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IRATA

At Specialised Access Solutions Ltd, we are proud to be an IRATA Operating Member company. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of rope access building maintenance is reflected in this globally-recognised accreditation. With a vast expanse of capabilities and a reach that spans across the entirety of the UK, we set ourselves apart from the competition.
The authority in rope access safety

What is IRATA?

IRATA, the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association, was formed in the 1980s in the United Kingdom, in response to a growing demand for regulated and safer operations within the North Sea Oil and Gas sector. The companies operating in this industry recognized the pressing need for a governing body to lay down robust standards, ensuring the safety and reliability of all rope access work.

IRATA stepped into this role, offering an effective solution for a safer, more streamlined approach to industrial rope access. Today, it has grown beyond the North Sea and the Oil and Gas sector, establishing itself as a leading global authority in rope access. With nearly 700 member companies worldwide, it sets the standards for training, procedures, and safety for rope access technicians, ensuring every task is carried out under stringent quality and safety controls.

The IRATA Difference

By maintaining rigorous oversight through annual work and safety analyses and regular auditing of its member companies, IRATA provides a framework that instills confidence in clients worldwide. Its comprehensive Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS) underpins the development and competency of rope access technicians, ensuring they are fully prepared for their roles. These elements combined reaffirm the crucial role that IRATA plays in promoting safety, competency, and operational excellence in the world of industrial rope access.

Look for the IRATA Member logo (and ensure that it shows their member number) when choosing a rope access company for your next project.
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TACS

IRATA Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme

The IRATA Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS) is an integral component of the rigorous standards that IRATA upholds. TACS is a comprehensive, structured program designed to train and certify rope access technicians based on their competency, experience, and time spent on rope access operations.

This program ensures that technicians are not only highly skilled in their work but are also capable of maintaining and enhancing safety standards. Through a series of progressive levels that require a minimum of 1,000 hours and a year's worth of experience each, TACS assures that the technicians who operate under its certification are the best in the field, prepared to undertake their tasks with an unmatched level of professionalism and safety.
Level
1
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.

They are able to check their own equipment, assist in rigging and other operations and able to undertake a simple rescue in descent.

These competencies ensure that even at this primary stage, an IRATA-trained technician is capable, dependable, and can contribute positively and safely to a rope access operation.
Level
2
Level 2 training is for those who have gained experience and competency as a Level 1 technician. At this stage, technicians are taught to perform more complex tasks, still under the supervision of a Level 3 rope access supervisor. This allows for continuous growth and an expanded understanding of the technical aspects of rope access work.

In addition to a broader set of tasks, Level 2 technicians are capable of complex rigging, lifting, and lowering systems, adding a greater level of functionality to their skills. They are also trained to undertake rescues from various situations, further solidifying their role as integral team members in ensuring safety during rope access operations.
Level
3
The highest level of IRATA training, Level 3, is reserved for experienced technicians who have shown a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in rope access procedures. They are responsible for understanding and implementing the rope access procedures, method statements, and associated risk assessments, demonstrating their leadership and responsibility in the field.

These seasoned professionals are familiar with IRATA's safe system of work and the relevant legislation. They can apply advanced rope access rigging and rescue techniques, ensuring the highest levels of safety in complex scenarios. Level 3 technicians are also qualified First Aiders, making them an invaluable asset to any team, able to respond to emergencies with skill and efficiency.
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Why use an IRATA Operating Member company?

There are lots of rope access companies out there. Very few of them are actually IRATA Operating Member companies. Here's why you should use an accredited company.
Assured Quality and Safety Standards
IRATA Operating Member companies undergo rigorous initial audits and frequent re-audits, which ensure their procedures, processes, and operations comply with the IRATA International Code of Practice for Industrial Rope Access. This means, when working with an IRATA Member, you are guaranteed a level of safety and quality that may not be present in non-member companies.
Experienced Technical Authority
An IRATA Member company is mandated to have an appointed Technical Authority within the organisation who meets the stipulated experience requirements. This means you are not only hiring trained technicians but also benefiting from the expertise of a professional who oversees and ensures best practices.
Competency of Technicians
Technicians in an IRATA Operating Member company are trained under the IRATA Training, Assessment, and Certification Scheme (TACS), which ensures they progress through levels of competence based on recorded experience and time spent as a rope access technician. You can be assured of the experience and skill set of the technicians.
Transparency and Accountability
As part of the IRATA network, Member companies are required to contribute to IRATA's annual Work and Safety Analysis, which includes records of active technicians, hours spent on ropes, and incident reporting. This leads to a culture of transparency and accountability, ensuring you are working with a company that values these aspects.
Risk Management
IRATA Member companies are committed to following IRATA’s safe system of work, relevant legislation, and application of advanced rope access rigging and rescue techniques. They place a high importance on risk assessments. Employing an IRATA Member company can significantly reduce the risk factor associated with rope access work.
Reputation and Recognition
Engaging with an IRATA Operating Member company ensures you're working with an organisation recognized by the world's leading authority in rope access. Their reputation is underpinned by the stringent IRATA standards they've met. This association not only gives you peace of mind but can also enhance your own company's reputation by demonstrating a commitment to top-tier safety standards and workmanship in your projects.

Choose an IRATA Operating Member company

In an industry where the stakes are high, it's crucial to make informed decisions that prioritise safety, reliability, and quality of service.

While there are many companies who employ IRATA-trained technicians, this alone does not equate to the full spectrum of standards and requirements upheld by an IRATA Operating Member company. A membership encompasses more than just rope technician training; it signals a comprehensive commitment to best practices, stringent quality control, and an established, audited safety protocol.

You need more than just assurances; you need solid proof that your chosen provider can deliver with the highest standards. At Specialised Access Solutions, we don't merely adhere to these standards, we exemplify them as an accredited IRATA Operating Member. Our company has not just mastered the rigours of the rope, but also the rigours of the industry's most demanding safety and operational standards.

Choosing a company that does not hold this membership could involve compromises that you may not be willing, or can afford, to make. You wouldn't want to risk the safety of your operations and the integrity of your projects.

Make the choice that puts you in a position of confidence and assurance. Choose a company where the depth of expertise, the breadth of experience, and the commitment to safety converge.

Contact us today to find out more about our services and how we can ensure your rope access requirements are met with unmatched professionalism and safety.
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