Level 3 Award in the Safe Use of Mechanical Restraints (Handcuffs)
This qualification is for people whose role may require them to restrain another person using handcuffs, such as security officers, door supervisors, custody and escort staff, and others working in secure or high-risk settings. It gives learners the knowledge and practical skills to decide when handcuffs can lawfully be used, to apply and remove them safely, and to look after the person in their care throughout.
The qualification is delivered through Qualify Me approved centres.
Key facts
| Qualification number | QM-MR-001 (draft) |
|---|---|
| Level | 3 |
| Unit reference | QM-MR-U1 (draft) |
| Assessment grading | Pass or Fail |
| Assessment method | To be confirmed |
| Course duration | To be confirmed |
| Guided learning hours (GLH) | To be confirmed |
| Total qualification time (TQT) | To be confirmed |
| Credit value | To be confirmed |
| Exam length and pass mark | To be confirmed |
| Certificate validity | To be confirmed |
| Minimum age | To be confirmed |
| Maximum ratio | To be confirmed |
| Price | To be confirmed |
Who is it for?
Learners who work, or are preparing to work, in roles where the use of handcuffs may be authorised by their employer. It also supports experienced staff who want to refresh and evidence safe practice.
What learners will cover
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Describe the different kinds of handcuffs in use and how their design affects safe use.
- Explain the legal basis for restraining someone, including when force is lawful, what makes it reasonable and proportionate, and how human rights apply.
- Recognise the risks of restraint, including positional asphyxia and other medical emergencies, and know how to respond quickly when someone becomes unwell.
- Use clear communication and de-escalation to reduce the need for restraint and keep everyone calm.
- Apply handcuffs safely and correctly to a person who is cooperating and to a person who is resisting.
- Check, monitor and look after a restrained person, and remove handcuffs safely at the right time.
- Complete accurate records after an incident and understand the aftercare owed to the person restrained and to staff involved.
Assessment
Learners are assessed on both their knowledge and their practical skills. Practical skills are observed by a qualified assessor. Full details of the assessment method, exam length and pass mark are to be confirmed. Results are graded Pass or Fail.
Deliver this qualification
Training centres approved by Qualify Me can add this qualification to their offer. If you are not yet a Qualify Me centre, you can apply to become a centre. Centre and tutor requirements for this qualification are to be confirmed.
How registration will work
Online registration is coming soon. Once it is live, approved centres will:
- Select the number of learner registrations needed.
- Pay for the registrations online.
- Receive a link to download the course paperwork.
