Most rope access quotes mention IRATA. Fewer explain what the levels mean, and why it matters who is supervising the job on your building. This article explains what an IRATA Level 3 supervisor does, what to ask a contractor, and how it affects the safety and quality of work on strata and commercial buildings.
What IRATA is
IRATA International is the industrial rope access trade association. Its training and certification scheme is used around the world, including in Australia alongside the Australian Standard for industrial rope access, AS/NZS 4488. Technicians are certified at three levels and must recertify every three years.
The three levels
- Level 1: can carry out rope access work under the supervision of a Level 3, and perform basic rescues.
- Level 2: an experienced technician who can rig working lines, carry out more complex rescues and work under Level 3 supervision. Reaching Level 2 requires logged experience at Level 1.
- Level 3: the supervisor. Responsible for the whole rope access operation on site, with advanced rescue skills and a full understanding of rigging, equipment, legislation and the IRATA code of practice. Reaching Level 3 requires further logged experience at Level 2.
IRATA’s International Code of Practice expects every rope access work team to be supervised by a Level 3. A crew made up only of Level 1 and 2 technicians should not be working on ropes without one.
What the Level 3 actually does on your building
Plans the access
Before anyone goes over the edge, the Level 3 works out the drops, where ropes will run, how they are protected from sharp edges, and which anchors will be used. On many buildings this starts with checking that the roof anchors are certified and suitable. See anchor point installation and certification.
Owns the rescue plan
Every rope access job needs a rescue plan that the team on site can carry out themselves, without waiting for emergency services. The Level 3 sets it up and makes sure the rescue kit is on site and rigged.
Checks people and equipment
The Level 3 confirms each technician’s certification and competence for the task, and that harnesses, ropes and devices are inspected and in date.
Manages the site and the paperwork
In NSW, work where someone could fall more than two metres is high-risk construction work and needs a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). The Level 3 makes sure the SWMS matches what is really happening on site, sets up exclusion zones at ground level, and coordinates with the building manager on access, residents and hours.
Keeps the quality of the work in view
Safety is the first job, but a good Level 3 who also knows the trade will notice defects during the work: failed sealant, cracks, loose render, corroded fixings. On painting and remedial jobs, that is often where the real value is, because those defects get photographed and reported instead of painted over.
Questions to ask a rope access contractor
- Who is the IRATA Level 3 on our job, and will they be on site?
- Can you provide current IRATA certificates for the team?
- Are the roof anchors certified, and who checks them?
- What is the rescue plan?
- Will we receive a SWMS, insurance certificates and a photo report?
- Do you hold a trade licence for the work itself, for example a NSW painting licence?
The last question matters more than it seems. IRATA certification covers working safely on ropes. It does not make someone a painter or a remedial builder. For painting and repairs you want both the access competence and the trade competence. Our article 8 questions to ask before choosing a rope access company covers this in more detail.
How we work
Every Ace Abseiling job is supervised at IRATA Level 3. Our Director, Marcos Silva, holds IRATA Level 3 and has more than 15 years of rope access experience. We are also a licensed painting contractor (NSW Contractor Licence 465770C), and we supply SWMS, insurances and photo reports on each project. You can see how this works on a real project in our TAFE Ultimo case study.
FAQs
Does every technician need to be Level 3?
No. A normal team is a mix of levels, supervised by a Level 3.
How can I check a technician’s IRATA certification?
IRATA provides an online verification service where certificates can be checked using the technician’s IRATA number and surname.
Is rope access safe on an occupied building?
Industrial rope access has a strong safety record when it is planned and supervised properly. Exclusion zones, protected rope runs, communication with the building manager and a rescue plan are part of every job.
Need difficult-access painting or remedial work? See our rope access services in Sydney, or request a quote. Call 1300 926 176.
