IRATA and Rope Access Training

Rope access is a method of work positioning that allows technicians to safely access hard to reach places using ropes rather than methods such as aerial work platforms or scaffolding.

Rope access can be used to complete many tasks, for example; surveying, inspections, maintenance, cleaning, construction and painting.

An IRATA rope access technician is supported by ropes that are fitted with fail-safe descent mechanisms as well as always having two attachments, each having their own anchorage point, assuring maximum safety whilst working.

Rope access training ensures that workers are fit to climb and perform rescues in a safe working environment. Arco Professional Safety Services Ltd carry out rope access training to IRATA guidelines and have numerous IRATA instructors training to a high standard.

Rope access training is a good starting point for numerous jobs on and offshore.

Rope access negates the use of less cost effective methods such as scaffolding and cradles. It is also a less intrusive and more time effective method of accessing building facades in order to conduct maintenance. Other benefits include reducing carbon footprints of maintenance work.

The most common uses for rope access are:

• Inspection
• Surveying
• Maintenance
• Construction
• Welding
• Cleaning and painting
• Civil engineering
• Offshore nondestructive testing
• Non- destructive testing

IRATA is the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association; for many years they have upheld and introduced the International Code of Practice to which all Industrial Rope Access Training companies including ourselves adhere.

IRATA promote and maintain a high standard of Industrial rope access activities in terms of safety, work quality and providing guidance on IRATA training and IRATA certification of personnel involved in Industrial Rope Access. They produce publications and guidance on good working practice, training and other related topics.

IRATA continually provide and summite information to help on many Helath and safety issues and work closely with the HSE Health and Safety Executive (UK) . IRATA also imput and assist other parties in draft legislation and regulation, in discussing current legislationo and help greatly with education training and certification opportunities

Safety is paramount in the rope access/working at height industry. Since its formation IRATA, and its member companies, have worked assiduously to:

•    Improve safety in the industry.
•    Produce an industry standard set of guidelines and training requirements.
•    Provide a comprehensive assessment and registration process for operatives.

This has created an effective framework within which, there have been NO major or fatal accidents amongst members during rope access operations in the time that IRATA has been collecting its statistics. The incident rate for members is consistently well below that of other industries during the same period. Rope access provides an effective, efficient and economic means of access. However it must be carried out in a proficient and safe manner.
 

Total Access (UK) Ltd is an IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) approved trainer. We offer all 3 levels of IRATA training.

Level 1 IRATA Training:

Is intended for personnel with no current Industrial Rope Access experience, and is designed to ensure that candidates are fully competent in all industrial rope access techniques currently used, including simple rescue techniques.

Level 2 IRATA Training:

It is intended for personnel who hold the Industrial Rope Access technician level one qualification, and wish to proceed to level two. A level two technician is capable of rigging working ropes, undertaking rescues and performing rope access tasks, under the supervision of an approved IRATA level 3.

Level 3 IRATA Training:

It is intended for personnel who hold the Industrial Rope Access technician level two qualification, and wish to proceed to level three. A level three supervisor must be capable of complete responsibility for work projects, undertaking advanced rescues and have a comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation.

Direct Entry Level 2

To gain direct claim to Level 2 you must firstly have logged in excess of 1500 hours and have at least 18 months experience across a consistent working pattern.

For example:

20 logged hours every week for 10 months = 1560 hours
40 logged hours every week for 9 months = 1560 hours

During this time the applicant must have been involved in industrial rope access work using a double rope system similar to the IRATA system of work. This might include working from double aid climb, rigging double rope systems or working from double ropes.
Hours that are normally unacceptable include voluntary rescue services including mountain rescue, single rope systems or professional and sporting caving.

Direct Entry Level 3

To gain direct claim to Level 3 you must firstly have logged in excess of 2500 hours and have at least 24 months experience across a consistent working pattern.

For example:

25 logged hours every week for 24 months = 2600 hours
40 logged hours every week for 15 months = 2600 hours

These hours must be made up of double rope techniques as per the above information for direct claim to Level 2. A direct entry Level 3 must provide two references from present and/or previous employment to show your ability to work as a team supervisor.

Support Documentation Required. 

The following are the minimum requirement:

•    Work at Height CV
•    Previous Work Log
•    References
•    Standard Operating Procedures
•    Employing Company Details
•    First Aid Certificate (level 3 only)