IRATA

  International Rope Access Trade Association

  IRATA website can be found here

IRATA is the sole global trade association in the work-at-height sector; it has member companies in every continent. Industrial rope access has been developed by IRATA in the last 20 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.

What Is IRATA?

IRATA the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association was formed in the late 1980's, as the result of an initiative by a number of leading companies involved in industrial rope access techniques, to provide a safe working environment for the industry.

Safety is paramount in our industry. Since its formation irata, and its member companies, have worked assiduously to:
a. improve safety in the industry.
b. produce an industry standard set of guidelines and training requirements.
c. provide a comprehensive assessment and registration process for operatives.

Much of this work has been carried in close liaison with the Health and Safety Executive (UK). This has created an effective framework within which, in the decade that irata has been collecting safety statistics, there has been only one recent fatality offshore, and none during onshore work amongst its members. The incident rate for members is consistently well below that of other industries during the same period. Rope access provides an effective, efficient and economic means of access. However it must be carried out in a proficient and safe manner.

All the information on this page can be found at www.irata.org

IRATA's main activities are to:
a. Promote and maintain a high standard of: industrial rope access activities in terms of safety and work quality.
b. provide guidance on training and certification of personnel involved in Industrial Rope Access.
c. Produce publications and guidance on good working practice, training and other related topics.
d. Prepare submission and provide informed opinion and advice to government departments and others on matters concerning health, safety and training.
e. Assist working parties charged with commenting on and discussing existing and draft legislation and directives.
f. Assist in the provision of appropriate educational training and certification opportunities for personnel employed in Industrial Rope Access.
g. Provide a forum for the free and informal exchange of experience and opinion.

Membership Criteria

Each IRATA member is audited by an independent third party auditor to ensure that it has in place correct procedures and systems to ensure that industrial rope access is carried out in a safe manner. Each company is obliged to work in accordance with the conditions laid down in the International Code of Practice, which the Health and Safety Executive (UK) have commended.

All Applicants Must:
a. Complete the irata application form submit one year's audited accounts (where applicable)
b. Agree to abide by the Memorandum & Articles of Association.
c. IRATA members are required to abide by a Code of Ethics and are subject to a strict audit by qualified independent inspectors to ensure that the Association's requirements of Quality Assurance, Safety, Training and Working Practices are being met.

Code Of Ethics

Member firms undertake to respect the rules of professional behaviour. They must accept only tasks for which they possess or have access to the necessary competence and organisation and discharge their duties with complete fidelity.

Members will:
a. Accomplish each task solely in the legitimate interest of the client.
b. Carry out their tasks with all reasonable skill, care and diligence.
c. Refrain from treating with staff of clients or other member firms in order to induce them to enter their own service.
d. Inform the client of any links with the contractors, or other commercial interest which might make their professional impartiality suspect.
e. Respect and properly apply the laws, regulations, technical rules and accepted professional standards and must not accept contracts. Or instructions incompatible with such rules.
f. Respect the personal and professional dignity of employees, colleagues and other persons, and the various persons or entities with whom they deal.

Members will not:
a. Act so as to injure the professional reputation and prospects or business of another member firm or organisation.
b. Make exaggerated or unjustified claims.
c. Offer to make payment, by way of commission or otherwise, for the introduction of business except through accredited agents or brokers.

Where Is Rope Access Used?

There are five main areas in which rope access companies operate (and examples of the range of work carried out)

Inspection and Testing Safety surveys
a. Structural surveys
b. Non-destructive testing (NDT)

Maintenance and Repair Sealant installation and reinstatement
a. Localised concrete repairs
b. Secondary fixings
c. Replacement of cladding and glazing panels

Cleaning and Painting Jet spray, grit blast and three-tool method
a. Spray painting
b. Rollerbrush
c. Full surface preparation
d. Window cleaning

Geotechnical (Civil Engineering)Permanent rock anchorage
a. Soil nailing
b. Sprayed concrete
c. Rockfall prevention meshing
d. Pressure pointing

Construction Cladding
a. Glazing
b. Curtain walling

So How Do You Become Qualified?

No previous experience required. Aptitude for working at height. 

Physicallyand medically fit. Minimum age of 18years.