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IRATA Training FAQ's. 

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 position, and to be supported there. The advantage of using rope access methods mainly lies in the safety and speed with which workers can get to or from difficult locations in order to carry out their work, often with minimal impact on other operations, surrounding areas and the environment. Another major benefit is the reduction of the combination of the total man-hours and perceived level of risk for a particular task (man-at-risk hours) when compared with other means of access and their associated risks and costs. Like any other method for working at height, the application of rope access should be regarded as a complete system, in which planning, management, competence and suitable equipment should be treated with equal importance, as each is dependent on the other to ensure a safe system of work.



What is IRATA?

IRATA is the acronym for 'Industrial Rope Access Trade Association'. IRATA is the lead authority in industrial rope access. Industrial rope access has been developed by IRATA International for just over 30 years to a point where it is the chosen means of access for much of the work in the offshore oil and gas industry as well as a range of projects in construction, civil engineering, the built and natural environment and much more. Its success is based on thorough training and strict work guidelines that deliver an unrivalled safe working record year after year. The environmental, efficiency and economic benefits have resulted in growing international support for industrial rope access ahead of alternative means of access. IRATA International is a trade association run by its Members. Recent years have seen the organisation grow at a remarkable pace to a point where it has member companies in every continent who collectively work in excess of 22 million hours on ropes every year; a substantial number of rope access technicians are trained and assessed every year and over 115,000 are currently registered with the Association.



Why choose IRATA?

IRATA is the world's lead authority in industrial rope access. The IRATA qualification is recognised world-wide and gives the IRATA technician an opportunity to work anywhere in the world in the rope access industry. IRATA International has dedveloped it's training scheme (TACS); and guidelines (IRATA ICOP); for over 30 years to a point where it is the chosen means of access for much of the work in the offshore oil and gas industry as well as a range of projects in construction, civil engineering, the built and natural environment and much more. It's important to note that the majority of major clients around the world only recognise the IRATA training and qualification as adequate foundations for all rope access technicians on their facilities, and require all rope access technicians to be IRATA trained and certified. The MOST important reason for choosing IRATA is the thorough training and strict work guidelines that deliver an unrivalled safe working record year after year.



What's the difference between IRATA Level 1, 2 and 3?

Levels of IRATA qualification

Rope access Technicians are grouped into three technical grades depending on their experience and level of assessment.

LEVEL 1

Entry Level. This is a rope access technician who is able to perform a specified range of rope access tasks under the supervision of a Level 3 rope access safety supervisor.

He/she is:

  • able to understand and follow the rope access procedures, method statements and associated risk assessments;
  • responsible for pre-use checks of his/her own rope access equipment;
  • able to assist in rigging and other operations, under the guidance of a higher grade;
  • able to undertake a simple rescue in descent; and assist in rescue operations.

NOTE While in the process of being trained to Level 1, a person is considered to be a trainee.

LEVEL 2

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.

LEVEL 3

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.



Can I go straight to IRATA Level 2 or Level 3?

The short answer is no. To progress from IRATA Level 1 to IRATA Level 2, a technician must complete (as a minimum),1000 logged hours over a 12 month period. To progress from IRATA Level 2 to IRATA Level 3, a technician must complete (as a minimum), a further 1000 logged hours over a 12 month period.



What is the Cancellation Policy?

You can view our Cancellation Policy here- https://www.allareasaccess.com.au/cancellation-policy



How long does the IRATA qualification last?

Each IRATA Level qualification lasts 3 years.

IRATA re-assessments are required every three years at all levels, following a minimum of four days of training.



How many people will be on the course?

We are one of the busiest IRATA rope access training companies in the world! Our famous world-class rope access facilities and training systems have earnt us an enviable reputation internationally. This has resulted in our courses being booked out every week! Our IRATA rope access courses have 6-8 candidates every week!



Is there parking at the IRATA training center?

Yes, there is plenty of secure parking at our IRATA rope access training training facility.



What do need to wear for the IRATA course?

Wear loose, comfortable clothes and avoid tight pants or jeans. Climbing pants, track suits, coveralls and long shorts (not short, shorts!) are examples of acceptable and comfortable clothes for training. Work boots and work pants are fine but a plain cotton tee- shirt (with sleeves) is advised for comfort and hygiene.

You must wear totally enclosed shoes such as trainers, hiking boots or safety boots.



What do I need to bring to the course?

If you are revalidating your IRATA certification at any level you must bring your up to date IRATA logbook to the training course.

Make sure your logbook is up to date; it is correctly filled out, and; it contains accurate information. If these things are not in check, the trainer has the right to refuse to train you, and your assessor will not assess you.



How do I get into rope access Geotechnical work?

Cliffs and high rocks are rarely in a position where semi-permanent access can be employed. Natural wear and tear, the sea and weather erosion can present problems that must be addressed. IRATA companies have worked on many large-scale sites in several continents where the stabilisation work undertaken has preserved cherished historic views, maintained roadways and even kept substantial land masses from being lost forever. The sports and tourist industry, which is sometimes more ready than other industries to support rope access methodology, have benefited significantly from their willingness to explore rope access solutions. Long established road and rail embankments works are seldom completed without the use of rope access. Clearing rock for road widening is often a task attributed to IRATA teams. The following examples of complimentary certifications & qualifications may be useful if you wish to break into the Geotechnical market- > IRATA L1, L2 or L3 > MSIC > Dogging & Rigging > Concreting & Grouting > Mechanical Fitting



How do I get into rope access Offshore Oil & Gas?

IRATA began its life by providing teams to inspect, maintain, repair and renovate the offshore platform. This was in answer to the companies operating these rigs who had found other means of access to be of limited use in the offshore environment, with their structures and machinery taking up too much of the limited space available; and at times prejudicing the whole safety regime of the rig, including emergency evacuation. It was not long before the international oil and gas companies came to insist on IRATA systems being employed whenever rope access was used on their platforms and, today, such requirements are almost universal for this industry. Many offshore rope access technicians have specialist work-related qualifications relevant to inspection and maintenance. The following examples of complimentary certifications & qualifications may be useful if you wish to break into the offshore oil & gas market- > IRATA L1, L2 or L3 > BOSIET > CSTP > MSIC > Dogging & Rigging > Scaffolding > NDT (MT, PT, ET, UT, RT etc) > NACE > Painting & Blasting > Electrical > Insulation



How do I get into rope access shut-down work in the Mines?

The absence of cumbersome access equipment enables IRATA companies to become work solution providers at mine sites, power stations, refineries and storage depots where the low spark/ignition issue can also determine a decision in favour of IRATA. Work undertaken can range from shut-downs, basic inspection, and minor repair works to substantial maintenance and even removal and replacement of structure or equipment. There is also a role for IRATA rope access when ageing buildings need to be renovated, decommissioned or dismantled. The following examples of complimentary certifications & qualifications may be useful if you wish to break into the energy or renewables market- > IRATA L1, L2 or L3 > BOSIET > CSTP > MSIC > GWO > Dogging & Rigging > Scaffolding > NDT (MT, PT, ET, UT, RT etc) > NACE > Painting & Blasting > Electrical > Concrete inspection



How do I start work in the City?

Rope access teams can move around the most complex of structures by means of their ropes alone and can either carry the necessary tools with them or use another rope system to deliver them to the required position. There are occasions where one particular part of a major structure is impossible to reach by the method being used for the other parts. In such cases, the need to devise a major additional means of access can be prevented by the introduction of rope access. Today, the application of Industrial rope access can be seen in most major cities, large towns or industrial complexes around the world. It is of little surprise that men and women on ropes, often operating on buildings without those inside even knowing they are present, are very popular with building managers, environmental services personnel and urban authorities. Generally speaking an IRATA technician can start work immediately with no other formal qualifications. There are many jobs which only require a good attitude to safety, and a degree of manual dexterity. The following works are commonly performed onshore by rope access technicians- > Window cleaning > Bolt change-out and torquing > Concrete repairs and maintenance > Confined space and rescue > Dropped objects surveys > Fabrication and welding > Fire sensor maintenance > Height safety systems > Load testing > Mechanical and pipe fitting > Painting and coating > Shut-downs and plant outages > Roof plumbing > Sign installation and maintenance



Does my level of fitness matter?

A level of fitness for rope access is important.

Rope access is physically demanding work and the training is physically intensive and mentally challenging.

Candidates shall be expected to ascend the ropes multiple times a day utilising climbing equipment.

They should be physically fit and unaffected by any medical condition that may prevent them from undertaking their training requirements and performing any manoeuvre required during training and assessment.

Candidates should be in good health, physically fit and consider themselves suitable to undertake rope access training and assessment. Candidates should not have any medical conditions or contra-indications that may prevent them from working safely.



How do I book into an IRATA course?

There are 2 ways to book into an IRATA course-



What do I do if my IRATA qualification has expired?

Holders of recently expired Level 1, 2 or 3 certificates should contact an IRATA International trainer member company for information on available course dates. They will need to successfully complete an IRATA rope access course before working as an IRATA rope access technician.

Holders of expired Level 2 or Level 3 certificates that have been expired for more than 6 months should contact an IRATA International trainer member company for information on revalidation procedure. To ensure rope access Technicians are up to date with certification, re-assessment may be done up to 6 months before due expiry date without any time penalty.



What if I don't work on the ropes for more than six months?

Rope access technicians not engaged in rope access work for six months or more should attend refresher training.

This must be done by a current IRATA Level 3 in a suitable facility where the rope access technician can demonstrate the required skill and knowledge expected of a technician at that particular IRATA Level.

On successful completion, the IRATA Level 3 will sign off and register the technician's 'Refresher Training' in his/her IRATA log book. At this point the rope access technician can resume working as an IRATA rope access technician.



Why choose All Areas Access for my IRATA training?

All Areas Access is proud to own the biggest and busiest dedicated IRATA rope access training facility in the Southern Hemisphere, if not the world (we're working on it)! Our success is attributable to our famous world-class facility and training systems, our international instructors, and our combined industry presence and experience. We have two instructors on every IRATA course so everyone gets adequate attention. Our facility is designed to replicate real-life scenarios in various industries, and intelligently rigged so that all candidates get maximum 'air-time', resulting in best possible exposure and results. We encourage you to come and say hi. Come check it out for yourself and meet the awesome crew in action. We will show you around and tell you everything you need to know.



Can I ask another question?

You can leave us a message here- https://www.allareasaccess.com.au/irata-rope-access-course



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