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Industrial Rope Access Trade Association

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If you require information on Training Courses please contact an IRATA Training Member Company. These are listed on the IRATA Companies page.

There are three levels of technician

Trainee (level 1)
Operative (level 2)
Supervisor (level 3)

Full details of the framework for qualification and details of the certification programme, including the syllabus for each level are available in IRATA's publication "General Requirements for certification of personnel engaged in industrial rope access methods". A download of this publication is available here.

For a sample of the Questions at each level please see below.

Rope access operatives are classed as being of Level 1, 2 or 3. All levels must pass both a practical and theory assessment before being allowed to work under their attained grade. In addition, Level 2 and 3 operatives must have worked for a minimum of 1000 hours. The hours must be logged by the employing company and recorded in the operative's log book.

A flowchart showing the Training Scheme and requirements for attaining each level can be downloaded here.

Before undertaking training ensure you are able to comply with the medical requirements. A copy of this document can be downlaoded here.

Please contact Training companies for information on availbaility and costs of the courses. All Training companies are listed under IRATA Companies or a downloable list can by obtained here.

The procedures for expired IRATA Technicians and direct entry applicants can be dowloaded here.

Level 1 Rope Access Technician

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;
able to undertake a rescue involving descent by him/herself and have a knowledge of hauling systems;

For a sample of Level 1 Questions click here

Level 2 Rope Access Technician

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.

For a sample of Level 2 Questions click here

Level 3 Rope Access Supervisor

Supervisors undertake a training course in advanced rescue, equipment examination and legislation. He or she shall:

be capable of complete responsibility for work projects;
be 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 advances 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.

For a sample of Level 3 Questions click here

Industrial Roped Access Training Courses

For a full list of IRATA Training Companies > click here
For a list of currently advertised courses > click here

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