Discrepancy Type: What Discrepancy is One Point of Contact
Major
Minor
Minor but could be a Major
Not a discrepancy
Discrepancy Type: Anchor Lanyards and device lanyards, e.g. Cows' tails attached dangerously.
Minor but could become a Major
Discrepancy Type: A swing that could cause injury to personnel or damage to equipment or property
The TMCs shall ensure all evidence used to meet the training and assessment criteria is held for a minimum of ___ Years
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
How many candidates can an IRATA Assessor assess in 1 calendar day?
Six
Eight
Three at each level
Depends on the amount trained
A Rescue Dummy must be at least 70Kg
Only the Level 3 Rope Access Technicians is responsible for ensuring that their first-aid certificates is appropriate and current.
IRATA’s safe system of work comprises three main elements: a) the International Code of Practice (ICOP) [TC-102]; b) the Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS) [TC-101]; c) audited member companies and their operating procedures.
Who shall show awareness of these three main elements?
Level 1
Level 2
Levels 2 and 3 only
All candidates
_______ shall demonstrate an understanding of the risk assessment process, and shall be capable of identifying hazards that may affect rope access activities
The Level 2
The Level 3
All Levels
The Rope access manager
All candidates shall show awareness of the requirement to confirm that rope access is a suitable method for the task.
_____ candidates shall demonstrate their understanding by assessing the suitability of rope access for a variety of scenarios.
Level 3
Who shall be capable of identifying common situations where other access methods such as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPS), or using work restraint or fall arrest systems would be more appropriate
All personnel
The Rope Access manager
The selection of personnel for a rope access team is heavily dependent on the task and needs to take account of a number of factors, including:
The number of rope access Technicians required
levels of competence and experience in rope access
levels of competence and experience in any other relevant trade (e.g. non-destructive testing)
Time to perform the task
The rescue plan
All candidates shall show awareness of the requirements for supervision and rescue provision under the IRATA system.
______ shall be capable of specifying a suitable team, including the number of rope access Technicians, levels of competence, and roles, for various scenarios.
Level 2 and 3 candidates
Level 3 candidates
All candidates shall be capable of implementing a safety method statement, including briefing their team.
________ shall show awareness of the need for creating and maintaining exclusion zones and the role of permit-to-work systems.
Level 2 and 3
The Rope Access Manager
Level ___ rope access Technicians shall be capable of preparing and implementing both evacuation and rescue plans
Level 3 rope access Technicians are required to hold a current first-aid certificate, which should be appropriate to their work and its location, only if they work for an IRATA Member Company.
Who ______ shall show awareness of current advice on suspension intolerance, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Both Levels 2 and 3
Level 3's
___________ shall demonstrate an understanding of appropriate marking and storage procedures for rope access equipment.
All candidates shall demonstrate functional, visual, and tactile pre-use checks of all personal equipment.
___________ candidates shall demonstrate functional, visual and tactile pre-use checks of all ropes and rigging equipment.
Level 2 and Level 3
All
All rope access equipment should be maintained within a formal inspection procedure that ensures all items are subject to a detailed inspection by a competent person at intervals not exceeding _____ months.
3 month
12 month
6 months
____________ shall make out an inspection report on the condition of damaged or worn equipment provided.
Level 2 candidates
Level 2 & 3 candidates
All Candidates
_________ shall be capable of performing a ‘buddy’ check of a rope access Technician wearing similar equipment
Level 2 and Level 3 candidates shall be capable of fitting and assembling personal rope access equipment, for themselves and others using a variety of equipment.
All candidates shall show awareness of the minimum recommended strength requirements for rope access anchors within the IRATA ICOP. This is?
10 kN
12 kN
15 kN
21 kN
All candidates shall demonstrate tying, dressing, and setting the following knots, and have an awareness of their strengths, applications, and limitations:
Which group of knots is not assessed?
a) figure-of-eight on a bight; b) double figure-of-eight on a bight (‘bunny’ knot); c) figure-of-nine on a bight; d) alpine butterfly; e) scaffold or ‘barrel’ knot; f) stopper knot.
a) figure-of-nine on a bight; b) double figure-of-eight on a bight (‘bunny’ knot); c) figure-of-ten on a bight; d) alpine butterfly; e) scaffold or ‘barrel’ knot; f) stopper knot.
_____________ shall demonstrate appropriate rope joining knots, choking of ropes and slings, and knowledge of relevant applications, strengths, and limitations.
Level 2 and Level 3 candidates
As a minimum, a basic anchor system consists of one rope, with an anchor connection
All candidates shall demonstrate the rigging of a basic anchor system. Level 2 and 3 candidates shall be expected to demonstrate rigging at height.
All candidates shall demonstrate the rigging of a small Y-hang between anchors less than ______ apart.
1m
2m
3m
Any distance
Level 3 candidates shall show awareness of the issues of angle loading and potential swings associated with large or wide Y-hangs.
________ shall be capable of identifying common hazards and shall demonstrate selecting and implementing appropriate methods of rigging or protection.
Level 1 candidates
Level 2 and 3 candidates shall demonstrate the correct rigging of a re-anchor at height. For Level 2 candidates, the offset shall be less than 2.5 m. For Level 3 candidates, the offset must be less than 6m.
Level 2 and 3 candidates shall demonstrate the correct rigging of a re-anchor at height. For Level 2 candidates, the offset shall be less than 1.5 m.
Level 2 candidates shall demonstrate the correct rigging of a pull-through from both the ground and from the anchor points. Level 3 candidates shall demonstrate the correct rigging of a pull-through from the anchor points only.
Retrievable rigging methods (often called ‘pull-throughs’) allow ropes to be installed or retrieved remotely. They should be considered to be temporary rigging for access or egress and, therefore, are often used in rescue.
All candidates shall demonstrate appropriate rigging of work restraint lines
Level 2 and Level 3 candidates shall demonstrate appropriate rigging of work restraint lines
__________ shall demonstrate rigging a temporary fall arrest system to protect a vertical climb.
Level 1 and Level 2 candidates
_____________ shall demonstrate rigging tensioned lines at any positional angle.
__________ shall show awareness of rigging for rescue and of the benefits of doing so. Casualty care and the possibility of suspension intolerance should be taken into account.
__________ shall demonstrate the operation of a simple pre-rigged-for-rescue system, to enable evacuation of a casualty by an unimpeded lower.
All candidates shall show awareness of the use of hauling systems for rescue.
________ shall demonstrate a cross haul of a casualty between two points.
___________ should look for a cross haul that avoids the potential for an out-of-control swing, (e.g. one caused by the failure of a single item of equipment) by the use of an appropriate back-up.
Assessors
Trainers
Candidates shall maintain two independent safety attachments when employing rope access techniques unless the candidate is:
using a fall arrest system
close to the ground
Almost completed the maneuver
A level 3
Level 2 and Level 3 candidates may be required both to rig ropes and then to perform maneuvers on their own rigging.
__________ shall demonstrate descending using ascending devices without releasing the ascending device from the rope.
All candidates shall demonstrate passing a Single-anchor deviation in both ascent and descent modes. Levels 2 and 3 only need to pass through a Double-anchor deviation.
Deviations: Assessors should note that a small out-of-control swing shall be considered a Major discrepancy.
Discrepancies: a swing that could cause injury to personnel or damage to equipment or property shall be considered a major discrepancy
All candidates shall demonstrate, in both ascent and descent modes, passing a re-anchor whose offset shall be less than 1.5 m.
Level 2 and Level 3 candidates shall demonstrate passing a re-anchor whose offset may be any distance apart
Level 2 and Level 3 candidates shall demonstrate identifying, isolating, and passing minor damage in a rope by tying appropriate knots.
________ shall demonstrate passing a top edge obstruction, where anchor points are at or near right angles to the line of descent, in both ascent and descent modes.
Wrap-around canvas rope protectors may be installed mid-rope to protect the ropes against Sharp and abrasive hazards.
__________ shall understand the principles of fall factors and clearance distances, and their relevance to the different methods of climbing
Levels 1 and 2 candidates
All candidates shall demonstrate horizontal aid climbing, progressing primarily in suspension by moving along: a) a series of fixed anchors; b) with the use of moveable anchors such as strops or slings.
Suitable aid climbs for assessment should cover at least ____ m of horizontal movement and, using movable anchors, should pass at least two separate obstructions.
5
6
7
8
Level 2 and Level 3 candidates shall demonstrate vertical aid climbing, progressing primarily in suspension in an upward direction.
All candidates shall demonstrate climbing using a twin-tailed fall arrest lanyard, maintaining appropriate attachments at all times.
Level 1 candidates shall demonstrate a descent rescue using the casualty’s own ropes.
All candidates shall demonstrate the rescue of an ‘unconscious’ casualty (i.e. feigning immobility) in descent mode, from same set of ropes
All candidates shall demonstrate the rescue of an ‘unconscious’ casualty (i.e. feigning immobility) in descent mode, from an adjacent set of ropes
Level 2 and Level 3 candidates shall demonstrate a mid-rope rescue of an ‘unconscious’ casualty, i.e. feigning immobility, while suspended on ____________ devices.
Descending
Ascending
Level 2 candidates shall demonstrate descending with a casualty through a double-anchor deviation.
___________ shall demonstrate transferring, with a casualty, from one set of ropes to another set of ropes rigged more than 3 m apart.
Level 3 candidates shall demonstrate the rescue of an ‘unconscious’ casualty, i.e. feigning immobility, who is suspended: a) at any point during a wide (more than 3 m apart) rope-to-rope transfer; b) at any point whilst crossing a wide (more than 1.5 m offset) re-anchor (also known as a ‘loop’).
________ candidates shall demonstrate descending with a casualty passing a set of mid-rope knots, taking into account any stretch in the ropes. The rescuer may take full advantage of the casualty’s personal equipment.
________ candidates shall demonstrate the rescue of a casualty who is suspended either by a fall arrest system (temporary or permanent) or by twin-tailed fall arrest lanyards.
______ candidates shall demonstrate the rescue of an ‘unconscious’ casualty, i.e. feigning immobility, from an aid climb, where the casualty is directly attached by a short connection and where there are no higher anchors.
A Level 3 rope access Instructor may take sole responsibility for the training of up to 8 candidates, who may be at any IRATA level.
A Level 3 rope access Instructor may take sole responsibility for the training of up to 6 candidates, who may be at any IRATA level.
A Level 3 rope access technician with a Level 1 assistant may train up to six candidates, who may be at any IRATA level;
Rescue dummies weighing at least ___ kg shall be available for rescue exercises. Manual handling precautions shall apply.
50
60
70
80
Training programs shall comprise at least _____ hours over a minimum of _____ days. This time is specific to the course level and will not normally include any refresher time for lower-level requirements.
40 hours over a minimum of 4 days
30 hours over a minimum of 4 days
30 hours over a minimum of 5 days
Training Venues: An area to ascend and descend in free-hanging space shall be available. The working height of this area is recommended to be at least 7 m, but shall not be less than 6 m.
Training venue: An area is required with a height of at least 5 m, where climbing using fall arrest lanyards can be performed using a structure such as a simulated pylon, tower or lattice frame.
Assessments: Candidates who do not provide evidence to meet the prerequisites and/or have not agreed to and signed the ‘Terms and Conditions of Assessment’ on the ‘Technician Assessment Form’ [FM-025] are not permitted to proceed to the Assessment.
Assessments: The Trainer Member Company shall ensure a Level 1-3 technician is in attendance throughout the Assessment to provide rescue cover and first aid support; and shall have thorough knowledge of the Training provided to the Candidates being assessed.
Assessment: During the Assessment, Trainers shall not assist Candidates in any way, unless the Assessor is not looking.
Admin: Trainer Member Companies shall enter the required information for each Candidate on the IOS Assessment Day Form (ADF), a minimum of _____ hours prior to the Assessment date
36 hours
24 hours
48 hours
72 hours
Admin: Submission of documentation to the IRATA Head Office should be within ____ days after the Assessment.
10 days
20 days
30 days
Admin: It is ________ ____________ that all Instructors have a formal external teaching qualification to assist them in the delivery of Training.
strongly recommended
Legally required
highly advise
Eligibility: All rope access technicians wishing to become Trainee Instructors are required to hold an appropriate and current first aid qualification.
Eligibility: IRATA Level 2 rope access technicians may register with IRATA as Trainee Instructors and begin to log their Training experience, but may not teach or log Level 2 or Level 3 topics until they have trained enough candidates.
Assessors: The primary role of the Assessor is to ensure that each Candidate demonstrates performance of the required tasks in a safe manner and follows the IRATA ‘TACS’ [TC-101].
Assessors: Assessors should make their instructions clear and remember they are being paid to pass candidates.
Assessors: An Assessor shall not assess at more than two training venues in any one calendar day.
Assessors: An Assessor shall not assess at more than One training venue in any one calendar day.
Assessor: An Assessor shall not assess more than 12 Candidates in any one calendar day
Assessor: An Assessor shall not assess more than ______ Candidates in any one calendar day
Nine
Minor Discrepancy: A Minor Discrepancy is where a Candidate has not committed a Major Discrepancy, but can still be seen to have compromised their safety or the safety of others. Three Minor Discrepancies constitute a fail.
Major Discrepancy: A Major Discrepancy is a critical safety issue, where the Candidate has put them self or others at risk. One Major Discrepancy constitutes a fail. This ends the Assessment.
Discrepancies: The Assessor shall inform the Candidate of discrepancies and explain the safety issue(s) arising from the situation when safe to do so.
Assessment: All IRATA Assessments shall be recorded in the rope access technician’s Logbook. The record shall include the date and outcome (pass/ fail) and shall be signed by the Assessor.
Assessment: Where a Candidate fails an upgrade Assessment, the Candidate’s existing Certification should remain valid until expiry (see 9.4.5).
Assessment: Where a Candidate fails a revalidation Assessment, the Candidate’s existing Certification shall not remain valid (see 9.4.6 and 9.4.7).
Assessments: Level 3 Candidates shall undertake a Theory Examination and be awarded one of the following outcomes for their Examination: • Greater than or equal to 70% - Pass • Greater than or equal to 50% but less than 70% - Minor Discrepancy • Less than 50% - Major Discrepancy
Assessments: In any exercise or maneuver, Assessors should consider the time taken to complete each task. Where excessive time taken may place the Candidate (and any casualty being rescued) in danger, excessive time taken may be considered a Minor or Major Discrepancy, depending on the circumstances
Discrepancies: No back-up to protect against a potential out-of-control swing that may cause injury or damage in the event of failure of an item of equipment.
Major discrepancy
Minor discrepancy
Discrepancies: No helmet at height
Discrepancies: Critical harness connectors unfastened or unsecured, e.g. screw links (maillon rapides)
Discrepancies: Unsuitable choice of rope protection measures.
Discrepancies: Misuse causing damage to equipment.
Discrepancies: Uncontrolled descent during rescue.
No discrepancy
Discrepancies: Back-up or other devices used upside down.
Discrepancies: Excessive slack in connection to an ascending device used as a point of attachment
Discrepancies: A swing that could cause injury to personnel or damage to equipment or property.
Discrepancies: Attaining less than 50% on the Theory Examination (Level 3 only).
Discrepancies: Descending device not locked off or no control of the tail rope;
Discrepancies: Attachment connectors not secured;
Discrepancies: Critical personal fall protection equipment dropped;
Minor but could be a major discrepancy
Discrepancies: No braking karabiner used when required;
Discrepancies: Critical personal fall protection equipment missing from the harness set-up
Major Discrepancy
Minor Discrepancy
Level 2 and Level 3 Candidates shall demonstrate functional, visual and tactile pre-use checks of all ropes and rigging equipment.
Assessors may assess the tying of knots combined with other elements of the Assessment, e.g. while rigging. Assessors shall allow Levels 2 and 3 and candidates to use other appropriate knots not listed above.
