Rope Access Services for High or Awkward Structures
About IRATA Training
Levels 1,2 and 3 Courses
The use of techniques adapted from climbing and caving forms the basis for Rope Access, a method of accessing high or hard to reach areas of buildings and other structures. There are numerous advantages of using Rope Access and as a consequence it continues to gain popularity within industry.
Contrary to perceived opinion Rope Access is one the safest occupations within the construction industry yet still provides an exciting and challenging occupation.
Click here for a PDF flowchart showing the IRATA training scheme.
Revalidation and Refresher Courses
Refresher courses are aimed at those who hold a current IRATA qualification but who have not worked "on the ropes" for 6 months or more. These courses generally consist of 1 day training.
3 day Revalidation courses are available for candidates who want to renew an in-date IRATA qualification and are only suitable for those who use a full range of rope access techniques on a regular basis. IRATA now recommend that all candidates attend the full 5 day course.
IRATA Training Scheme
There are three levels of technician:
Trainee (level 1), Operative (level 2) and Supervisor (level 3)
Pre-requisites
- Before undertaking training, operatives are requested to sign a medical declaration stating that they are free from any contra-indications to working at height
- Minimum age for courses is 18
Level 1 (Trainee)
A level 1 technician is capable of:
- Performing a limited range of rope access tasks required by his or her employers under the supervision of an IRATA approved level 3 rope access supervisor
He/she is:
- Not allowed to supervise others
- Responsible for all his/her own equipment, i.e. ropes, harnesses, karabiners, etc. and recording and checking the same
- Able to assist in rigging and non-standard operations under the guidance of a higher grade
Level 2 (Operative)
A level 2 technician is capable of:
- Rigging working ropes
- Undertaking rescues and performing rope access tasks under the supervision of an IRATA approved level 3 rope access supervisor
- He/she should have some knowledge of legislation, safety requirements and quality assurance procedures relating to rope access
Level 3 (Supervisor)
A level 3 Safety Supervisor shall:
- Be capable of complete responsibility for work projects
- Be fully conversant with relevant work techniques and legislation
- Be able to demonstrate all the skills and knowledge required of levels 1 and 2
- Have a comprehensive knowledge of advanced rescue techniques
- Hold an appropriate current First Aid Certificate, to show they have undertaken suitable emergency First Aid training. (First Aid requirements vary from company to company)
- Have a knowledge of the IRATA certification scheme