What Do You Need To Know About Irata Training?
When businesses look for companies to work on their tall structures
, they generally look first at IRATA members. This article explores why IRATA has built up its reputation and its demands on registered personnel.
Although IRATA is an international organisation, it is based in the UK and it works closely with the UK health and safety executive. When IRATA was set up, there were no HSE guidelines specific to the "working at height" industry and IRATA has assisted the HSE in drawing up appropriate safety guidelines.
To help review and validate the guidelines, IRATA undertake an annual review of all incidents involving its members and the results are published on its website, www.irata.org. The review is taken into consideration when IRATA training courses are reviewed and when updating guidelines. As a result of the review, at the beginning of 2010, IRATA launched a new international code of practice. This code covers the full rope access process including planning & management, selection & training of technicians, supervision, equipment selection & maintenance, work methods and safety& operational assessments.
All IRATA members have to work within a strict set of guidelines on quality, safety, training and working practices. An ethical standard is also included within the guidelines which include a code of conduct when dealing with clients. IRATA members are audited by an independent third party to ensure that they comply and all IRATA members have to undergo refresher training at least every three years. Organisations employing IRATA companies can therefore be sure that they will receive a professional service from highly trained operatives.
The basis of the IRATA working practice is a two rope system which means that the technician is always working with a back up rope. Each rope is separately anchored and all tools are either attached to the technician or separately tethered. This not only provides security but also enables the worker to be able to reach otherwise inaccessible areas of tall structures. This two rope system has proved so successful that architects are now designing buildings which can only be maintained using IRATA techniques.
There are three levels of certification for IRATA members. All levels require technicians to pass both written and practical examinations. In addition level 2 & 3 technicians have to have logged at least 1,000 hours of IRATA work at the previous level. All IRATA applicants have to sign a medical certificate that confirms that they are free from certain conditions which would preclude them from safely working at height. The following information on IRATA training course content and requirements has been summarised from the IRATA website, www.irata.org.
IRATA Level 1 technician
This level requires no previous experience; however a head for heights is advisable. Training consists of a five day rope access course which will include an assessment by a qualified IRATA assessor and an exam. At the end of the course the technician should be capable of performing a range of activities under the supervision of a level 3 technician. The technician will also be capable of being responsible for their own rope access equipment.
IRATA Level 2 technician This level requires a minimum of 12 months and 1,000 hours experience as a level 1 IRATA rope access technician. Training consists of a 5 day course in rope access, rigging and rescue including an assessment by a qualified IRATA assessor. At the end of the course the technician should be capable of rope access rigging and undertaking rescues, including hauling, under the supervision of a level 3 rope access technician.
IRATA Level 3 technician (supervisor)
This level requires a minimum of 12 months and 1,000 hours experience in rope access work as a level 2 technician. It also requires a suitable first aid certificate and a written recommendation from an IRATA member company or assessor. Training consists of a 5 day course in advanced rope access techniques, rescue, equipment examination and legislation. At the end of the course the technician should be capable of site supervision for rope access projects, have a comprehensive knowledge of advanced rescue techniques and be conversant with relevant work techniques and legislation.
IRATA revalidation
Technicians at all levels are required to undertake a reassessment every three years following a minimum 2 day course. Technicians who have not worked for a period of 6 months also have to undertake an IRATA revalidation assessment. Many IRATA workers will also have qualifications in fields such as electrics or engineering. Organisations employing IRATA companies can therefore be sure that they will receive a professional service from highly skilled operatives.
Whilst IRATA practices originated from techniques used in caving, the field has now expanded to cover such diverse areas as high rise buildings, bridges, statues, wind turbines and even cliff stabilisation projects. With increasing importance being placed on business continuity and risk prevention, IRATA personnel are being called on to assist with regular building inspections and maintenance. These are proving cost effective not only in the early prevention of structural failure but in the comparatively few man hours used in IRATA projects.
Copyright (c) 2010 Filton Kingswood
by: Filton Kingswood
Tips To Plan A Successful Training Conference Know The Significance Of Osh Training Activities 3rd Party Vemma Training That Works Tracking Down Good Microsoft Excel 2007 Training Courses A Brief Information About Ccnp, Mcse, Ccna Training 70-680 Training Tools Fire Fighting Training-essential Requirement For Public What Poker Training Tools Are Right For You? No Other Activity Is Comparable To Strength Training To Houston Video Production Of Web Videos, Training Videos, Commercial Video Productions, Video Web Pro Brain Training Nintendo Ds Lite & Dsi Study Survival Training For Trekking How To Get Faster Results From Training Your Hamster