IRATA International Course

Level 1

He/she is a rope access technician who is able to perform a certain range of tasks at height under the supervision of a level 3 technician. He/she is:

1. able to understand and follow rope access procedures, method statements and assessments and the associated risks;
2. responsible for pre-use checks of his/her own rope equipment;
3. able to set up simple anchorages and other operations under the guidance of a higher grade;
4. able to carry out a simple descent rescue and assist in rescue operations.

An IRATA 1 technician who has not worked in ropes for more than six months must attend a refresh training under the supervision of a Level 3 of the appropriate duration.

Level 2

He/she is an experienced rope access technician who is able to perform more complex tasks under the supervision of a level 3 rope technician. He/she is:

1. able to demonstrate the necessary level 1 skills and knowledge;
2. able to rig more complex situations, including splits, detours and tension lines;
3. able to carry out rescues from a variety of situations;
4. able to assemble and implement lifting and/or lowering systems.

Level 3

An experienced rope access technician who is responsible for understanding and implementing rope access procedures, method statements and associated risk assessments, he/she is

1. is able to demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge of levels 1 and 2;
2. understands the elements and principles of the IRATA international work safety system;
   is familiar with relevant working techniques and legislation;
3. has a broad knowledge of rope access and advanced rescue techniques;
4. holds an appropriate and valid first aid certificate.

A Level 3 may become a rope access supervisor: see ICOP Part 2, 2.6.2 for guidance. IRATA technician certificates are valid for 3 years; renewals must be carried out prior to expiry at an IRATA company with a minimum of 2 days training, however, it is possible to renew expired certificates with full training.