Why choose an IRATA-Member Rope Access Company?  

Why choose an IRATA-Member Rope Access Company?  

A comprehensive guide on selecting the best rope access company in the UK for your needs.

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Firstly, what is rope access? 

Rope access is a specialised technique used for accessing difficult-to-reach areas, often at significant heights. This method, which involves the use of ropes and associated equipment was traditionally developed from recreational climbing and caving. It wasn’t until the early 1980’s when it was considered for industrial use due to its low impact and safe process. Nowadays rope access is used to perform a wide range of services such as installations, maintenance, inspections, emergency repairs, and cleaning.

Companies are now looking at using as a preferred access system, due to it becoming increasingly popular as it minimises disruption, environmental impact and global risk due to minimal equipment. Using rope access services can also eliminate the need for scaffolding or heavy machinery, making it more cost-effective and versatile.  

The evolution of rope access becoming recognised worldwide as a safe and effective method of working at height, has been significantly influenced by pioneering companies in the UK, including Vertical Access Ltd. These companies have been instrumental in developing and refining safe working practices since the late 1980s through active participation in the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) International. Their efforts have resulted in a robust system which emphasises safety and efficiency when working-at-height.

What is IRATA and what makes it the global standard for industrial rope access? 

IRATA International is the leading worldwide authority on industrial rope access since it was founded in 1987. From its inception IRATA has been working with and endorsed by the HSE in developing standards including BS 7985- the code of practice for the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes.

The organisation has been at the forefront of the development of safe working-at-height solutions, establishing itself as a globally recognised, accredited authority with over 100,000 qualified active technicians and hundreds of member companies operating worldwide.

The IRATA technician certification scheme and IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOP) is widely recognised as the international best practice for rope access personnel and is accredited to ISO 17024 by UKAS (United Kingdom’s national accreditation body). 

The IRATA ICOP, a guide which all IRATA-Members and qualified rope access operatives must follow, is the result of years of extensive consultations among qualified technical experts and Health & Safety professionals. This high level of involvement and technical analysis makes the IRATA guidelines one of the most legitimately sound rope access safety standards in the world.

How does IRATA criteria develop efficient rope access techniques? 

To gain IRATA-Membership, a rope access company must first submit themselves to inde-pendent audit, where they will be reviewed against the IRATA Membership Requirements. Applicant requirements include being a legally incorporated entity with appropriate insurance, have an appointed qualified & competent Technical Authority, must have sufficient and approved equipment & equipment management systems and the applicant rope access company must have documented procedures specific to their intended fields of activity.

Once a company is awarded membership, they receive their unique identification code and can proceed to operate as an IRATA-Approved Membership company. Members are then audited one year after their initial membership entry and cyclical 3-year audits are undergone to monitor that the company is abiding by IRATA standards in their practises.

Audits are conducted independently and by those most-experienced experts within rope access, who are monitoring the company’s compliance against industry best practise. Any non-conformances identified during these audits can result in the suspension or termination of membership, thereby maintaining high safety and quality standards.

What is the wide range of rope access training and certifications available?

IRATA’s UKAS accredited (ISO 17024) Training and Certification Scheme (TACS) ensures that all rope access personnel are proficiently trained and independently assessed.

This scheme consists of three levels: 

• Level 1 Technician: Entry-level rope access technicians who assist in performing tasks under supervision. 
• Level 2 Lead Technician: Experienced rope access technicians who have proven skills and can undertake more complex tasks. 
• Level 3 Site Safety Supervisor: Senior rope access technicians who have the responsibility of supervising all rope access activities, ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed. 

Each level requires IRATA re-certification every three years to ensure that rope access technicians maintain their skills and stay updated on the latest safety practices. Regular re-certification is one of the reasons why IRATA operatives are some of the most competent technicians in the world by actively maintaining their understanding and compliance with the strict safety standards.

What is Vertical Access Ltd.’s involvement with IRATA?

Vertical Access Ltd was first established in 1988 with the aim to develop industrial rope access techniques as a method of access used when working at height. Vertical Access Ltd be-came an IRATA Operator & Training member in 1990 and has been deeply involved with IRATA since then.

Paul Bingham, Managing Director of Vertical Access, has held key positions on the Executive, Health & Safety and Training Committees, leading him to being awarded a long service medal in 2019 for his contribution to the industry and the trade association. 

Vertical Access was one of the first member companies of IRATA, helping develop the mandatory rope access Health & Safety guidelines which are still used as standard today. Vertical Access also volunteered to help write and screen multiple rope access Health & Safety videos which are regularly showcased to IRATA technicians when demonstrating the importance of training and safety when using rope access as a method of practice.

Our close involvement and membership with IRATA has stretched over 35 years. In that time, we have seen rope access develop from being used reluctantly in small projects within the UK to becoming a globally  method of access incorporated by thousands.

Because of our close relationship with IRATA, our company has constantly evolved with rope access, maintaining the highest expertise among our management team and employees. We have abided by these regulations for over 35 years, incorporating them in our industrial rope access services including inspections, repairs, routine maintenance, installations & more.

How do we commit to our values of Safety, Quality, Innovation & Agility as an IRATA-Member?

Safety

Vertical Access Ltd prioritises safety by employing dedicated Rope Access Managers who ensure that all site workers comply with IRATA requirements and adhere to strict safe work practices. Additionally, a Rope Access Technical Authority oversees the safe delivery and continuous improvement of the rope access management system.

Our data collection system logs all rope access hours and reports incidents to IRATA on a quarterly basis, with serious incidents swiftly reported within seven days. We ensure thorough risk assessments and detailed rescue procedures before we approach our work. This proactive approach enables real-time health & safety analysis, ensuring lessons are learned to prevent future incidents.

Quality

Vertical Access Ltd strives to provide high quality rope access services on every project. To maintain the highest industry standards, we enforce strict compliance with IRATA regulations and best practices.

Our commitment to quality extends to continuous monitoring, reporting, and refinement of our rope access management system. By actively participating in regular safety initiatives, we contribute to the development of best practices that enhance operational excellence and worker well-being.

Innovation

As part of our commitment to rope access advancement, Vertical Access Ltd actively participates in the annual IRATA Technical Event & Conference (ITEC). This event serves as a platform for exploring the latest developments in rope access, such as technical methodologies, safety procedures, and equipment innovation.

By engaging in discussions and practical demonstrations, we stay at the forefront of rope access advancements, ensuring our workforce benefits from cutting-edge tools and techniques.

Agility

Vertical Access Ltd remains adaptable and responsive to changes in working-at-height regulations by continuously improving our rope access management system. Our data-driven approach allows for real-time monitoring and swift action in response to safety concerns.

Through active participation in IRATA conferences and regular collaboration with experts, we stay ahead of evolving access requirements, ensuring that all our operatives carry out our rope access services with efficiency, safety, precision & detail.

Make the Safe Choice: Work with an IRATA Rope Access Company 

Rope access, with its origins in the UK and with both recognition from the HSE and other global regulators, continues to set the standard for safe and efficient work at height. Through rigorous training, certification, and adherence to specific requirements, companies like Vertical Access Ltd ensure that rope access remains a leading solution for accessing challenging locations across various sectors.

Whether for construction, maintenance, inspection, or cleaning, rope access offers a reliable, cost-effective method that prioritises safety and minimises environmental impact.  Due to the rigorous training, upkeeping of standards and regular audits, investing in a valued IRATA-Member company like Vertical Access for your rope access services, will mean you won’t be compromising on safety. You will be receiving the industry’s best practice not only from the IRATA-certified technicians themselves, but from the company as a whole.  

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Looking for trusted rope access specialists in UK? Contact Vertical Access Ltd today for a free consultation call with expert rope access solutions.

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