Qualification Structure

The Qualsafe Level 2 Award in Working at Height (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 3 hours and 3 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the Qualsafe Level 2 Award in Working at Height (RQF) is conducted on a Pass/Fail basis and is assignment-based. Learners are required to demonstrate their understanding of the principles and safe practices associated with working at height through the completion of the required assessment activities. Assessment is designed to evaluate learners’ knowledge and understanding against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the qualification.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete one mandatory unit.

Core Study Units

Unit: Principles of Working at Height

1. Understand legislation, regulations, roles and responsibilities when working at height
   • Understand the legislation and regulations relevant to working at height.
   • Identify key features of regulations governing work at height.
   • Understand the potential consequences of failing to comply with health and safety requirements.
   • Understand the responsibilities of employers and employees when working at height, including the role of a competent person.
2. Understand safe working practices when working at height
   • Understand essential safety considerations for maintaining a safe working environment.
   • Identify the hierarchy of control measures used to manage working-at-height risks.
   • Understand how risks associated with weather, the working environment, other workers, falling objects and fragile surfaces can be reduced.
   • Understand the importance of risk assessment when planning and carrying out work at height.
   • Understand the requirements of rescue plans following an incident, including fall arrest, fall restraint and suspension-trauma considerations.
3. Understand the types of equipment and testing requirements associated with working at height
   • Understand how to select appropriate equipment for different working-at-height activities.
   • Identify essential safety precautions when using equipment such as ladders and scaffolding.
   • Understand relevant equipment standards, inspection and testing requirements.
   • Understand the procedures for identifying, reporting and managing faulty or defective working-at-height equipment.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualsafe Level 2 Award in Working at Height (RQF) is suitable for individuals who need to understand the principles, risks and safe working practices associated with working at height. It is particularly relevant to:

• Employees Working at Height: Suitable for employees who regularly or occasionally carry out activities where there is a risk of falling from height.
• Individuals New to Working at Height: Ideal for learners entering roles where they need foundational knowledge of working-at-height safety, legislation and risk control.
• Construction and Maintenance Workers: Relevant to personnel involved in construction, building maintenance, installation, repair and other activities that may require access to elevated work areas.
• Supervisors and Team Leaders: Useful for supervisors and team leaders who need to understand working-at-height risks and the control measures used to maintain workplace safety.
• Health and Safety Personnel: Appropriate for individuals who require knowledge of working-at-height legislation, risk assessment, responsibilities and safety procedures as part of their occupational health and safety role.
• Employees Using Ladders or Access Equipment: Suitable for people who may use ladders, step ladders or other equipment when carrying out work at height.
• Employers Developing Workforce Competence: Organisations can use the qualification to develop employees' understanding of working-at-height hazards and appropriate preventive measures.
• Individuals Seeking Professional Development: A suitable option for learners who want to strengthen their occupational health and safety knowledge with an Ofqual-regulated Level 2 RQF qualification.
• Learners Progressing in Health and Safety: The qualification can provide a focused foundation for individuals intending to undertake further health and safety education or training.
• Anyone Requiring Foundational Working-at-Height Knowledge: Suitable for individuals who need to understand working at height regulations, risk assessment, hierarchy of control, rescue planning, equipment and safe working practices.

Career Opportunities

The Qualsafe Level 2 Award in Working at Height (RQF) develops essential knowledge of safe working at height, including legislation, responsibilities, risk assessment, control measures, rescue planning, and equipment use. It is suitable for individuals working or intending to work in sectors such as construction, maintenance, engineering, facilities management, utilities, and warehousing. As an Ofqual-regulated RQF qualification, it provides a recognised foundation for working-at-height safety and further health and safety development.

Future Progression

The Qualsafe Level 2 Award in Working at Height (RQF) provides learners with a recognised foundation in the principles of safe working at height and supports development in occupational health and safety-related roles. The qualification is relevant across industries where employees may be exposed to working-at-height risks, including construction, building maintenance, engineering, manufacturing, facilities management, logistics, utilities, agriculture, forestry, and installation services. It helps learners develop knowledge of working-at-height legislation, risk assessment, control measures, safe working practices, rescue planning, and equipment requirements.

Academically, learners may progress to further Level 2 or higher-level qualifications in occupational health and safety, workplace safety, risk management, construction health and safety, or related disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving qualification or institution. The award can also contribute to continuing professional development (CPD) by strengthening learners' understanding of specific workplace safety responsibilities and working-at-height risk management.

Professionally, this qualification can support progression or development in roles such as Construction Site Operative, Maintenance Worker, Facilities Management Operative, Warehouse Operative, Engineering Support Worker, Installation Technician, Roofing Worker, Utilities Operative, and Health and Safety Support Worker. The knowledge gained can help learners recognise working-at-height hazards, understand appropriate control measures, and contribute to safer workplace practices. However, additional practical training, occupational competence, experience, or specialist qualifications may be required for specific roles and working-at-height activities.