Q. How does an IRATA RASS differ from a Level 3 technician?
A. An IRATA Rope Access Safety Supervisor (RASS) is a Level 3 technician who has successfully completed IRATA RASS training and assessment, gaining the advanced skills and theoretical knowledge required to perform effectively in a safety supervisory role.
Q. Who is the IRATA RASS Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (IRATA RASSTACS) [TC-401] intended for?
A. The ‘IRATA RASSTACS’ is intended for IRATA Level 3 technicians who wish to gain the theoretical knowledge and skills required to fulfil the responsibilities of a Rope Access Safety Supervisor (RASS) as defined by IRATA.
Q. Can any IRATA Member apply to be an IRATA RASS Training Provider (RTP)?
A. Only full IRATA Operator and/or Trainer Member Companies may apply to be an IRATA RTP.
Q. How can an IRATA Member Company apply to become an IRATA RTP?
A. The ‘Application to Become a IRATA RASS Training Provider’ can be found here.
For further information, refer to the ‘RASS Training Provider Application Guide’ [GU-402], which can be found here.
Q. Can an IRATA RTP offer RASS training through a subsidiary or parent entity?
A. IRATA RTP certification is awarded to a single legal entity and cannot be transferred to any other company or propagated to another legal entity within a group structure. RASS training must only be advertised and delivered by the IRATA RTP, even within a group structure.
Q. Can an IRATA RTP host RASS training at multiple locations?
A. IRATA RTPs can deliver RASS training at multiple locations, provided that the classroom areas meet the requirements as stipulated in the ‘IRATA RASSTACS’ [TC-401], which can be found here.
Q. Does an IRATA RTP applicant need to submit photos of every classroom it intends to deliver RASS training in?
A. IRATA RTP applicants are only required to submit photos of the primary RASS training classroom area. However, any other location(s) used to deliver RASS training must meet the same classroom area requirements, as stipulated in the ‘IRATA RASSTACS’ [TC-401], which can be found here.
Q. Can RASS training be delivered online?
A. Online delivery of RASS training is not permitted.
Q. Who delivers RASS training?
A. RASS training is hosted at an IRATA RTP training location and is delivered by an IRATA approved RASS Instructor.
Q. Is practical training and/or assessment required within the ‘IRATA RASSTACS’?
A. The training course is theory based, and the assessment does not include practical rope access elements. The RASS practical competency requirements are demonstrated by means of the candidate’s IRATA Level 3 qualification. The training course does, however, include some mandatory scenario-based exercises, based on group discussion.
IRATA RTPs may use rope access demonstrations for scenario-based training; however, the rigging/setup and any provided demonstrations must not engage the IRATA RASS candidates in carrying out rope access activities.
Q. Is an IRATA RTP required to provide the course learning material?
A. IRATA RTPs provide the RASS course learning material to candidates.
Q. Who conducts the audit of the RASS learning material?
A. The IRATA Technical Services audit the learning material.
Q. How long does IRATA RTP certification last?
A. IRATA RTP certification is issued for 3 years from the date of approval, after which it can be renewed.
Q. How much is the IRATA RTP application fee?
A. Fees are charged in accordance with the published ‘IRATA Price List’ [FM-200], which can be found here.
Q. Is there a maximum number of candidates that can attend a RASS training course?
A. There is no limit to the number of candidates that can attend a RASS training course, provided that:
the 8:1 candidate to RASS Instructor ratio is maintained; and
the classroom area has appropriate facilities for the effective delivery of training (including the team discussions/group exercises).
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