Rope Access Training (IRATA)

Course Overview

IRATA International is the world’s leading authority on industrial rope access and the only industrial rope access certification that is recognised worldwide.

Industrial rope access (aka twin rope access) training is designed to provide workers with the knowledge and skills to perform work while suspended in a vertical environment. Training covers:

• The relevant IRATA syllabus for the training level being conducted which may include all or some of the following

• Planning and management, including legal framework and understanding of the IRATA international system

• Risk assessment and hazard avoidance

• Equipment selection

• Anchor selection, systems, and knots

• Rigging for rescue and hauling

• Raising and lowering systems

• Rope manoeuvres relevant to IRATA level being assessed e.g. ascent, descent, rope to rope transfers, correct use and management of back-up devices

• Climbing techniques

• Rescuing a fellow worker

This four day course with a fifth day for assessments is suitable for any worker/company who will be required to conduct work such as maintenance or inspection whilst fully suspended at height. Typical work scenarios are:

• High rise window cleaning

• Industrial abseiling

• Painting or maintenance

• Sign installation

• Work on bridges, power stations, mines, cliffs etc.

• Work on offshore plant

Training is designed to be as realistic as possible and enable you to work effectively as a rope access technician.

Course Inclusions

• All necessary equipment can be provided (although we encourage you to bring your own)

• All training conducted by experienced and accredited IRATA Rope Access Technicians, with nationally recognised training qualifications

• Recommendations and advice for specialised PPE and equipment for your particular workplace

• Advice on risk control methods for the type of rope access works to be undertaken

• Plenty of practical hands on training to ensure rope access technicians can ensure personal safety whilst performing suspended works

Revalidation

• Revalidation is required every three years

• Revalidation is required regardless of whether a technician elects to stay at the same level or progress to the next level

Prerequisite Entry Requirements

All candidates

• Minimum age of 18 years

• Have an aptitude for working at height, including responsibility and self-reliance

• Be physically able to perform tasks requiring strength, agility and coordination and able to withstand stresses of hot, cold and inclement situations that may be experienced in the workplace

• Be medically and physically fit (bring approved completed IRATA medical declaration or sign it on the first day of the course)

• If a candidate has a contra-indicated medical condition which is controlled with medication, s/he shall obtain a doctor’s note, to show the training company (Pinnacle), that the condition should not prevent that person doing rope access work providing they have access to the required medication

• All candidates will be required to sign a medical fitness declaration on day 1. Please take time to review this here.

• The IRATA Rope access training course is a big week that will be both physically and mentally exhausting, and passing the assessment on the fifth day will require you to be committed to learning throughout the course. Our trainers will work with you to find a learning pathway that works for your individual learning style and climbing techniques which work for your body, however a good level of fitness will certainly make for an easier week.

• Candidates at all levels must have reasonable Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN), with a focus on numeracy and be able to read and understand risk assessments and work instructions

Level 1 Rope Technician course entry requirements

• Renewing at level 1: Candidates renewing at current level - must bring their in-date IRATA card to show in person to the trainer on day one.

Level 2 Rope Technician course entry requirements

• Minimum of 12 months experience at IRATA Level 1, AND

• 1,000 working hours logged before 3 years expiry date, signed off by an IRATA level 3 supervisor at your current level

• You must bring your valid, signed and up to date logbook on the first day of the course and make sure it has been completed correctly. Unfortunately no course refund is available to candidates who have booked and paid but are turned away due to improperly filled out logbooks.

• Persons seeking to upgrade must undergo a minimum of 4 days training on-course prior to assessment.

• Renewing at level 2: Candidates renewing at current level - must bring their in-date IRATA card to show in person to the trainer on day one.

Level 3 Rope Technician course entry requirements

• Minimum of 12 months experience at level 2, AND

• The minimum period and work experience a Level 3 rope access technician will have is two years and 2,000 logged hours, signed off by an IRATA level 3 supervisor at your current level

• Has an extensive knowledge of advanced rope access rigging and rescue techniques

• You must bring your valid, signed and up to date logbook on the first day of the course and make sure it has been completed correctly. Unfortunately no course refund is available to candidates who have booked and paid but are turned away due to improperly filled out logbooks.

• Persons seeking to upgrade must undergo a minimum of 4 days training on-course prior to assessment.

• Hold an appropriate and current Provide First Aid certificate (Pinnacle Safety and Training can provide this if you do not have a Provide First Aid certificate), before you commence duties on site.

• Renewing at level 3: Candidates renewing at current level - must bring their in-date IRATA card to show in person to the trainer on day one.

• Level 3 IRATA candidates – must be able to calculate basic weights, limits and angles; and write, with no assistance, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), Rescue Plan and complete equipment inspection records

Mutual Recognition and Accelerated Entry

• ARAA and SPRAT qualifications are not equivalent to IRATA qualifications and there is no mutual recognition.

• Candidates with significant rope access experience logged outside the IRATA International System (e.g. holding ARAA, SPRAT or other industry qualification) may be eligible for accelerated entry. For information about Accelerated Entry, 

Certification

Participants who are deemed competent will receive an industry qualification from IRATA (International Rope Access Trade Association) at level 1, 2 or 3.

Our program also includes the option of obtaining the following nationally recognised units at no extra cost:

• RIIWHS204E - Work Safely at Heights

• HLTAID009 - Provide Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation

• HLTAID010 - Provide Basic Emergency Life Support

• HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid

Participants who elect to complete Work Safely at Heights and are deemed competent will receive a Statement of Attainment recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework. Participants who wish to receive this unit are required to complete an additional online theory assessment before the final day of their course, as well as a short practical assessment at the conclusion of their IRATA course.

Participants who elect to complete the Provide First Aid units of competency (HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011) are eligible to enrol and complete their training within 90 days of their initial IRATA course at no cost.

These certifications are nationally recognised. Statements are issued by Pinnacle Safety and Training (RTO 40496).