Mission
Representing the rope access industry: IRAA acts
IRAA works to ensure that rope access - and PPE against fall training can take place in a responsible and safe manner without unnecessary or impractical restriction. For example, it is important that reasonable training environments are available to meet requirements and expectations of companies working in the industry, construction sector, geological dangers, tree climbing, etc.
It's important that instructors understand the different teaching requirments and do use appropriate techniques. IRAA does help with providing standards and guidelines.
By encouraging its members to always comply with IRAA and other international rope access standards such as EN/ISO, the rope access industry has proven to be very capable of self-regulation and has grown to its present substantial size in a controlled and responsible way.
IRAA is an important partner and vital link between rope access and PPE against fall education providers, other training organisations and relevant governments and policymakers.
The answer to an often-asked question
Is international recognition necessary to work as a rope access worker or for any work at heights?
There is no requirement anywhere in the world that rope access works requires the qualification of a specific certification system.
Since there are no such requirements in legislation, the more important question to be answered is: Who defines the requirements and the level of expertise a worker must show in order to be eligible for the execution of the project.
It will always be the responsible contractor or client who makes the final decision.
After all, it is his or her responsibility to determine whether the personnel employed is suitable and the working method complies with the nationally applicable requirements.
The decision about accepting or denying a certification based on the size or notoriety of a certifying organisation is wrong and may mislead.
The working methods of IRAA members and IRAA-certified rope access technicians is fully compliant with the ISO standards 22846-1 and 22846-2 (Rope Access Systems) and therefore meeting European and international regulations.
It would therefore be a violation of European law if national supervisory authorities were to prohibit IRAA certified workers at height who comply with both European and possibly more stringent national safety standards, from working on ropes and/or at heights.
Since the safety standard when using rope access and positioning techniques, as required by established certification systems worldwide is extremely high, it can be assumed that the regulations in force in Europe also reflect the international state of the art.
What are some of the reasons for choosing IRAA certified rope access workers or workers at height?
- Conformity with applicable European standards and laws.
- Compliance with the requirements of ISO standards 22846-1 and 22846-2 (Rope Access Systems).
- Written safety, teaching and working standards.
- Annual audits of the training facilities.
- A centrally managed quality management system.
- Written examination regulations and established exam performance requirements.
- 5 Weeks training curriculum for Level 1 and Level 2 courses.
- Guarantee of Examiners being independent from training facilities.
- Certification expiring without participating on regular refresher, update workshops and/or professional continuing education.
- Content and performance requirements for all course levels are accessible online.