IRATA
What is IRATA?
IRATA is the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association; for years they have introduced and upheald an International code of ethics to which all Industrial Rope Access companies, Rope Access Rescue & training providers, IRATA level 1, IRATA level 2, IRATA level 3 Training Providers and IRATA supervisors adhere to (Rope access is often and mistakenly known as abseiling).
IRATA Promote and maintain a high standard of Industrial rope access activities in terms of safety and work quality and provide guidance on IRATA training and IRATA certification of personnel involved in Industrial Rope Access. They produce publications and guidance on good working practice, training and other related topics.
IRATA Prepare submission and provide informed opinion and advice to government departments and others on matters concerning health, safety and training. They assist working parties charged with commenting on and discussing existing and draft legislation and directives; they also assist in the provision of appropriate educational training and certification opportunities for personnel employed in Industrial Rope Access.
IRATA Provide a forum for the free and informal exchange of experience and opinion.
Safety is paramount in our industry. Since its formation irata, and its member companies, have worked assiduously to:
improve safety in the industry.
produce an industry standard set of guidelines and training requirements.
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 have been NO major or fatal accidents amongst its members during rope access operations. 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.
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 Guidelines for safe working, which the Health and Safety Executive (UK) have commended. The Guidelines have now been further modified into a general set of 'International Guidelines' with no reference to national standards or health and safety regulations.
All applicants must:
Complete the irata application form submit one year's audited accounts (where applicable)
Agree to abide by the Memorandum & Articles of Association.
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:
Accomplish each task solely in the legitimate interest of the client.
Carry out their tasks with all reasonable skill, care and diligence.
Refrain from treating with staff of clients or other member firms in order to induce them to enter their own service.
Inform the client of any links with the contractors, or other commercial interest which might make their professional impartiality suspect.
Respect and properly apply the laws, regulations, technical rules and accepted professional standards and must not accept contracts. Or instructions incompatible with such rules.
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?
Act so as to injure the professional reputation and prospects or business of another member firm or organisation.
Make exaggerated or unjustified claims.
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
Structural surveys
Non-destructive testing (NDT)
Maintenance and Repair Sealant installation and reinstatement
Localised concrete repairs
Secondary fixings
Replacement of cladding and glazing panels
Cleaning and Painting Jet spray, grit blast and three-tool method
Spray painting
Rollerbrush
Full surface preparation
Window cleaning
Geotechnical (Civil Engineering)Permanent rock anchorage
Soil nailing
Sprayed concrete
Rockfall prevention meshing
Pressure pointing
Construction Cladding
Glazing
Curtain walling
TRAINING
To view our IRATA training course timetable, please navigate the side menu bar or click the links below
