Ensuring Safety and Efficiency: IRATA Rope Access Training for a Safer Work Environment  

In certain cases when the location where a malfunction occurs is difficult to reach or carry out maintenance in with minimal impact on other surrounding areas or the environment, the best solution is to rely on rope access methods. Used in various high-risk environments, such as offshore rigs, wind turbines and electrical infrastructures, rope access methods are providing a safe and efficient method of managing maintenance, inspection, and various repair situations at heights, or in places where access is heavily restricted.  

The advantage of rope access lies in the speed at which the problem's source can be reached via rope access and the operation's safety. However, for someone to perform maintenance with rope access, rigorous training and preliminary safety education is required. The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) International has developed a three-level course for all technicians working at heights – whether its offshore or onshore – catering to a vast range of companies dealing with difficult maintenance situations regarding their infrastructure.

How is the IRATA rope access training built up? 

The rope access training consists of a three-level course system. All levels account for different core capabilities a person should possess before engaging in operations with rope access practices. Keeping safety in mind, IRATA approved courses ensure that all future operations will be carried out in the most efficient way possible.  

The IRATA Rope Access Level 1 course equips participants with the ability to perform specific rope access tasks under the supervision of a Level 3 Rope Access Safety Supervisor. This includes understanding and adhering to rope access procedures, conducting pre-use checks on equipment, assisting in rigging and other operations, and executing simple rescue operations. For individuals entering the training, prerequisites include being at least 18 years old, having good physical fitness and health, and ensuring they are physically capable of performing tasks requiring strength, agility, and coordination in various environmental conditions.  

The objective of the advanced IRATA Rope Access Level 2 course is to train experienced technicians to perform more complex tasks under the supervision of a Level 3 Rope Access Safety Supervisor. This includes demonstrating skills and knowledge from Level 1, as well as executing more intricate rigging, conducting rescues from various situations, and assembling and implementing hauling systems. For candidates aiming to upgrade to this level, they must be proficient in all practical and theoretical requirements of their current level. This ensures they can perform tasks at an advanced level. Additionally, candidates must meet specific experience criteria, therefore pre-course evaluation may be necessary for candidates to verify their current level of competence. 

The IRATA Rope Access Level 3 course aims to train experienced technicians to perform complex tasks and act as the Rope Access Safety Supervisor for that task. This includes demonstrating proficiency in skills and knowledge required at Level 1 & Level 2, advanced rigging techniques such as re-anchors, deviations, and tensioned lines, executing rescues from diverse situations, and assembling and implementing complex hauling systems, equipment selection and risk assessment for these tasks. For candidates aiming to upgrade to Level 3, they must already hold Level 2 certification and meet specific experience criteria, including having one year of experience and 1000 working hours recorded as Level 2 and signed off in their logbook. Prior to attending the upgrade course, candidates must be competent in all practical and theoretical requirements of their current level.

Ensuring Safety and Efficiency while Working at Heights  

Obtaining certifications and progressing through the levels in IRATA Rope Access is crucial to ensure the safety of technicians working at heights. The training equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to mitigate risks, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries on the job. 

Each level of certification builds upon the previous one, allowing technicians to acquire increasingly advanced skills and techniques. IRATA certifications also provide a standardized framework for training and assessing rope access technicians. Employers can have confidence in the skills and competence of certified technicians, contributing to overall quality assurance in the industry.

Book your next IRATA Rope Access course at RelyOn Nutec 

RelyOn Nutec, being an IRATA member offers IRATA approved rope access courses in various locations globally, such as Denmark, the United Kingdom, Poland and Quatar. Besides the three levels, RelyOn Nutec offers refresher and revalidation courses as well! 

Contact one of our training centers for more information on rope access training and courses!