What is IRATA & Why It’s Non‑Negotiable for High‑Access Projects

In complex rigging and vertical work, the margin of error is zero.

You may notice we reference IRATA across our site. In the world of complex rigging and vertical work, one global standard stands above the rest for rope access safety and professionalism: IRATA.

IRATA stands for Industrial Rope Access Trade Association, established in the UK in the 1980s. Originating in offshore oil and gas maintenance, it’s now the world’s leading authority on rope access safety and technique—with over 130,000 certified technicians globally.

What IRATA provides

  • Standardized training and certification (Levels 1, 2, and 3)
  • Strict safety protocols
  • Global accountability through audits and oversight

Why it matters for rigging & construction

1) Best‑in‑class safety record. Teams often work 20–50+ meters above ground; adhering to IRATA isn’t just best practice—it’s critical.

2) Efficiency without scaffolding. Rope access eliminates the need for scaffolding or lifts, saving time and cost while reducing site footprint.

3) Precision in complex environments. IRATA‑trained riggers access hard‑to‑reach spaces for tasks that demand technical skill—from truss adjustments to inspections.

4) Required by major stakeholders. Venues, government agencies, and production firms often mandate IRATA‑certified personnel for rope‑based operations.

How we operate

At iRIG, we don’t just climb—we calculate, prepare, and execute safely. IRATA is a core part of how we work. Our rope access technicians are certified and experienced, following the latest global protocols. When the job is 30 meters in the air, there’s no room for compromise.