Questions, answers and manual on TACS (Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme) from IRATA

1. What does IRATA mean?
   They stand for the International Rope Access Association (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association).
2. What is the purpose of IRATA's TACS?
   The TACS sets standards for the training, evaluation and certification of personnel using rope access methods in the industry.
3. How many levels of certification are there in the IRATA system?
   There are three levels of certification: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
4. What skills are required for a Level 1 Technician?
   You must be able to perform rope access tasks under the supervision of a Level 3 Technician.
5. What experience is needed to access Level 2?
   A minimum of 1,000 recorded work hours and at least 12 months of experience as a Level 1 Technician.
6. What are the responsibilities of a Level 3 Technician?
   Supervision, planning and management of rope access work, including risk assessment and implementation of rescue procedures.
7. How often do they need to revalidate IRATA certifications?
   Every three years.
8. What is a “Registration Diary” in the context of IRATA?
   A personal record where technicians document their working hours and experience in rope access.
9. What information should be included in the Record Book?
   Details of each job: dates, hours worked, type of work and supervisor's signature.
10. What is a “Competency Assessment” at IRATA?
    A formal evaluation to determine if a technician has the necessary skills and knowledge for their certification level.
11. Who can provide IRATA training?
    Only IRATA Accredited Training Centers can offer official training.
12. What is an “Accredited Training Center”?
    Organization evaluated and approved by IRATA to provide training and evaluation in accordance with established standards.
13. What does “Rope Access” mean?
    A working technique at height that uses ropes and specialized equipment to access hard-to-reach places.
14. What basic equipment is used in rope access?
    Harnesses, ropes, ascent and descent devices, connectors and safety helmets.
15. What is a “Risk Assessment” in the context of IRATA?
    The process of identifying, analyzing and evaluating the risks associated with a rope access task.
16. What should an IRATA Rescue Plan include?
    Detailed procedures for rescuing a technician in an emergency, including methods and equipment to be used.
17. What is a “Rope Access Supervisor”?
    A Level 3 Technician responsible for supervising and directing rope access operations in the workplace.
18. What criteria are used to evaluate a Level 1 Technician?
    Practical skills, theoretical knowledge and ability to work under supervision.
19. What additional skills are required for a Level 2 Technician?
    Ability to perform more complex rope access tasks and rescues, always under the supervision of a Level 3 Technician.
20. What experience is required to access Level 3?
    A minimum of 1,000 recorded work hours and at least 12 months of experience as a Level 2 Technician.
21. What theoretical knowledge should a Level 3 Technician have?
    Advanced rope access techniques, risk management, rescue planning and safety regulations.
22. What is a “Pre-Use Inspection” of equipment?
    Inspection performed before each use to ensure that the equipment is in safe condition.
23. How often should a “Periodic Inspection” of the equipment be performed?
    At least every six months or as directed by the manufacturer.
24. What is a “Controlled Descent Device”?
    Equipment that allows the technician to descend the rope in a controlled manner.
25. What is the function of a “Blocker” in rope access?
    It allows you to climb the rope and locks automatically to prevent involuntary slipping.
26. What is a “Lifeline”?
    A rope or cable installed horizontally or vertically, which serves as a secure anchor point for the technician.
27. What does “Fall Factor” mean in rope access?
    Relationship between the falling distance and the length of the rope available to stop it.
28. What is an “Anchor” in rope access operations?
    Safe point to which ropes and equipment are attached to withstand the loads that arise during operation.
29. What characteristics should a secure anchor have?
    It must withstand the maximum expected loads (usually at least 15 kN is required for a single anchor).
30. What regulations regulate the use of equipment for rope access?
    International standards such as EN 1891 for strings or EN 365 for equipment, among others.
31. What documents are reviewed during an evaluation?
    Previous certifications, personal log and current medical aptitude.
32. Who performs the evaluation for the IRATA certification?
    An IRATA Certified Evaluator.
33. What happens if a candidate fails their evaluation?
    You can repeat it after a period of additional preparation and correction of deficiencies.
34. What percentage of the theoretical questions must a candidate answer correctly to pass?
    Normally, at least 70%.
35. How important is knowledge of international standards for evaluation?
    It's essential to ensure that all operations meet global safety standards.
36. Why is a Rescue Plan mandatory?
    To protect the lives of technicians in the event of an emergency and to ensure a quick and effective response.
37. What should a Rescue Plan include?
    Methods, necessary equipment and the definition of those responsible for each phase of the rescue.
38. Who is responsible for implementing the Rescue Plan?
    The Level 3 Technician (Supervisor), responsible for coordinating and executing the plan in case of emergency.

Online TACS manual translated by IRATA into Spanish (click here)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPckHY-GmfU