IRATA Level 2 — Lead Rope Access Technician

Objectives

IRATA Level 2 is the intermediate qualification within the IRATA framework. It certifies that a technician can competently perform advanced rope access tasks, handle complex rigging systems, and take an active role in rescue procedures. Level 2 technicians work under the supervision of a Level 3 supervisor but operate with greater independence than Level 1 technicians.

Target Audience

Certified IRATA Level 1 technicians with at least 12 months of experience and 1,000 logged working hours who are seeking to advance to the intermediate level.

General Requirements

• Minimum Age: All candidates must be at least 18 years of age at the start of the course.
• Maximum Intake per Course (MBTC): Mega Brahma Training Centre accommodates a maximum of 10 candidates per course.
• Medical Fitness: Candidates must be physically fit and medically suitable for work at height.
• Attitude & Fitness: Rope access work requires a responsible attitude, confidence at height, and appropriate physical capability.
• Identity Verification: Candidates must be registered and verified on IRATA TechConnect where applicable.
• Course Duration: Training is delivered over 4–5 days with a minimum of 30 contact hours, followed by a 1-day assessment.
• Certification Validity: IRATA certificates are valid for 3 years from the date of assessment.
• Logbook: The IRATA logbook must be maintained and presented for upgrade or revalidation.

Prerequisites

• Hold a valid IRATA Level 1 certificate (valid on the day of assessment).
• Minimum of 12 months of experience as a certified IRATA Level 1 technician.
• Minimum of 1,000 working hours logged and verified in the IRATA logbook at Level 1.
• Medical fitness to work at height.
• Competence in all practical and theoretical requirements of Level 1.

Course Content & Syllabus

• Introduction to the expanded roles and responsibilities of a Level 2 technician as per IRATA ICOP.
• Equipment identification, function, inspection, and care for all rope access equipment.
• Enhanced rope techniques: efficient ascending and descending, controlled changeovers, passing deviations, and re-anchors.
• Advanced rigging tasks: load-sharing anchors, hauling and lowering systems, and retrievable rigging.
• Work positioning and safe tool and material handling at height.
• Advanced rescue procedures including controlled hauling, aid-climbing rescue, and solo vertical aid-climbs.
• Risk assessment: identifying and controlling hazards such as sharp edges, dropped objects, poor anchor conditions, and adverse weather.
• Equipment standards, inspection intervals, and retirement criteria.
• Theory: IRATA ICOP, legislation, safety principles, and advanced rescue principles.

Course Duration & Assessment

• Training Duration: 4–5 days (minimum 30 hours of contact training).
• Assessment Day: 1 day with an independent IRATA International Assessor.
• Total Duration: 5–6 days.
• Assessment Format: Practical assessment of advanced rope manoeuvres, rigging, and rescue techniques, plus theory assessment covering equipment, ICOP, legislation, and hazard control.
• Re-sit Policy: Candidates who fail the assessment have 60 days from the date of the failed assessment to re-sit before being required to retake the full training course.

Certification & Expiry

• Certificate Validity: 3 years from the date of assessment.
• Upon Certification: Successful candidates receive an updated IRATA certificate of competence and ID card.
• Revalidation: Must be completed before the 3-year expiry date through refresher training and reassessment at an IRATA-approved centre.
• Progression to Level 3: After 12 months of experience and 1,000 logged working hours at Level 2, technicians become eligible to upgrade to Level 3.