guide · 6 min read
IRATA rope access explained for facility managers
What IRATA certification means, why it matters and how to vet a contractor.
By Sarah Tan
Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) is the global gold standard for rope access safety. Here's why it matters and how to vet a contractor.
What IRATA means
IRATA certification requires every technician to be independently assessed annually. The scheme has three levels: Level 1 (basic), Level 2 (intermediate), Level 3 (supervisor). A team must always include at least one Level 3.
How to verify a contractor
- Ask for the IRATA certificate number — verify at irata.org.
- Ask for the last external audit report.
- Check the team composition — never accept a 100% Level-1 team.
- Ask for proof of public liability insurance (S$2M+).
Why it matters
IRATA-certified contractors record one fatality per 14 million man-hours versus an industry average one per 86,000 man-hours. The scheme saves lives.
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