IRATA lev. 1

What is Irata?

Irata (industrial rope access trade association) is an organization of global significance. It is an association whose members are technicians and companies who work on ropes or do training for rope access work throughout the world.
Irata is recognized as the world's leading authority on industrial rope access. The association's aim is to support the activities of its members and technicians, and in the promotion and development of its safe system for rope access work.

Irata qualification system

Irata qualifications are based on a code of “best practice” called icop, and on a training and certification scheme called tacs.
Each irata technician has an “irata logbook” in which to record all hours worked within the irata system.
Irata technician training is structured into three levels, level 1, level 2 and level 3. The course length for each level is 5 days, 4 days of training and 1 assessment day. During the first 4 days, the candidates learn a wide range of techniques for working on rope, including related rescue. In addition to professional development, the goal is to pass the final exam (day 5) conducted by an external assessor. 

Irata level 1 - course program

An irata L1 technician is:
A) able to understand and follow the procedures for work on ropes, knows how to apply the method and make evaluations on the associated risks;
B) responsible for inspections of their own equipment;
C) able to assist in system assembly and other operations, under the guidance of a higher level supervisor;
D) able to undertake a simple rescue involving descent and have a knowledge of hauling systems.

Theoretical component

• Introduction to the IRATA system.
• Legislation, guidelines and technical standards.
• IRATA certification scheme.
• Risk assessment awareness and safety method statement.
• Awareness of work permits, exclusion zones, working practices and organization.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) categories.
• Equipment selection, use, maintenance, checks and inspection.
• Hazardous substances.
• Syllabus and certification scheme.
• Anchor types and systems.
• Angle loading.
• Awareness of fall factors.
• Awareness of hauling systems.
• Suspension trauma and casualty management.

Practical component

• Equipment and rigging
• Assembly and fitting of personal equipment.
• Checking of personal equipment.
• Use of the back-up device.
• Tying, dressing and setting of appropriate knots.
• Rigging a basic anchor system.
• Rigging a small Y hang.
• Awareness of rope and sling protection in rigging.

Maneuvers

• Descent, ascent and changeovers.
• Descent using ascenders and ascent using descenders.
• Passing knots, deviations, a re-belay, rope-to-rope transfer.
• Passing rope protection, passing an edge or obstruction at the top, use of a work seat.

Climbing

• Horizontal aid climbing with cow's-tails using both fixed and movable anchors.
• Climbing with Y-shaped twin fall arrest lanyards.

Rescue/Hauling

• A descent rescue.
• Awareness of a basic haul and lower.

Exam

• The candidate shall demonstrate an aptitude for the type of work.
• The candidate shall demonstrate worksite and personal safety awareness in accordance with relevant national health and safety at work legislation.
• The practical examination shall cover equipment and rigging, maneuvers (on a pre-rigged course), climbing, rescue and hauling.

Documentation issued to participants 

• Certificate of attendance to the course.
• Distribution of the course content.

Payment procedure

Bank transfer within two days of receipt of the course confirmation.

Cancellation

In case of cancellation, Kong S.p.A. will retain:

• 50% of the course fee if cancellation is done 2 working days before the course starts
• the whole fee if cancellation is done the day of the course     

Any absences for health reasons entitle the fee to be suspended only if documented by 12 noon on the first day of the course.