HISTORY OF IRATA

IRATA, the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association, was formed in the UK in the late 1980’s, to solve maintenance problems in the offshore oil and gas industry.  Its formation was the result of an initiative of a number of leading companies who had begun to use industrial rope access techniques, to provide a safe working environment for the industry.  The rope access technique developed by IRATA has now come to be used in a wide range of repair, maintenance, inspection and access work. Since it provides an unrivalled safety record, a quick set-up and dismantling time, positive environmental benefits and no need for invasive access equipment or disruption of the site, the IRATA system of rope access continues to enjoy increasing popularity throughout the world. 

IRATA is now recognised as the world’s leading authority on industrial rope access.  It has over 200 member companies around the world and has trained in excess of 30,000 rope access technicians worldwide. The Association directs and manages through its members the training of all workers seeking its qualifications. These member companies provide training or operational services, or both.