Jason and Sam were outstanding. They were knowledgeable, patient, and engaging, making complex concepts easy to understand. They took the time to ensure everyone in the group (including checking kit fit and adjustments) felt comfortable and competent, especially during the practical elements in the outdoor setting. Their real-world experience shone through, and they created a supportive, professional atmosphere that encouraged questions and learning.
The facilities and equipment were top-notch – high-quality NRS and R3 SAR gear, well-maintained and properly fitted. The training felt realistic and thorough without being overly intense, which made it valuable for industrial workers like us.
Thanks to Red One, Lynwood Civil Engineering, and especially Jason and Sam, I now feel much better prepared and safer in water-related work scenarios. I’d highly recommend this course to anyone in construction, civil engineering, or any role requiring work near or in water.
Thank you for a fantastic, professional training experience!
good presentation and clear and concise
Would highly recommend
John nancollis of LORNE stewart facilities
Medium risk confined space course.
Spaces medium risk course - I would recommend
Confined space course delivered well.
Practical test was excellent and excellent facilities.
Instructors were spot on
Nick was a really good teacher and kept the coarse cheerful and interesting, Fran assisted Nick with the training and was equally as helpful, they made it as realistic as possible and both very kind people. Look forward to the refresher coarse
Great instructers
Trainers were brilliant.
Venue was brilliant.
Looking forward for the next course.
Very educational and an eye opener to the hazards working near water.
The practical training was conducted in a new, well-equipped facility with multiple scenarios for entry, extraction, and event simulations. All equipment was in excellent condition—clean, well-maintained, and properly calibrated.
The site itself is well-kept, with clean and well-maintained facilities. The toilets were spotless, and the cleaning staff were polite and friendly. Parking is easily accessible, with plenty of space available.
Overall, Red One provides an outstanding training environment, balancing theory with practical application. Highly recommended for anyone looking for professional, high-quality training.
Thank you to the whole team for the afternoon I spent with you
My compliments for everything and other staff as well.
Very reassuring the way of speaking and I would like to say thank you for everything.
THANK YOU AGAIN!!!
If you do nothing to worry about nice people
Bad habits! I honestly couldn’t recommend them enough, I think the hour lesson before helps settle any nerves and prepares you for the test itself. Thank you Red One,
Special thanks to the lady in reception for rearranging and getting my test done that day and to Martin for putting me at ease & making the whole thing less scary!!