Fall Protection Field GuideEllis Fall Safety Solutions is the premier destination for Army Corps of Engineers Fall Protection training courses, specifically EM 385-1-1 training. With over 50 years of experience in Working at Heights and Fall Safety training and regulations, our tailored three-day (24-hour) EM 385 compliant fall protection training program is set up to meet the stringent requirements set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

US Army Corps of Engineers Training

EM  385-1-1 Fall Protection-specific training is required for all employees who are Work at Heights on nearly all government or military projects. When working these jobs, employees are subject to additional health and safety rules to maintain job site safety. These include the regulations outlined in the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Safety and Health Requirements Manual. Our courses thoroughly cover the required EM 385-1-1 training elements, allowing participants to meet the requirements and certifications outlined in the manual.

Customized Training for Your Workplace

Our EM 385 Fall Protection courses contain customized content specific to your workplace, focusing on the tasks your employees perform at heights and the fall protection equipment they use. We start the process with a phone interview to get a feel for the projects you will be undertaking and the environment you will be working in. Then we customize our 3-day training to focus on those specific hazards that are likely to exist in your work environment and give your employees a better understanding of how to properly use their equipment and prevent falls.

Through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, case studies, and hands-on application activities, participants learn to apply principles, code, and standards to real-life situations. Upon successful completion of the 3-day course and end-of-course examination, participants will receive an EM 385-1-1 Fall Protection Competent Person Training completion certification that can be used by their employer in designating the participant as a Competent Person in Fall Protection, as defined by EM 385-1-1.

Course Overview

Compliant Competent Person Training

Our comprehensive EM 385 training course covers fall hazard basics, applicable regulations, work-at-height concepts, equipment and methods, and rescue basics. Participants learn about and gain experience with fall protection systems, fall prevention techniques, and the use, inspection, maintenance, and storage of fall protection equipment. The final day includes hands-on equipment practice and a performance and knowledge confirmation exam. Successful participants receive a certificate to present to USACE authorities as proof of course completion.

Topics that are covered include:

  • Definition of fall protection
  • The magnitude of the problem/OSHA fall protection statistics
  • Applicable fall protection regulations, policies, and concepts
  • Fall protection regulations and company policy
  • Fall hazard observation and general work fall hazards
  • Fall protection hierarchy of controls – Elimination, Prevention, Arrest, Non-Standard/Administrative
  • ABCs of fall protection – Anchorage, Body Support, Connecting Means
  • Anchorage points/anchorage point considerations
  • Passive and active Fall Prevention methods
  • Full-body harnesses – applications, inspection, and safety features
  • Principles of fall arrest
  • Fall arrest systems dangers and challenges
  • Lanyards – applications, inspection, and safety features:
    • Shock absorbing
    • Self-retracting
    • 100% tie off/Y-lanyards
  • Introduction/inspection of specialized fall protection equipment:
    • Lifelines – horizontal/vertical
    • Rigid rail systems
    • Ladder climbing systems
    • Work positioning systems
    • Controlled descent devices
    • 1st man-up devices
  • Inspection of fall arrest systems and components
  • Working from fixed and portable ladders
  • Work positioning systems
  • Fall restraint systems
  • Fall protection work plans and setup of fall protection programs
  • Fall hazard analysis
  • Calculation of required fall arrest system clearance diagrams
  • Swing fall hazard
  • Identification of fall hazards
  • Quantitative Fall Hazard Assessment Techniques and Fall Hazard Ranking System
  • Duties of a Fall Protection Program Administrator
  • Application session
  • Discussion on rescue considerations
  • Test of knowledge

Why Ellis Fall Safety Solutions?:

  • Expertise: We are pioneering leaders in fall safety solutions with over 50 years of experience in the field.
  • Customization: Our courses are tailored to your workplace, ensuring the training you and your staff receive is relevant, effective, and aligned with your company policies. 
  • Compliance: We align with OSHA, USACE EM 385, and ANSI standards to meet regulatory requirements.
  • Certification: Participants earn an EM 385 certification upon successful completion.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: From fall hazard basics to advanced protection systems, our courses cover it all.

Contact Ellis Fall Safety Solutions Today

All classes are taught at your location with the equipment you will be using on the military or government construction site. We do not conduct online open sessions for the USACE-compliant 24-hour class. 

For any inquiries about the EM 385-1-1 training or to have a course conducted at your site, contact Ellis Fall Safety Solutions today. Fill out the form on our Contact Us page or give us a call at 302-571-8470, and our team will reach out to answer your questions and guide you through the process.