IRATA International is a globally recognised association that sets the highest standards for safety, training, and operational excellence in industrial rope access.

So we know that IRATA is at the forefront of safety and excellence in the rope access world, but what exactly is the break down of IRATA Membership? It’s important as both a technician and as a PCBU to know the breakdown of membership.

An individual person who holds a current IRATA International qualification is not a member of IRATA. However they do uphold and agree to operate to the standards set out in the International Code of Practice (ICOP). We encourage you to read the back of your assessment day form one day!

A worker may be trained and hold a IRATA International qualification and not work for an IRATA Member Company.

An organisation may undertake rope access operations, employ IRATA trained technicians, but not hold IRATA membership.

Ultimately, IRATA Membership is for PCBU’s aka businesses! There’s over 650 IRATA Member Companies globally, who enjoy the benefits of membership and can truly say they uphold and operate to the standards outlined in the ICOP.

IRATA International have a comprehensive membership process in two primary categories: Operations and Training. Companies can hold individual membership in one of these sectors, or attain membership with both. IRATA requires that member companies work in accordance with the ICOP and the Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS) and, by doing so, contribute to maintaining the prized safety record of the Association that is unmatched in the access industry; the details of Members’ operational safety records are required to be submitted on a quarterly basis and are independently audited on a three yearly cycle, along with internal audit and quality assurance requirements.

Choosing to work with, or be employed by an IRATA Member Company ensures high standards of safety, training, and professionalism in rope access operations.

Here are key reasons to choose an IRATA Member Company:

1. Commitment to Safety

• Industry-Leading Safety Standards: IRATA’s work methods prioritize minimal risk through robust systems and protocols.
• Proven Track Record: IRATA members collectively report one of the lowest accident rates in the working-at-heights industry.

2. Certified Personnel

• IRATA technicians undergo rigorous training and certification at three levels, ensuring their competence and knowledge are up to date.
• Regular assessments and adherence to a structured career progression system maintain technician skills and safety awareness.

3. Compliance with International Standards

• Member companies operate in accordance with IRATA’s International Code of Practice (ICOP), ensuring compliance with global safety and operational guidelines.
• IRATA certification is recognized and respected worldwide, making member companies ideal partners for international projects.

4. Regular Audits and Accountability

• Member companies are subject to regular independent audits by IRATA to verify compliance with the association’s stringent requirements.
• Adherence to strict membership criteria ensures consistent quality and reliability.

5. Global Network and Support

• IRATA’s extensive network of member companies and technicians ensures a collaborative and resource-rich environment.
• Members benefit from access to IRATA’s resources, including training, guidance, and technical advice.

6. Ethical and Professional Practices

• IRATA members are committed to ethical business practices and the professional development of their workforce.
• Clients can trust that projects will be completed efficiently and with integrity.

Conclusion

Partnering with an IRATA Member Company provides peace of mind through unmatched safety standards, certified expertise, and a global reputation for excellence in rope access work.

So how do you become a Member Company?

Ascend QM offer consultancy services to businesses looking to attain IRATA Membership, or even maintain existing Membership. Becoming accredited to IRATA International is highly beneficial for companies operating in the rope access sector.

The process of becoming an IRATA Member Company is perceived to be a complex one, but with Ascend QM we can simplify the process and work with you to achieve your desired membership level.

Ascend QM focus on providing expert guidance and solutions to ensure safety and regulatory compliance in industries that required work in elevated environments. The company’s services include consultation on implementing IRATA International standards in the workplace for safe and efficient operations at heights.

This journey often starts with a gap analysis. A gap analysis is a systematic method used to assess the difference (or “gap”) between an organization’s current state and its desired future state. In the context of IRATA International standards, a gap analysis helps identify areas where a company’s existing processes, procedures, or systems fall short of the requirements needed for certification to particular standards as outlined in the IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOP) and the Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS).

If you have an exisiting IRATA International Membership, you can undertake an internal audit with Ascend QM. An internal audit is a systematic, independent, and documented process of evaluating an organization’s operations, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with internal policies, standards, and regulations. In the context of IRATA International, internal audits are a key component of the management system and serve to check whether the organisation’s processes align with the requirements of the ICOP and/or TACS.

If you’d like to learn more about how Ascend QM can assist your business in taking things to the next level, get in touch with us today.

Yours in Safety.

Deborah Chick

Ascend QM CEO