IRATA is the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association. It sets the training, certification and working practices that most UK rope access contractors work to, and its system is used worldwide.
The three levels
- Level 1. Can carry out a range of rope access tasks under the supervision of a Level 3.
- Level 2. An experienced technician who can rig working ropes and carry out more complex rescues, still under Level 3 supervision.
- Level 3. Responsible for the safety of the whole work site. A Level 3 plans the job, supervises the team and is trained in advanced rescue.
Moving up a level requires logged experience and a further independent assessment, so a Level 3 has spent years on the ropes.
How an IRATA system works
Every technician is attached to two independent ropes: a working line and a backup line, each to its own anchor. If one fails, the other holds. Rescue is planned before anyone goes over the edge. See the anatomy of a rope access system.
Questions to ask a contractor
- Will an IRATA Level 3 supervise the job on site?
- Can you show a site-specific RAMS and rescue plan?
- What accreditations and insurance do you hold?
- Will I get a photo report of the work?
Invictus Access is run by an IRATA-qualified Managing Director with around 20 years on the ropes, and every job is supervised by a Level 3. Read more about us.
By Ryan Hawkins, Managing Director ·