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SAQA 229998 Working at Heights Training – Accredited Fall Arrest Course in Cape Town

Stay safe above ground — accredited fall arrest training trusted by South Africa’s top industries.

Fall Arrest Training
That Elevates Your Workforce

SAQA‑accredited working at heights training that secures lives, compliance, and corporate trust.

Fall Arrest Systems

Master harnesses, lanyards, lifelines & fall clearance calculations.

Equipment Inspection

Spot defects before they fail. Hands-on fitting & maintenance.

Anchor Points

Select & verify load-bearing anchors. Prevent collapse.

Rescue Readiness

Learn suspension trauma response & team rescue drills.

Accredited Impact: What Our Learners Achieved With SAQA 229998 

“Paramedic instructors know real emergencies. Best training we’ve had.”

— Sarah M., Safety Officer, Vodacom

“The rescue drill saved a life on site last month. Worth every rand.”

Drew Carlyle

"Timely certificates and excellent communication."

Caryn Truter, IDG Fresh South Africa

Course Layout SAQA 229998
Accredited Outcomes

Certified worker in full PPE standing on a scaffold overlooking Cape Town skyline, wearing

Working at Heights and Self‑Rescue – SAQA Unit Standard 229998

Falls remain one of the greatest risks in construction and industrial environments. This one‑day, SAQA‑accredited course (Unit Standard 229998, NQF Level 1, 2 Credits, CETA) equips learners with the essential skills to work safely at height and perform self‑rescue procedures under supervision.

Learners will gain practical knowledge of fall arrest principles, equipment limitations, and rescue techniques. By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

  • Inspect, assemble, and store fall arrest equipment correctly.

  • Select and secure suitable anchor points.

  • Use fall arrest systems with a double‑leg lanyard.

  • Operate safely on vertical and horizontal lifelines.

  • Apply risk‑reduction strategies during rescue scenarios.


Delivered in English by experienced facilitators, the course blends 50% theory and 50% practical training through discussions, role play, case studies, videos, and hands‑on exercises. Learners must provide certified identification, proof of qualifications, and a valid medical certificate of fitness for working at heights.

This training empowers workers to perform tasks at height with confidence, ensuring compliance, competence, and life‑saving readiness in high‑risk environments.

  • At the end of the course qualifying learners will be able to:

    • demonstrate basic knowledge of the limitations of a limited range of fall arrest equipment and regulations.

    • Inspect, assemble, and store fall arrest equipment.

    • Select suitable anchor points.

    • Use fall arrest systems with a double-leg lanyard.

    • Use pre-installed vertical and horizontal lifelines and explain reducing risks during a rescue.

  • Two certified copies of ID/Passport certified copy of Highest Qualification, valid work at Heights medical certificate of fitness issued by an OHP (Occupational Health Practitioner). Communication and Mathematical Literacy at Abet Level 3 or equivalent.

  • English

  • The course is facilitated by a competent subject matter trainer, who utilizes a combination of the following techniques to ensure that the session is practical and experiential: Discussion; Role Play; Exercises & Case Studies; Videos/DVDs; Games, Slide Shows & Written Questions.

  • Training on a 50% theoretical and 50% practical basis.

  • 229998

  • 1 day

  • Level1

  • CETA

  • 2

  • In South Africa, the price for a basic, one-day working at heights course generally ranges from R850 to over R4000 per person, with many accredited courses falling within the R1100 to R1500 range. The cost varies depending on the training provider, location, and the specific level of certification offered. 

    Typical Course Prices (South Africa)

    Course Type Approximate Price (ZAR) Duration

    Basic Working at Heights (Fall Arrest Level 1)  R850 – R1,500 (excl. VAT) 1 Day

    Fall Arrest & Basic Rescue Level 2     R2,500 (excl. VAT) 2 Days

    Fall Protection Planner  R3,500 (excl. VAT) 3 Days

    Refresher Courses  R1,100 – R1,500 1 Day

    • Accreditation Matters: Ensure the provider is accredited, often by a body like the Institute for Work at Height (IWH) or that the course uses a specific SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) unit standard. IWH-certified training is guaranteed to be accredited.

    • Group Discounts: Many providers, like Swift Skills Academy Training, offer savings for employers who book groups of employees.

    • Additional Costs: Be aware that most accredited courses require a valid medical certificate from a healthcare provider declaring the learner fit to work at heights, which is an additional cost. 

    This training is mandatory in South Africa for anyone working 1.5 meters or more above the ground. 

SAQA US ID 229998 | NQF Level 1 | 2 Credits | Swift Skills Academy

Safe Practices for Basic Fall Arrest (Under Supervision)

Instant PDF – No email required – Print & laminate today!

Why Companies Trust Us — Consistency, Compliance, and Competitive Advantage

Falls are the #1 cause of workplace fatalities in SA. Our SAQA-accredited training equips your team with lifesaving skills in harness use, anchor selection, and emergency rescue.

Expert Guidance

Our seasoned facilitators mentor you through the learning adventure.

Location Flexibility

Public classes in Cape Town or on-site at your premises.

Certificate Of  Competence

Awarded to successful candidates as proof of skills.

Catering to all

New and returning students welcome.

Approachable & Responsive

Our team is ready to help.

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Working at Heights:
Safety Compliance Quiz

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Fall Arrest Techniques
When Working At Height Checklist
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