History of IRATA

IRATA, the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association, was formed in the UK in the late 1980’s, to solve maintenance problems in the offshore oil and gas industry. Its formation was the result of an initiative of a number of leading companies who had begun to use industrial rope access techniques, to provide a safe working environment for the industry. The rope access technique developed by IRATA has now come to be used in a wide range of repair, maintenance, inspection and access work. Since it provides an unrivalled safety record, a quick set-up and dismantling time, positive environmental benefits and no need for invasive access equipment or disruption of the site, the IRATA system of rope access continues to enjoy increasing popularity throughout the world.

IRATA is now recognised as the world’s leading authority on industrial rope access. It has over 200 member companies around the world and has trained in excess of 30,000 rope access technicians worldwide. The Association directs and manages through its members the training of all workers seeking its qualifications. These member companies provide training or operational services, or both.

IRATA aims

To be the leading worldwide organisation for rope access.
To promote and maintain high standards, safety, work quality and working practices for the industrial rope access industry.

To be dedicated to the protection of individuals working in rope access.
To promote continuous improvement in all aspects of rope access.
To promote continues improvement in the education and training aspects of rope access.

IRATA’s main activities are to:

Promote and maintain a high standard of:
industrial rope access activities in terms of safety and work quality.
Provide guidance on training and certification of personnel involved in Industrial Rope Access.
Produce publications and guidance on good working practice, training and other related topics.
Prepare submissions and provide informed opinion and advice to government departments and others on matters concerning work-at-height health, safety and training.
Assist working parties charged with commenting on and discussing existing and draft legislation and directives.
Ensure safe rope access training and work procedures are where these methods are introduced and developed.
Provide a forum for the free and informal exchange of experience and opinion.