Specialist Access Training

697 Weekly IRATA Courses since 2010

Learn. Equip. Trust.

We specialise in IRATA rope access and confined space training;
we also supply equipment and inspect PPE

Training

Large indoor facility in Sheffield.

Equipment

Huge range of rope access kit in stock.

Experience

Respected Specialist Access Advisors.

Not just a training company!

At Access Techniques we aim to provide the best training experience we can; as good or better than any other in the world. Before setting up our facility we worked at many other training establishments as instructors; we chose to combine the best elements of each at our centre in Sheffield.
Training Rope Access and assisting operatives to excel in their careers safely is our passion. We also offer confined space training and work at height tuition.
We believe that safety in the work place is everyones responsibility and should be holistically approached in all environments. From rail sector to television production, from construction projects to offshore installations.
about access techniques

Intelligent Facilities

training opportunities

Career Enhancing Courses

Industrial Rope Access

Industrial rope access system is a safe method of working at height where ropes and associated equipment are used to gain access to and from the work place, and to be supported there.

IRATA Approved Courses

Standardisation, guidelines and techniques have been developed by IRATA over the last 30 years to a point where it has become the chosen means of access for many tasks in the oil and gas industry as well as construction, engineering, the natural environment and more. Learn a valuable skill to make you more desirable.

Levels of Competence

In order to demonstrate to a Client competence for a role or task; an Operative can prove through critical assessment his or her aptitude for rope access techniques and their ability to rescue within an emergency situation. IRATA assess this competence through 3 tiered level system meeting strict criteria or performance rated tasks and manoeuvres. From level 1 (Basic) to 3 (Supervisor).

Refresher Training
£165inc VAT
  • Single Day Revision
  • Use of Facilities
  • No Assessment
  • Varied Challenges
  • Instructor Supported

Confined Space Entry

Confined spaces come in many forms – silos, tanks, pipes, shafts – and are not always obvious. Trenches and tanks may trap poisonous gases despite being shallow and open to the air. Other spaces may appear to offer easy access but would make retrieval of a casualty very difficult.

Our courses give workers the knowledge they need to first recognise confined spaces, and then plan and carry out work safely within them.

Do I need confined space training?

The Confined Spaces regulations 1997 States that:

Employers are required to provided such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the health safety at work of employees. Specific training for work in confined spaces will depend on an individual’s previous experience and the type of work they will be doing.

At Access Techniques we offer a course that covers the broad spectrum of work that is carried out in industrial environments. We can also specifically tailor training to the environment your employees will be working in. The assessed level of competence directly relates to the risk level of the tasks you are required to undertake. We offer a Low and Medium risk Confined Space course. Suitable for most industrial and commercial environments.

Introduction to work at height

A one day course for workers who may have to climb basic structures such as fixed ladders, towers and gantries. Covers legislation, risk assessment, equipment, inspection and planning for emergencies. Includes practical exercises on our realistic training structures.

Work at height rescue

A two day course tailored to the specific environment and rescue equipment used by your company. Mainly practical in content, workers should have experience of safe working at height using PPE, or attended our introduction to work at height course. Includes several varied rescue exercises on our realistic training structures.

WAH Introduction
£220inc VAT
  • Height Risk Mitigation
  • Single Days Training
  • Practical & Classroom
  • Certified Competence
  • Group Instruction

Roped Access PPE Inspection

Our PPE Inspection course was developed for experienced Rope Access Technicians. The course is an intensive two-day workshop on all aspects of inspecting rope access equipment including setting up and running an equipment database.

Destructive Testing

We have a huge selection of worn and damaged kit on which to learn, and our 100kN test machine enables precise destructive testing of any suspect items. The course ends with an assessment and if successful you will be awarded a certificate of competency.

Examine. Maintain. Secure.

Courses usually run once a month but can also run on demand. By selecting a month; you will be offered subject to your convenience, the closest running course. The date will be confirmed.

ActSafe ACX personal ascent & equipment lifting

The aim of this training is to satisfy the manufacturers and PUWER’s requirements that all users are sufficiently trained and competent in the use of equipment in the workplace.

This intensive course will give all participants the required knowledge about the Skylotec Act-Safe ACX Power Ascender for lifting goods and personnel safely.

The aim of this training is to satisfy the manufacturers and PUWER’s requirements that all users of the ACX are sufficiently trained and competent in the use of equipment in the workplace.

Courses usually run once a month but can also run on demand. By selecting a month; you will be offered subject to your convenience, the closest running course. The date will be confirmed.

Train. Equip. Perform

Check availability of our ActSafe ACX training courses or learn more!

Our Story

Access Techniques was established in 2010 by Adam Long and Aide Jebb. Between us we have over forty years of industry experience, working our way up through years on the tools on and offshore, to instruction and now management. Aide is an active IRATA assessor; Adam is chairman of IRATA’s Training Committee.

IRATA TACS update

After four years work led by Adam Long, the new IRATA training syllabus was published with a total restructure and much expanded guidance. Extensive consultation ensured the rewrite was well-received by IRATA members worldwide, and kept IRATA’s place at the forefront of the industry secure.

Size can Matter

In 2016 we doubled the size of our facility to accommodate rising demand. By good fortune we were able to do so without moving, utilising more of building’s height and structure which remains ideal for work at height training.

Time to Reflect

During 2020 we were forced to close for a while, before reopening on a limited basis to service key infrastructure workers with strict social distancing precautions.  We took advantage of this quieter period to revamp the facility, adding a new classroom and training tower plus extensive crawl space for confined space access and rescue training.

Industry Leader

After over ten years involvment on IRATA committees, in 2023 Adam Long was elected Chair of the IRATA Training Committee.

In Demand

Access Techniques courses in high demand, rope access, confined space, Working at height and PPE Inspection.

Modern Look

A new responsive website providing Customers with innovative features, access to courses, equipment and videos.

Experienced. Supportive. Approachable.

Adam Long

Director

One of the most experienced trainers in the industry. Having started his career with a landmark HSE research contract, he has since delivered training for situations as diverse as cable car rescue, Royal Opera House backstage and for the Royal Navy’s Board and Search school, HMS Raleigh. Adam sits on IRATA’s training committee and led the complete rewrite of their rope access training syllabus. In his spare time, Adam climbs to a high standard and has won acclaim as a photographer.

Adrian Jebb

Director

From desert towers to North sea rigs, Aide has seen the world with his Level 3 ticket. From school, he cut his teeth air-sealing supermarkets and installing safety nets, before gaining his Level 3 aged only 22. He then progressed to high profile contracts refurbishing cooling towers and flare stacks. After a spell offshore, his expanding family prompted him to settle down; gaining his trainer qualification he teamed up with Adam to create Access Techniques. He is now an IRATA assessor. Mountain sports are in his genes, not only climbing hard but also competitive fell-running and cycling.

Danny Coleman

Lead Instructor

Despite growing up in the flatlands of Norfolk, Danny was a keen climber from a young age. After qualifying as a welder he combined his skills with a rope access qualification. He has since worked with specialist teams on oil and gas installations all over the world. Danny started training for us in 2015 and is now our lead instructor, whose patience, deep knowledge and clear instruction is praised by trainees.

Andy Gardner

Rope Access Trainer

Andy is a solid, well-travelled climber and expert paddler who lives in nearby Bamford.

An experienced rope access supervisor on and offshore, his friendly manner and patient tuition puts beginners at ease. If you can afford him, he also offers stunt double services for celebs who don’t like heights.

Laura Whitehouse

Office Manager

Laura is our first point of contact for customers and has been with Access Techniques for two years.

In her spare time she’s a keen martial artist, recently sparring her way to a British Silver Medal in Taekwondo. Head kicks are her speciality, non-payers beware!

Tom Dixon

Rope Access Trainer

Originally from Northumberland, Tom is an accomplished boulderer and a popular face on the Sheffield climbing scene.

He mixes training for us with rope access supervision offshore, and is renowned for his technical knowledge and fancy rope tricks.

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let’s connect

Get in Touch

Access Techniques is not just a website. Behind it is a real team of experienced, passionate trainers and professionals to help enhance your career or provide you the solution to a complex access issue. Take the first step by calling us, popping in or sending a message!

0114 273 7398
info@access-techniques.com