IRATA International

We apply the latest Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) guidelines to guarantee the safety of all persons. The rope access industry boasts an outstanding safety record.

For 25 years, IRATA has paved the way forward for the rope access industry. It has enthusiastically advocated for growth and consistency with its implementation of strict safety procedures and rigorous training standards. It is the only rope access certification recognised worldwide.

The key safety characteristics which must be adhered to when working at height with ropes:

• A technician for rope access must always have 2 attachments, each attachment having an independent anchorage point
• Each of the worker’s ropes will have a failsafe descent mechanism when the worker is supported by ropes
• All secondary tools and equipment are attached by lanyards to the worker’s harness to avoid danger to people below
• Each job requires a minimum of two technicians for safety requirements
• Independent assessments are carried out for all technicians on Levels I to III
• Rescue procedures are also incorporated as part of their training
• Inspection and maintenance of all equipment is regularly carried out to meet IRATA standards and regulations

IRATA Ranks

Specialist Height Access allows you to climb the ranks and acquire quality training from level 1 to level 3. The rigorous criterion implemented by IRATA International allows only the best to progress to the highest rank.

Only level 3 technicians are permitted to instruct and take the Assessor Selection, Training and Certification Scheme (ASTACS) to become assessors.

Irata Level 1
No prior experience required. Must be 18 years or over, Physically fit, have an aptitude for working at heights and compete a medical form.

Educate about the preliminary rope access techniques and safety, focusing on:

• Assessing for Risks
• Safety rope checks
• Main operations
• Assistance/ rescue manoeuvres

Irata Level 2
Minimum 1000 hrs & 12 months logged rope access experience at IRATA lvl 1.

Intermediate and experienced rope access techniques for those with some prior knowledge:

• Present preliminary skills
• Exhibiting advance problem-solving abilities for complex operations
• Demonstrate rescue manoeuvres
• Awareness and application of hauling systems

Irata Level 3
Minimum 1000 hrs & 12 months logged rope access experience at IRATA lvl 2.

Experienced rope techniques for the most complicated and intricate of situations:

• Present basic and intermediate skills
• First aid certificate
• Awareness of IRATA International guidelines
• Perfected safety and work techniques
• Capable of handling high-risk situations

You need to pass level 3 to become a safety supervisor, or to go on to become assessor.

Notice

Regardless of the qualification, you must revalidate your qualification every 3 years, 6 month prior to the expiry.

In case of expiration, you will need to log 150 hrs over the next three months and retake the qualification, before upgrading.

IRATA Trainers’ Profiles

Scott Noble, a highly accomplished and well known height access and safety professional with over 20 years industry experience. Scott is IRATA level 3 since 2000, trainer since 2006 and owner of Specialist Height Access Pty Ltd since 2007. Scott is also strongly involved as a consultant to manufacturers of height safety equipment (ie: SAYFA & Roofsafe Industrial Safety) but also large construction companies (ie: Hutchinson Builders, Watpac, Built., Grocon, Probuild) for the Design and Installation of Height Safety Systems.

Mark Smith, with 6 years of experience in rope access, Mark brings valuable experience and expertise to all areas of industrial rope access and height safety. Recognising glazing as his main skill-set, Mark has headed glazing projects across Australia including Sydney Opera House, 1 William Street Brisbane and White Horse Towers Melbourne. Mark has been a Level 3 supervisor since 2014.

IRATA TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Please note that rope access training requires a high degree of physical fitness, and a tolerance for heights.

You must be at least 18 to take the course.

Visit https://irata.org/ for more information.