Petzl PPE Competent Person Course

Overview

The PPE Competent Person course credential is considered an industry standard for those that manage fleets of work-at-height equipment or oversee vertical workers. The three-day program was designed to provide supervisors with the skills to:

  • Assess risk in relation to high angle work equipment.
  • Determine hazards associated with use of PPE.
  • Identify rules, best practices and legislation concerning PPE.
  • Understand rules and regulations concerning employer PPE responsibilities.
  • Obtain the skills and tools to effectively examine equipment.
  • Understand technical notices, recalls and repairs.
  • Understand what being a "competent person" means legally.
  • Examine and record equipment use and condition.
  • Provide inspection reporting.
  • Understand the Petzl Technical Institute PPE examination protocol.
  • Make corrective actions to keep a piece of equipment in the fleet.
  • Identify damage that requires equipment retirement.

 

NOTE: This is not a Petzl program. AAI instructors have been trained  by Petzl to provide a Petzl compliant training for PPE Competent Persons.

Petzl PPE Competent Person Course

Vertical Work Environment

The environment in which those who operate at height is an environment unlike any other. And the safety equipment that you use when you're in a vertical enviornment is often worked to its very limits. This is especially true for tower climbers, riggers, guides, outdoor educators, SAR professionals and rock climbing gym workers. People in these professions often work themselves, and their gear, to the bone.

Over the last several years there has been a push to professionalize many parts of the work-at-height industry that has not previously seen government oversight. Some who work at height (e.g. technical fire rescue workers) have long been regulated by both the state and the federal government. However, others (climbing guides, SAR volunteers, etc.) have seen a lot less regulation. But that is changing. And the change is starting with the equipment that is used in every aspect of work-at-height.

Incidents in every sector of the work-at-height world have forced everyone to look carefully at their equipment. This movement has created a subcategory of work-at-height supervisors, those that oversee the equipment used in these industries. PPE Competent Persons have stepped in to manage the history, use and oversight of work-at-height equipment.

As of this writing, PPE Competent People are not required in every wor-at-height or rope related industry, but it won't be long until they are required. If you work in one of these industries, a PPE Competent Person credential will help you, your business or your ogranization, get out in front of potential future legislation...

 

NOTE: This is not a Petzl program. AAI instructors have been trained  by Petzl to provide a Petzl compliant training for PPE Competent Persons.

Petzl PPE Competent Person Course

Dates and Details

The Petzl PPE Competent Person course is a three-day program run at the American Alpine Institute headquarters and Mountain Center in Bellingham, Washington. The program runs from approximately 8am to 5pm each day, with an hour lunch break.

Dates:

  • December 7 - December 9, 2024
  • March 3 - March 5, 2025

Lodging:

There are several hotels within walking distance of the American Alpine Institute. However, AAI usually has a partner hotel that provides discounted rates to AAI students. See your program packet for details.

For those that would prefer to camp, there are two scenic state parks within thirty minutes of AAI, Larrabee and Bayview. Reservations can be made online for either park.

Inclusions:

  • Instructor
  • Program Materials
  • Classroom
  • Practice Equipment for Inspection
  • Certificate of Completion

Exclusions:

  • Travel and Lodging
  • Program Food (AAI has a selection of snacks and drinks on site and several restaurants nearby)

Private Programming:

The American Alpine Institute can provide this program to an organization at their headquarters. Please inquire for details.

NOTE: This program uses the Petzl curriculum. It is not a program run directly by Petzl. AAI Instructors have been trained by Petzl to provide this training.

Petzl PPE Competent Person Course

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