EM 385 Competent Person
FP1024
Course Description
Worksites with fall hazards need more than equipment. They need trained leaders. This course prepares you to serve as a Competent Person under the EM 385-1-1 standard. You will learn to identify hazards, apply prevention strategies, and enforce compliance, qualifying you to take on this vital safety role.
Duration
24 Hours
Course Objectives
• Recognize common fall hazards and sources in the workplace
• Identify OSHA, ANSI, and EM385-1-1 fall protection requirements
• Understand the fall hazard assessment and planning process
• Appreciate the proper order of fall protection system selection
• Identify key components of a personal fall protection system
• Assess anchor point suitability for restraint or arrest systems
• Demonstrate proper harness donning and fit check procedures
• Differentiate suitable applications of various connectors
• Determine fall clearance requirements and free fall distances
• Understand the function of vertical and horizontal systems
• Comprehend fall protection rescue requirements and planning
• Conduct competent person-level equipment inspections
• Apply fall protection knowledge to work-at-height scenarios
Course Content
Chapter 1: Facts of Falling
Chapter 2: Fall Safety Governance
Chapter 3: Mitigation Methods & Planning
Chapter 4: Anchor Points
Chapter 5: Body Wear
Chapter 6: Connectors
Chapter 7: Lifelines and Systems
Chapter 8: Rescue and Retrieval
Chapter 9: Fall Protection for Tools
Chapter 10: Equipment Inspector
Chapter 11: Applied Learning
Chapter 12: EM385 Standard
Chapter 13: Standard Application
Chapter 14: Course Summary
Target Audience
This course is for individuals working at height on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects where EM 385-1-1 compliance is required. It's ideal for safety professionals, supervisors, and managers responsible for fall protection programs and site safety.
Course Format
The course combines classroom instruction, workbook exercises, and hands-on activities to engage participants and strengthen their understanding of fall protection concepts. It also incorporates interactive methods that encourage critical thinking and improve the ability to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Certification
Participants who complete the course receive a certificate valid for two years, recognizing their knowledge of fall protection. Recertification is required after the two-year period.