This nationally recognised unit, RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights, describes the skills and knowledge required to perform work safely at heights within the resources and infrastructure industries. The unit equips students with the competencies to identify hazards, follow safe work procedures, and carry out height-related tasks safely across a variety of environments, including construction, maintenance, mining, manufacturing, and other workplaces where duties are performed two metres or more above ground level.
Key Learning Areas:
Target Audience:
This unit is suitable for individuals who perform or supervise work at heights, including:
Construction worker
Maintenance personnel
Mining industry professionals
Factory workers in large facilities
Completion of this unit provides foundational skills for roles in industries where work at heights is required. Students may pursue employment as general construction workers, maintenance personnel, mining and resources workers, or factory operatives. It also provides a pathway to further training in advanced height safety, rescue operations, work supervision, and other specialised occupational health and safety qualifications.
Upon completion of this unit, students may progress to more advanced training in occupational health and safety or specialised height-related work. Potential study pathways include units and qualifications in high-risk work, advanced rescue operations, confined space entry, work supervision, and other nationally recognised courses within the resources, construction, and infrastructure industries.
Student Handbook – Please refer to our student handbook for our policies and more information.
Students are expected to follow all safety instructions, actively participate in practical activities, and demonstrate safe work practices throughout the duration of the course. Practical activities may include:
Working at height or in confined spaces
Using rescue and safety equipment
Participating in simulated emergency or high-pressure scenarios
Conducting hazard identification and risk assessments
Performing team-based rescue or safety tasks
Applying safe work procedures under supervision
Make sound decisions under pressure
Communicate effectively with trainers and team members
Respond appropriately to unexpected situations or challenges
Maintain situational awareness and follow safety instructions at all times
Long pants, long-sleeved shirt, safety boots, safety glasses, and sun protection.
This one-day, 8 hours per day, face-to-face course combines theory and practical training, delivered by experienced trainers with current industry knowledge.
Theory training – the theory training will cover the key elements required for working safely at heights, including identifying work requirements and instructions, assessing the work environment for potential hazards, and understanding risk control measures. Students will learn how to select, inspect, and use height-related equipment correctly, as well as the legislative and WHS responsibilities associated with height work. Theory also addresses safe work methods, communication requirements, emergency procedures, and the documentation needed to support safe and compliant work practices.
Practical training with demonstration – the hands-on practical component provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in realistic work-at-height scenarios. Practical activities focus on the safe use of equipment, implementation of height-related safety procedures, and performance of required tasks under supervision. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in accordance with the unit requirements.
The course uses a blended learning approach, including face-to-face exercises, workplace simulations, ensuring students gain the competency, confidence, and safety awareness needed to perform work at heights safely and in accordance with relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements.
Assessment is conducted by qualified assessors using a combination of tools and methods, in accordance with the principles of assessment (fairness, flexibility, validity, reliability) and the rules of evidence (valid, sufficient, current, authentic). Students will be assessed as either Competent or Not Yet Competent based on their performance against the unit requirements. Assessment methods may include:
Direct observation of practical skills during practical activities and simulated work-at-height scenarios
Verbal questioning to assess underpinning knowledge of hazards and safety procedures
Written responses to theory-based questions
Portfolio evidence, including completed workplace documents or work samples
A combination of the above methods
If you are assessed as Not Yet Competent (NYC), you will have the opportunity to be reassessed. You may contact Host Safety and Training (RTO 40772) to arrange your reassessment. A reassessment fee may apply.
Reassessment will focus only on the part of the assessment that was not successfully completed.
Reassessment must be completed within 60 days of the original assessment.
If the 60-day period lapses, the full assessment may need to be repeated.
Host Safety and Training RTO (40772) offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for students who can demonstrate prior skills and experience relevant to the course outcomes. Students may also be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT) for unit of competency they have previously completed through another Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
RPL and CT applications are assessed individually in accordance with our RPL/CT Policy and the requirements of the training package.
This course is also available for delivery at the client’s site by arrangement. Please contact info@hostsafetytraining.com.au for information on upcoming course locations.
Students who successfully complete all training and assessment requirements of the course will be awarded a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for the following units of competency, issued by Host Safety and Training (RTO 40772):
RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights
Take steps towards a promising career.
We believe that a safe workplace is a productive workplace. That’s why we offer industry-leading safety training courses tailored to the needs of workers in a variety of industries.
We have the answers to your questions! If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, get in touch with the team today.
Safety training is crucial because it equips employees with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and mitigate potential risks in the workplace, ultimately promoting a safer work environment, reducing accidents and injuries, and increasing productivity and efficiency.
The CSQ is an independent, not-for-profit, industry-funded body supporting employers, workers, apprentices, trainees and career seekers in the building and construction industry.
You may be eligible for funding if you are:
Get in touch with us today to see if you are eligible.
Based on the Sunshine Coast, we have offices in Gladstone, Mackay, Victoria and Northern Territory and have serviced clients across the country.
We also offer on-site training and request.
The length of training will depend on the course itself. Some course require a few hours where others take between one and five business days to complete.
The length of our training courses are included in the course description.
Some certifications do not have an expiry date, while others will expire in one – five years. However, this is dependent on the course.
Contact us to find out if you need to be re-trained. Our expert team can provide further information on what courses require re-training or re-certification.
Host Safety and Training recognise that upskilling yourself and your team with nationally recognised qualifications is a smart investment.
Skid Steer (Bobcat) Operations covers conducting skid steer loader operations in the civil construction industry. It includes; Planning and preparing, conducting machine pre-operational checks and operation of skid steer loader including stripping/spreading topsoil and materials
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate excavator operations to lift carry and place materials and applies to those working in site-based roles.
This course specifies the skills and knowledge to operate a forklift truck safely. This course requires a person operating a forklift truck to; Plan the work, conduct routine checks, shift loads in a safe manner
This course is designed to give participants the knowledge and skills to operate elevating work platforms that are not classified as requiring a high-risk work (HRW) licence. After successfully completing this national-recognised course you will be trained and competent to operate; EWP (boom lift) under 11 meters and Scissor lift (up to any height)
This nationally recognised training covers theoretical and practical aspects of RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights unit of competency. It is designed to equip students with the competencies to identify hazards, follow safe work procedures, and perform height-related tasks safely across a range of environments, including construction, maintenance, mining, manufacturing, and other workplaces where duties are undertaken two metres or more above ground lev
This comprehensive course equips students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to assess the safety of a working atmosphere using electronic test apparatus. It is specifically designed for individuals who may need to conduct thorough gas testing before entering a designated area or workspace, ensuring a secure environment for proposed work activities.