Training Syllabus

The General Requirements document has been developed by IRATA to provide training and assessment criteria for personnel who will be engaged in rope access work and methods. It is recognised that the safety, application and effectiveness of industrial rope access methods depend upon both the capabilities of the personnel who perform them and those responsible for these people. The independent assessments are designed to test the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the operations performed, and to provide the sector with an assured minimum standard of proficiency.
Full details of the syllabus for each level are detailed in the General Requirements but in summary the following is required.

Level 1 rope access technician

A level 1 rope access technician shall be capable of performing a limited range of rope access tasks required by his or her employers, under the supervision of an IRATA level 3 rope access technician. He/she is:

responsible for inspections of all his/her own personal rope access equipment;
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.

NOTE A level 1 rope access technician is not allowed to supervise others

Level 2 rope access technician

A level 2 rope access technician shall be capable of rigging working ropes, undertaking rescues and performing rope access tasks (under the supervision of an IRATA level 3 rope access technician). He/she should have some knowledge of legislation, safety requirements and quality assurance procedures relating to rope access.

Level 3 rope access technician

A level 3 rope access technician shall:

be capable of site supervision for rope access 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 advanced rescue techniques;
hold an appropriate current first aid certificate, to show that suitable emergency first aid training has been undertaken;
have knowledge of the IRATA certification scheme;
have knowledge of the IRATA General requirements;
be familiar with the contents of the IRATA Guidelines.