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Here at MMX we have a passion for achieving the highest level of safety for our staff, enabling the delivery of first-class service in the safest way possible. When it comes to controlled conditions like tower climbing, it is paramount to safeguard against any accidents and injuries. This is where our IRATA level 3 qualified technicians come in. They are the experts in supervising rope access projects to ensure a safe environment while working at height. Check out our IRATA full member (operator) certificate.

What are IRATA levels 1, 2 and 3?

The Rope Access Industry (IRATA) is the sole global trade association in the work-at-height sector. They provide the most authoritative training courses on industrial rope access in the world. The rope access training comes in three levels and should be renewed every 3 years, here is how IRATA defines them:

Level 1: This is a rope access technician who is able to perform a specified range of rope access tasks under the supervision of a Level 3.

Level 2: This is an experienced rope access technician who has Level 1 skills plus more complex rigging, rescue and rope access skills, under the supervision of a Level 3.

Level 3: Level 3 is the top level in the IRATA certification scheme. This is a rope access technician who is capable of complete responsibility for rope access safety in work projects; is able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required of Levels 1 and 2; is conversant with relevant work techniques and legislation; has an extensive knowledge of advanced rigging and rescue techniques; holds an appropriate and current first aid certificate and has knowledge of the IRATA training, assessment and certification scheme.

For further detail on what each course level covers, Arco Services have a good explanation on their website.

MMX’s in-house IRATA level 3 technicians

We have our own team of IRATA qualified professionals at all levels. Our Level 3 technicians are able to work with any rope access qualified personnel because of the universal training standard by IRATA. Investing in this accreditation underlines our dedication to the needs of our offshore clients and our commitment to a safe working environment for all.

Below are some of the techniques that our professionals follow to ensure safety while working at height:

Working in Fall Arrest

The most basic requirement when it comes to techniques to avoid falling and hitting the ground when climbing is Fall Arrest. This is when a downward free fall is stopped by the aid of harnesses and anchor points where lanyards feature shock absorbers to limit injury to the body in the event of a fall. Climbers can make their workspace even safer with work positioning, aka rope access. This means working in suspension on a rope so a climber cannot fall and is much easier to rescue if anything should happen. In addition, a rescue plan is required to ensure that if a fall occurs, the person can be rescued as quickly and safely as possible.

Rope access

Rope access requires thorough training. On site, there has to be a top anchor to rig from, ropes need to be managed and protected from damage and it requires longer set up time and a detailed method statement and rescue plan from the supervisor.

When in action, our level 3 supervisors climb ladders in fall arrest to access the platform above the work position then rig a set of ropes that reach the ground. This would allow anybody to reach the work area from above with no danger of taking a fall, and allows for easy access to the ground if a rescue is needed. Rope access also requires the use of two ropes as opposed to the fall arrest rescue technique of just the one rope, there’s always a backup in rope access. Any work involving abseiling from a rooftop has to be done using rope access.

We are proud of our in-house team of highly-skilled and experienced IRATA qualified technicians. The team is capable of the vigilant supervision of your rope access projects in all industries. Please reach out to a member of our friendly team for more information about our services or to discuss your requirements.