1. Who is Redwan Sumayani?
Redwan Sumayani Bio
Redwan is a highly experienced IRATA Instructor who has been in the industry for over 19 years. Wanting to share his skills and knowledge with others looking to enter the industry, Redwan became an IRATA Instructor in 2010.
Throughout his extensive career, Redwan has dedicated himself to ensuring that every individual he trains has the necessary theoretical knowledge, technical competence and practical experience to become a successful IRATA technician. He has worked with various organisations across the world and has trained hundreds of individuals from different backgrounds, helping them to achieve their IRATA certification.
One of Redwan’s greatest strengths is his ability to connect with people and get to know their strengths and weaknesses
He offers personalised training and assessment that is tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring they receive the best possible training experience. This has resulted in a remarkable 98% pass rate and a high level of satisfaction amongst the technicians he has trained.
2. How many days after training can a technician have to take an assessment?
No longer than 60 days may lapse between completing a training course and assessment. Evidence of training must be presented to the training member company prior to assessment.
3. What counts as one years’ experience between assessments?
A Technician is eligible for upgrade on the calendar date, one year plus one day, from the date of their previous assessment e.g. following a Level 1 assessment on the 1st April 2021, the earliest possible Level 2 assessment is the 2nd April 2022.
4. What first aid certificate do I require?
First-aid certificates must be current and valid to cover all operational duties as defined by the employing company and must be in-line with national and regional legal requirements.
Within Australia and New Zealand; it is recommended that irrespective of what Level IRATA qualification you hold, that you also maintain a current First Aid qualification.
As a Level 3 employed by an IRATA Member Company, you must have an in-date and current First Aid and CPR.
CPR is recommended to be re-validated every 12 months.
First Aid is recommended to be re-validated every 3 years.
5. Who can sign an IRATA LogBook?
Logbook entries shall be countersigned by the supervising Level 3 rope access Technician. Under the heading Supervisor’s signature, all logbook entries shall be countersigned by the supervising Level 3 rope access Technician, who shall log their name (printed clearly), signature and IRATA International unique number.
Technicians that are not always able to obtain signatures from an IRATA Level 3 should have their hours signed by a person in authority who can verify that the hours are accurate and have been completed on a double rope system. The person approving the hours logged should print their name, position and leave a contact telephone number.
6. Are meals provided in the cost of the course?
Refreshments (Water, Tea & Coffee) are provided. Food is available at a selection of places nearby but at the trainees cost
7. What happens if I do not work on ropes for 6 months?
If rope access technicians are not using rope access techniques regularly, they should be evaluated for competence prior to the commencement of operational duties. Refresher training in particular techniques may be required and the amount of operational supervision necessary afterwards may need to be adjusted, depending on the outcome of the risk assessment.
If rope access technicians do not use rope access methods for a period of more than six months, they are required to undergo refresher training. The training should be appropriate for each individual and should be recorded in his or her logbook.
Refresher training:
- shall be carried out by an IRATA International Level 3 rope access technician;
- shall not be carried out during operational duties;
- may involve the need to undergo a full training course.
8. Can a Level 1 or Level 2 work on site without a Level 3’s supervision?
Rope access technicians should work in teams of no fewer than two, one of whom should be a Level 3 rope access safety supervisor. Do not undertake rope access work alone.
Under the IRATA International Code of Practice, only Level 3 rope access technicians may be Rope Access Safety Supervisors.
Rope Access Safety Supervisors should be:
- competent in supervisory skills;
- competent in rope access techniques appropriate to the particular worksite and should understand the limitation of those techniques;
- responsible for hazard identification and risk assessment for rope access related tasks;
- competent in workmate rescue/retrieval techniques appropriate to each worksite and be able to organise and put into effect a workmate rescue/retrieval plan appropriate to that worksite.
9. Am I allowed to use the IRATA Logo?
The IRATA Logo is a registered trademark. The IRATA logo is limited to the use by IRATA Member organisations and not for use by individual Technicians.
10. My documents have incorrect information, how can this be amended?
Please email registration@irata.org outlining the incorrect information and your details and IRATA will assist you.
11. How do I become an Instructor?
In order to become a full IRATA Instructor, you need to have met the requirements of TACs 8.4.1 (below):
8.4.1 Trainee Instructors must meet several criteria before they are eligible to apply for Instructor Status:
- Hold a current IRATA Level 3 certificate;
- Hold a current relevant first aid certificate;
- Have been witnessed to competently deliver all TACS syllabus items;
- Have at least 400 hours total logged experience delivering IRATA training courses;
- Successfully train (i.e. pass at assessment) at least 30 candidates including at least 6 candidates at each IRATA level;
- Maintain an overall pass rate of at least 60% of candidates;
- Attend at least one Instructor/ Assessor workshop per year;
- An online examination will then have to be taken in order to become an instructor.
For full details of this process please contact the office on training@specialistheightaccess.com.au
12. How do I become a Trainee Instructor?
In order to become a trainee instructor, you need to be at least a Level 2 Technician. Eligible rope access Technicians should apply using the form “Application for Registration as an IRATA Trainee Instructor”, and send to registration@irata.org. Once the application has been accepted, you will be supplied with a uniquely numbered Trainee Instructor logbook. For further information please see TACS: Section 8.
13. What happens if my certificate expires before my Assessment?
Certificate expiry prior to re-validation may affect your eligibility to upgrade or re-certify. If your qualification expires, and you wish to upgrade – you must first re-validate your qualification.
Technicians may not practise as an IRATA rope access Technician without valid certification at all times.
Additional questions; please contact the office on 1300 000 SHA
14. I failed my assessment. How long do I have to retake?
Re-assessment shall take place within 60 days of the original assessment, after which candidates are required to attend a further training course in full.
15. I’ve lost my IRATA documentation, how do I get new copies?If any rope access Technician loses their ID Card, Certificate or LogBook, they should replace it immediately.
Replacement documentation can be ordered direct from IRATA International (https://irata.org/form/replacement_documents)
16. I’ve lost my Log what happens to my hours?
If any rope access Technician loses their logbook, they should replace it immediately and, where possible obtain credible references to verify the hours they have lost.
Unverifiable hours cannot be considered towards an upgrade assessment.
Existing Technicians are unable to sit their Assessment if they are unable to present an up-to-date IRATA Logbook.
17. What do I need to do in order to change my personal details?
You will be required by IRATA to provide sufficient evidence of any change in personal details. Please contact one of our registrations team and they will be able to help you. They can be reached at registration@irata.org
18. I already have rope access experience; do I have to start at IRATA Level 1?
Candidates with significant rope access experience logged outside the IRATA International system may be eligible for direct or accelerated entry. Applications meet the requirements stipulated in “Procedures for IRATA Registration and Direct Entry.”
Within Australia, no Direct Entry is available.
However, Accelerated Entry is available for technicians holding a current ARAA Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
Please contact training@specialistheightaccess.com.au for more information about this accelerated entry procedure.
19. Are there any pre-requisites for IRATA training?
Candidates shall be at least 18 years of age at the start of the course.
Candidates should be physically fit and unaffected by any disability or medical condition that may prevent them from working safely. They shall ensure that they have an adequate level of fitness, are physically able to perform the tasks expected in terms of strength, agility and co-ordination, and are able to withstand the stresses of the working environment, such as heat, cold, and other inclement weather.
Candidates are required to provide a declaration that they do not have any known medical disabilities or contraindications that may prevent them from working safely.
If a candidate has a contra-indicated condition, he/she shall obtain a medical certificate before commencing any rope access activities.
Candidates should consider their experience carefully before attempting to progress to a higher level. Candidates without appropriate competence, adequate pre-assessment training and knowledge of the syllabus are unlikely to meet the requirements.
20. What time does my IRATA Course start?
SHA IRATA Courses run from 8am till 4pm each day.
21. What is Rope Access?
IRATA International’s Rope Access system is a safe method of working at height where ropes and associated equipment are used to gain access to and from the work place and be suspended at the worksite for the duration of the work.
The advantage of using Rope Access methods lies in the safety and efficiency with which workers can get to or from difficult locations to carry out their work, often with minimal impact on plant operations. Another benefit of Rope Access is a cumulative reduction in exposure to working at height risk when compared with other means of access and their historical associated risks.
22. Why Choose IRATA
The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA International) includes within its membership operating companies, training companies and technicians. Technicians are those who have learned their skills from the training companies of the Association.
The teaching of the IRATA syllabus enables Rope Access technicians to progress through three levels of proficiency, with certification issued at each level. The IRATA technician carries a card that is recognised globally for its importance and value; over 110,000 IRATA technicians have been registered in over fifty countries and in every continent. The thorough IRATA training program delivers a skilled workforce that can reliably deliver work-at-height methodologies.
IRATA Instructors are specialists and experts in their field who have theoretical and practical teaching skills. Their individual abilities and the training centres where they work are regularly and independently assessed to ensure that training is being delivered to the highest global standards.
23. How long does my qualification last?
Certification at all levels is valid for three years.
24. What level of fitness do I need?
Rope Access is a physically demanding trade. Candidates should be physically fit and unaffected by any disability or medical condition that may prevent them from working safely. Candidates shall ensure that they have an adequate level of fitness, are physically able to perform the tasks expected in terms of strength, agility and co-ordination, and are able to withstand the stresses of the working environment such as heat, cold, and other inclement weather.
25. Are there jobs out there after the course?
SHA is also an operator working in many industries in all states as well as Internationally. We are always on the lookout for talented hardworking individuals.
Otherwise Rope Access is a growing industry and there are many opportunities out there for qualified Rope Access techs. Job search websites and dedicated Facebook groups are great places to look for vacancies.
26. What should I wear during training?
Wear comfortable clothing (shorts, hiking trousers, track pants. Clothing such as jeans can be too restricting and uncomfortable when in a harness). Wear closed-toed shoes, trainers or hiking boots – you don’t need steel cap boots.
27. Is there Parking on site?
There is also ample on-street parking.
28. Do I have to have a working at heights ticket; will I get one at the end of the course?
You’re not required to have a WAH ticket to complete IRATA training and assessment. While a work at height ticket is not compulsory to perform Rope Access it may be required by some employers and/or contractors. Note that a Working at Height ticket is a separate qualification.
29. What do I get when I pass the course?
Upon successful completion of your assessment you will receive a copy of your assessment day form, which acts as your ticket and is valid for 60 days. This means you can work immediately.
Before that 60 day period is up your paperwork will be processed by IRATA and you’ll receive a new log book, card and certificate. (Previously qualified techs will only receive a new card and cert having been previously been issued with a log book.)
30. Do you accept company bookings?
Yes. If you’d like to pay via a Purchase Order please contact us for a quote.
31. What can I do if the course I want is full?The number of trainees we can have on a course is governed by IRATA and determined by the Trainer-to-Student ratio so unfortunately once we’re at capacity we can’t add another trainee. We can offer you a non-committal place on our standby list and should a candidate withdraw from the course we will contact you.
Contact us at training@specialistheightaccess.com.au for more information
32. Can I transfer my course dates?We understand that circumstances change and this may mean you can’t attend the training.
Where a candidate has to apply for a date change a credit will be issued which will be valid for a one year period. The credit amount will be determined by the amount of notice given
Contact us at training@specialistheightaccess.com.au for more information
33. What are log books for? How do I use one?
The purpose of the logbook is to record the Rope Access technician’s experience and training. This includes the total hours engaged in Rope Access, the type and variety of work undertaken, and when the work took place. Rope Access technicians wishing to upgrade to Level 2 or Level 3 cannot be considered for assessment without a correctly maintained and up to date logbook.
How to complete the work experience section of a logbook:
Under the heading Date, work shall be recorded in the logbook in time periods of no more than two weeks. Where Rope Access technicians work on more than one site in a day, the tasks should be entered separately, unless very similar.
Under the heading Employing Company, the name of the employing company shall be recorded.
Under the heading Details of task being undertaken, both the nature of the work and the access methods employed shall be described, e.g:
- Window cleaning: descent on ropes; basic rigging
- Installing fall-arrest nets: aid-climbing; retrievable rigging
- Inspection of steelwork: ascent and descent on ropes; aid climbing; tensioned lines
Under the heading Location, Rope Access technicians shall briefly describe the type of structure worked on e.g:
- Concrete tower block
- Wind Turbine
- Flare stack- oil platform
Under the heading Hours worked, an accurate reflection of the time spent directly engaged in Rope Access activities shall be recorded. In addition to time spent on the main task noted under Details of task being undertaken, this may include time spent rigging and de-rigging ropes, inspecting Rope Access equipment, and toolbox talks. It shall not include other time spent on site such as meal-breaks, waiting for permits or down-time due to weather. For this reason, logged hours are typically less than those paid or entered on timesheets.
Under the heading Max height worked, an accurate reflection of the maximum height spent working at height while carrying out Rope Access tasks shall be recorded.
Under the heading Supervisor’s signature, all logbook entries shall be countersigned by the supervising Level 3 Rope Access technician, who shall log their name (printed clearly), signature and unique IRATA International number.
NOTE: Rope Access technicians wishing to upgrade who are unable to provide Level 3 signatures should contact an IRATA training Member Company prior to booking on a course.
Under the heading Total hours for this page, the total hours logged on that page shall be added up and recorded. Under the heading Running total of hours worked, hours carried over from the previous page are added to Total hours for this page and then recorded.
34. Can I pay in instalments or do I have to pay straight-up?
Please contact training@specialistheightaccess.com.au
35. Do we hire out equipment?
No. All the equipment you require is provided and none is available to hire for external use.
36. I can’t find my question!
Please contact training@specialistheightaccess.com.au
37. What is involved for the Level 1, 2 & 3 Training and what do I need?
IRATA Level 1
No prior experience is required. You must be 18 years or over, physically fit, have an aptitude for working at heights and compete a medical form. With SHA you will become a technician who is trained to perform a limited range or Rope Access tasks under the supervision of an IRATA approved Level 3 Supervisor focusing on:
- Assessing for Risks
- Safety rope checks
- Main operations
- Assistance/ rescue manoeuvres
IRATA Level 2
You will have a minimum of 12 months experience as an IRATA Level 1 & 1000 logged hours and compete a medical form You will be a technician who is capable of rigging working ropes, undertaking rescues and performing Rope Access tasks under the supervision of an approved Level 3 supervisor including:
- Demonstrating basic skills
- Exhibiting advance problem-solving abilities for complex operations
- Demonstrate rescue manoeuvres
- Awareness and application of hauling systems
IRATA Level 3
You need to pass level 3 to become a safety supervisor or to go on to become an Assessor
You will have a minimum of 12 months experience as an IRATA Level 2 & 1000 logged hours and compete a medical form.
You will be a supervisor who is capable of complete responsibility for work projects, is conversant with relevant work techniques and legislation, has a comprehensive knowledge of advanced rescue techniques including:
- Demonstrating basic and intermediate skills
- Awareness of IRATA International guidelines
- A current First Aid at Work certificate
- Perfected safety and work techniques
- Capable of handling high-risk situations
38. What will I be trained to do as a Level 2 and what is involved?
Minimum 1000 hrs & 12 months logged rope access experience as an IRATA lvl 1.
This is an experienced rope access Technician who is able to perform more complex tasks under the supervision of a Level 3 rope access safety supervisor. He/she is:
- Able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required of Level 1;
- Capable of more complex rigging, including re-belays, deviations and tensioned lines;
- Able to undertake rescues from a variety of situations
- Able to assemble and implement hauling systems
39. What will I be trained to do as a Level 3 and what is involved?
You need to pass level 3 to become a safety supervisor, or to go on to become assessor.
Minimum 1000 hrs & 12 months logged rope access experience as an IRATA lvl 2.
This is an experienced rope access Technician who is responsible for understanding and implementing the rope access procedures, method statements and associated risk assessments, and:
- Is able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required of Levels 1 and 2
- Understands the elements and principles of IRATA International’s safe system of work
- Is conversant with relevant work techniques and legislation
- Has an extensive knowledge of advanced rope access rigging and rescue techniques
- Holds an appropriate and current first-aid certificate
40. Who is IRATA International?
IRATA International is recognized as the world’s leading authority on industrial rope access.
Established in 1988, the association’s aim is the promotion and development of the safe system of work that it has pioneered since its inception and to support its member companies and trained rope access Technicians to enable them to work in a safe and effective manner.
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
41. Is the course cost inclusive or exclusive of GST?
The courses are inclusive of GST
