Overview
We specialise in teaching Industrial Rope Access to IRATA standards, and are based in Sheffield, UK. Our training centre is in a Grade II listed Victorian Barracks, where the 14m high Drill Hall provides an excellent all-weather training area on beautiful arched steelwork; a scale version of that used in G-MEX and St. Pancras.
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. 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.
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.
For individuals with less experience we also offer a three-day course.
During this intensive course, you’ll learn:
- Understand the legal requirements for inspection.
- Draw up a management and examination scheme
- Undertake practical inspections of WAH PPE
- Identify issues with equipment and required actions
- Correctly monitor, maintain and dispose of equipment
- Produce examination reports and keep relevant records
Course Structure
All training courses have practical elements. Ensure you are physically and mentally fit for the course you intend to attend. Make sure you have had a good nights sleep and are free from the influences of alcohol, drugs or medication.
On enrolment you will be required to provide ID documents to prove who you are. Please don’t forget this.
To upgrade to a higher IRATA level you need to show that you have met the required criteria. Your IRATA logbook showing the number of rope access hours worked will be required at enrolment. All entries should be countersigned by the task L3 Supervisor or a Responsible Manager within your Organisation.
It’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with any guidance videos we suggest for your training course.
Confirm travel plans and review your route prior to the morning of enrolment. If you are late you will not be permitted to enrol unless you have extenuating circumstances, and even then only with the explicit agreement of your instructor.
You can find details of public transport links and local parking availability by viewing your joining instructions.
We are happy to advise on local accommodation however; we accept no responsibility for the quality or availability of your chosen hotel/guesthouse. Please contact us for more information.
Start times for all courses are clearly shown on the course information page and also in your joining instructions. Please ensure you attend the venue on time every day. Failure to complete all the required training hours may mean you are ineligible for assessment or certification, without refund.
You will be required to complete paperwork to confirm your physical and mental fitness, your eligibility to attend the training course and also for registration with the certificating body your course is approved by.
Remember to ask for help if you need assistance in completing paperwork or understanding tasks.
As with every training centre there are certain responsibilities that you as a Candidate have. You will be made aware of our rules and requirements at enrolment and throughout your time with us. Please listen carefully to these and make sure you adhere to them.
Above all; we ask you to have a safe and polite demeanor ensuring you treat our experienced instructors and your fellow candidates with respect.
Access Techniques, it’s representatives and instructors have a duty of care for you also. We promise to do everything reasonably practicable to ensure you are safe and looked after at all times when attending our venue. We promise to act in your best interests in both training, advice, and assessment. We pride ourselves in employing only safe, responsible and approachable members of staff.
Each course no matter the subject has aspects of both practical and classroom training. Normally classroom topics such as the reason why you require training, the legal implications of not having such training and best practice will be briefed initially. Practical scenarios along with individual and team based exercises will compliment your training; to ensure you are ready for assessment at the end of the course.
Refreshments will be provided in the form of tea and coffee only. There is a fridge for you to use whilst you are with us. There are also a number of local shops and food outlets for lunches locally.
Refreshment and smoking breaks are to be taken at suitable times throughout the day in conjunction with your instructor. Lunch will be a longer break taken by all candidates normally around midday.
Review any training material you have been provided with the night before your assessment day if applicable (some courses are continuous assessment). Refresh yourself on any applicable guidance videos we have provided for your course.
Ensure that you have had a good nights sleep and are free from the influences of alcohol, drugs or medication.
If you have an external Assessor responsible for certifying your competence. Rest assured that in addition to them being proven as competent by their respective Organisations, Access Techniques has also reviewed their ability to assess you. We believe they are acting in not only your best interests, but also that of those you will be working for, with or in charge of.
The IRATA Assessment will include a team exercise no matter which level of competence you are being trained or assessed to.
