Swing Stage (Suspended Work Platform Systems) - Users
Our Suspended Work Platform System User (Swing Stage Operator) training course is designed to meet the safety and regulatory requirements outlined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Ontario Regulation 213/91 (Construction Projects). This program equips participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to safely operate suspended access equipment (commonly known as swing stages) used on construction sites and high-rise buildings.
This full-day course, led by qualified and experienced instructors, covers hazards and control measures faced by workers when using swing stages. It also covers inspection requirements, site-specific work plans, load distributions, rescue planning and more to help ensure the safety of not only the workers, but those around them.
Who Needs This Training?
Suspended access equipment (SAE) training is necessary for anyone using suspended platforms to work at heights. Construction crews, window cleaners, engineers and maintenance workers, among others must enroll for this program and earn their certification to reflect their compliance, competency and acquired skills.
Our swing stage and suspended access training for users is beneficial for you if:
- You frequently use suspended work platform systems in your job
- You are an employer, a manager or a supervisor
- You are a part of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)
- You are a Health & Safety Representative (HSR)
- You do not operate swing stages, but you are an occupant when doing inspections, surveying, engineering or architectural tasks, etc.
Examples of industries using suspended access equipment (SAE):
- Window washing
- Highrise building repair and maintenance
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Building envelope
- Confined space
- Window glazing
- Painting
- Mining
What Is Suspended Access Equipment?
Swing Stage & Suspended Access Training: What You Need to Know
Duration: 1 day
Don't just hang around – Learn to work safely and effectively on swing stages.
A great blend of theory and hands-on experience, our suspended work platforms systems training program for operators ensures workers and employers get a comprehensive breakdown of how to operate the associated equipment.
Available 7 days of the week at a time slot that suits you, our Suspended Work Platform System User training course offers both in-classroom and onsite training options. The course provides workers with the information and skills they need to keep themselves safe on the job while working on or around swing stages.
Due to the importance placed on the practical portion of the program delivery, Act First Safety has an indoor, operational swing stage available regardless of weather conditions making training reliable and comfortable to aid in meeting your training requirements.
Prefer the training at your location and you have a Swing Stage available for the practical component? Happy to help meet your needs!
Our course follows a two-part structure:
1) Theoretical –Covers the fundamentals of swing stage operation, from pre-use inspections to emergency and rescue planning as per legislation Ontario Regulation 213/91 (Construction Projects).
2) Practical – Includes hands-on demonstrations and practical operation to train workers in the safe inspection and use of the equipment.
The practical portion of the course is outlined below:
1. Practical Skills Application
- Proper Operation of the Swing Stage
- Proper Donning and Doffing of the Harness
- Safe access and egress on the platform
- Proper use of fall protection equipment on Swing Stage
- Demonstrating emergency descent or rescue response
Prerequisite Training
Using suspended work platforms is potentially hazardous and complicated. Therefore, candidates must have completed the following training programs before registration:
- Working At Heights Training Program (CPO-approved)
- Hoisting and Rigging experience is beneficial
- Participants must be able to understand and speak English or must be accompanied with a competent translator.
Your platform for success is only as safe as your training: let's secure your swing stage skills.
Get in touch with us to plan the right course of action for your team!
PPE Requirements
To participate in our suspended access equipment (SAE) program, you'll need the following personal protective equipment (PPE) with you on training day:
- CSA-approved safety shoes and hard hat
- CSA-approved full body harness (Class A)
- CSA-approved 30” lanyard along with a 5/8" rope grab
- Leather gloves combined with proper work attire
NOTE: Act First Safety has all of these items in stock and ready for purchase (except footwear), available at reasonable prices, or we can provide loaner equipment (except for gloves and safety footwear) to complete the course.
Please note that participants who fail to wear proper CSA-approved safety footwear on training day will not be allowed to participate.
Training Locations
What you Get
- A complete understanding of how suspended work platform systems (SWPS) work
- The best ways to select, inspect and use the most suitable PPE for your line of work
- How to recognize hazards and resolve related issues
- How to calculate live loads and counterweights, including how much the platform can safely handle
- Enhanced emergency preparedness
- Awareness of worker and supervisor rights and responsibilities as per OHSA
- Wallet-sized certificate of course completion
- Record of Training (upon request)
Our course sets you up for safe suspended access equipment (SAE) use. Enroll now!
Certification
We strictly adhere to the following criteria for evaluating and certifying operators in our suspended access equipment (SAE) training program:
- Mandatory full attendance
- At least a 75% score on the written examination
- A 100% score for the hands-on practical demonstration training
Once all three criteria are met, you receive a wallet-sized certificate of completion with a 3-year expiry date.
Why Choose Act First Safety for Swing Stage Training for Users?
Your safety is as important to us as it is to you. That's why our highly-rated swing stage training program, tailored for users across Ontario, stands out as your best option:
- Taught by certified trainers who carry years of expertise
- Fully OHSA compliant to ensure your certification is valid throughout Ontario
- Hands-on training sessions that focus on real-world learning
- Proven track record of upgrading skills for workers to ensure safe usage of swing stages
- Trusted as the best suspended access training program by Toronto’s industry leaders
Ready to train smart and work safely? Get certified with our Suspended Access Equipment (SAE)training for Users in Toronto! Contact us to check the next available course dates or book online today!
Technical guideline for suspended access equipment on construction projects – Ontario
FAQs
1. Which types of suspended access equipment are covered by this training program?
Our Suspended Access Equipment training covers all the basic systems. Expect to learn about swing stages, bosun’s chairs, two-point suspension scaffolds, and modular suspended platforms among others. Aligned with OHSA’s regulations, our course teaches participants how to use equipment safely, inspect, and operate these systems. Practical evaluations take place on a basic swing stage setup.
2. Will enrolled trainees receive practical training for swing stages?
Yes. The one-day course for users/operators, participants will get access to both theoretical and practical learning. The practical learning will include inspections of a suspended work platform system (SWPS), donning and doffing appropriate PPE, as well as SWPS operation.
As part of the two-day installer/riggers course, participants will, in addition to what is covered in one-day, learn how to physically set up a suspended work platform system (SWPS) under the expert supervision of our facilitator. This enables workers to confidently use suspended access equipment (SAE) onsite.
3. How does Suspended Access Equipment Training differ from Working at Heights Training?
Our Working at Heights training is broader in its scope, covering general fall protection principles. On the other hand, our Suspended Access Training (SAE) is more specific. It focuses purely on the use of suspended work platforms such as swing stages. When operating at heights on construction projects, Ontario’s safety laws require workers to take both courses to confidently operate or set up a swing stage.
4. Are there repercussions for failing the practical evaluation of this Suspended Access Training program?
It is mandatory to achieve 100% proficiency in the practical portion of the training along with a minimum of 75% in the theoretical portion of our Suspended Access Equipment (SAE) training program. Participants who fail to do so will require remedial training and re-evaluation so they can achieve certification. A functional command of English or competent translation is required.
5. Is it possible to renew your Suspended Work Platform System –safety training with Act First Safety?
Absolutely. At Act First Safety, we know how critical it is for workers to hold a certificate for the safe use of suspended access systems including swing stages. As with many safety training cycles, renewal is every three years. Our courses are offered regularly making it easy for you to find a scheduled course that is convenient for you. Prerequisites apply.
Refresher training is a great way for users to receive updates and any relevant changes in regulations, technology, equipment or best practices when it comes to suspended access equipment.
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