IRATA International’s Rope Access system is a safe method of working at height where ropes and associated equipment are used to gain access to and from the workplace and be suspended at the worksite for the duration of the work.

The advantage of using Rope Access methods lies in the safety and efficiency with which workers can get to or from difficult locations to carry out their work, often with minimal impact on plant operations. The success of IRATA’s method of rope access is based on thorough training and strict work guidelines that deliver an unrivalled safety record year after year.

The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA International) includes within its membership, operating companies, training companies and technicians. Technicians are those who have learned their skills from the training companies of the Association. The teaching of the IRATA syllabus enables Rope Access technicians to progress through three levels of proficiency, with certification issued at each level. The IRATA technician carries a card that is recognised globally for its importance and value; over 150,000 IRATA technicians have been registered with over 500 member companies and in every continent. The thorough, IRATA training program delivers a skilled workforce that can reliably deliver work-at-height methodologies.

IRATA Instructors are specialists and experts in their field who have theoretical and practical teaching skills. Their individual abilities and the training facilities where they work are regularly and independently assessed to ensure that training is being delivered to the highest global standards.

Rope access Technicians are grouped into three technical grades depending on their experience and level of assessment.

Rope access courses are intensive and challenging. Prior learning is not necessary however it can help your development if you choose to do so. An aptitude for heights and good standard of fitness are crucial.

To progress from IRATA Level 1 to IRATA Level 2, a technician must complete (as a minimum),1000 logged hours over a 12-month period.

To progress from IRATA Level 2 to IRATA Level 3, a technician must complete (as a minimum), a further 1000 logged hours over a 12-month period.

Each IRATA Level qualification lasts 3 years. IRATA re-assessments are required every three years at all levels, following a minimum of four days of training.

Holders of expired certification shall not work on ropes until successfully re-certified.

Holders of recently expired Level 1, 2 or 3 certificates should contact an IRATA International trainer member company for information on available course dates. They will need to successfully complete an IRATA rope access course before working as an IRATA rope access technician.

Holders of expired Level 2 or Level 3 certificates that have been expired for more than 6 months should contact an IRATA International trainer member company for information on revalidation procedure.

To ensure rope access Technicians are up to date with certification, re-assessment may be done up to 6 months before due expiry date without any time penalty.

Note: An expired technician may only revalidate at their existing level and cannot upgrade once expired.

Candidates who have lost their logbook shall not be able to start a training course without one. This concerns any existing IRATA rope access technician who is looking to revalidate their certification or upgrade to a higher level. If a candidate has a course booked and a logbook has been lost, then they should contact Rig Pro immediately to discuss options and order a replacement logbook with IRATA.

To order a replacement, technicians must contact IRATA direct at: LogBookRequest@irata.org

A level of fitness for rope access is important.

Rope access is physically demanding work and the training is physically intensive and mentally challenging. Candidates shall be expected to ascend the ropes multiple times a day utilising climbing equipment.

They should be physically fit and unaffected by any medical condition that may prevent them from undertaking their training requirements and performing any manoeuvre required during training and assessment.

Candidates should be in good health, physically fit and consider themselves suitable to undertake rope access training and assessment.

Candidates should not have any medical conditions or contra-indications that may prevent them from working safely.

If you are revalidating your IRATA certification at any level you must bring your up to date IRATA logbook to the training course.

Make sure your logbook is up to date; it is correctly filled out, and; it contains accurate information. If these things are not in check, the trainer has the right to refuse to train you, and your assessor will not assess you.

Wear loose, comfortable clothes and avoid tight pants or jeans. Climbing pants, track suits, coveralls and long shorts (not short, shorts!) are examples of acceptable and comfortable clothes for training. Work boots and work pants are fine but a plain cotton tee- shirt (with sleeves) is advised for comfort and hygiene.

You must wear totally enclosed shoes such as trainers, hiking boots or safety boots.

We have the answers! Contact us using info@rigprotraining.com and we will put your mind at ease.