Training Opportunities | Access Techniques

IRATA Rope Access

Overview

We specialise in teaching Industrial Rope Access to IRATA standards, and are based in Sheffield, UK. Our training centre is in a Grade II listed Victorian Barracks, where the 14m high Drill Hall provides an excellent all-weather training area on beautiful arched steelwork; a scale version of that used in G-MEX and St. Pancras.

Trainees are assured of a variety of realistic situations and genuine exposure to height – we train to 12m as standard. Below is a list of the things you will learn within our course depending on the training level required and competence to be assessed.

IRATA Level 1 is the basic operator qualification that all technicians need to get started in the industry. Course fee includes IRATA registration.

During this demanding course, you’ll learn:

The basics of IRATA’s double rope system
How to assemble a harness for Rope Access
Essential knots for rigging ropes and cowstails
Climbing and descending ropes
Basic rope manoeuvres – passing knots, deviations, rebelays and rope to rope transfers
Aid Climbing with cow’s tails
Using Fall Arrest lanyards and systems
Rescuing a fellow worker from a basic abseil situation

IRATA L1 Guidance Videos

IRATA Level 2 is the advanced operator qualification for technicians wanting to progress in the industry. Course fee includes IRATA administration.

During this intensive course, you’ll learn:

Advanced rigging methods such as wide ‘y’ hangs, tensioned lines and retrievable pull-throughs.
Basic hauling systems for retrieving a casualty
Rescues from ascent mode, and from aid climbs
Rescues through most common manouevres – rope to rope transfers, deviations and rebelays
Theory topics include calculating safe working loads, rigging angles, and hauling ratios

IRATA L2 Guidance Videos

IRATA Level 3 is the supervisor qualification for IRATA rope access teams. You will learn to have complete responsibility for the team’s safety.

During this intensive and demanding course, you’ll learn:

Planning jobs, assigning manpower, and anticipating problems
Rescues from any possible situation – including worst case scenarios
Hauling casualties through 3-dimensional constraints
Equipment’s capabilities and limitations
Theory topics include planning rescues, amending method statements, and relevant legislation

IRATA L3 Guidance Videos

Course Structure

All training courses have practical elements. Ensure you are physically and mentally fit for the course you intend to attend. Make sure you have had a good nights sleep and are free from the influences of alcohol, drugs or medication.

On enrolment you will be required to provide ID documents to prove who you are. Please don’t forget this.

It’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with any guidance videos we suggest for your training course if available.

To upgrade to a higher IRATA level you need to show that you have met the required criteria. Your IRATA logbook showing the number of rope access hours worked will be required at enrolment. All entries should be countersigned by the task L3 Supervisor or a Responsible Manager within your Organisation.

Confirm travel plans and review your route prior to the morning of enrolment. If you are late you will not be permitted to enrol unless you have extenuating circumstances, and even then only with the explicit agreement of your instructor.

You can find details of public transport links and local parking availability by viewing your joining instructions.

We are happy to advise on local accommodation however; we accept no responsibility for the quality or availability of your chosen hotel/guesthouse. Please contact us for more information.

Start times for all courses are clearly shown on the course information page and also in your joining instructions. Please ensure you attend the venue on time every day. Failure to complete all the required training hours may mean you are ineligible for assessment or certification, without refund.

Remember to ask for help if you need assistance in completing paperwork or understanding tasks.

You will be required to complete paperwork to confirm your physical and mental fitness, your eligibility to attend the training course and also for registration with the certificating body your course is approved by.

As with every training centre there are certain responsibilities that you as a Candidate have. You will be made aware of our rules and requirements at enrolment and throughout your time with us. Please listen carefully to these and make sure you adhere to them.

Each course no matter the subject has aspects of both practical and classroom training. Normally classroom topics such as the reason why you require training, the legal implications of not having such training and best practice will be briefed initially. Practical scenarios along with individual and team based exercises will compliment your training; to ensure you are ready for assessment at the end of the course.

Refreshments will be provided in the form of tea and coffee only. There is a fridge for you to use whilst you are with us. There are also a number of local shops and food outlets for lunches locally.

Refreshment and smoking breaks are to be taken at suitable times throughout the day in conjunction with your instructor. Lunch will be a longer break taken by all candidates normally around midday.

Access Techniques, it’s representatives and instructors have a duty of care for you also. We promise to do everything reasonably practicable to ensure you are safe and looked after at all times when attending our venue. We promise to act in your best interests in both training, advice, and assessment. We pride ourselves in employing only safe, responsible and approachable members of staff.

Above all; we ask you to have a safe and polite demeanor ensuring you treat our experienced instructors and your fellow candidates with respect.

Review any training material you have been provided with the night before your assessment day if applicable (some courses are continuous assessment). Refresh yourself on any applicable guidance videos we have provided for your course.

Ensure that you have had a good nights sleep and are free from the influences of alcohol, drugs or medication.

If you have an external Assessor responsible for certifying your competence. Rest assured that in addition to them being proven as competent by their respective Organisations, Access Techniques has also reviewed their ability to assess you. We believe they are acting in not only your best interests, but also that of those you will be working for, with or in charge of.

The IRATA Assessment will include a team exercise no matter which level of competence you are being trained or assessed to.

Ensure that you have had a good nights sleep and are free from the influences of alcohol, drugs or medication.

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