I.R.A.T.A (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association)

[getyerkneedown]

I'm considering a change in career direction and for sometime have been thinking about moving from office work, into outdoor work.

Being into climbing and other sports of similar specs, i have been looking of late at rope access.

I just wondered if anyone here was in the field of rope access? Anyone a member of IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association)?

IF so, what are your thoughts about the industry? Do you enjoy it? What's the best route to getting qualified/employed?

Any comments appreciated.

GYKD.

[arenalife]

Not sure what you mean by outdoor work but live event rigging is very popular with climbing guys. It's interesting and lucrative too with varied locations and tours. IRATA isn't a required qualification for it, you might be surprised to know that competence can be self certified as long as you reasonably believe you can do it. Think about that next time you're standing inder a 50 tonne lighting rig at a show! IRATA and rigging training courses are a way of backing you up.

It's a fairly tight industry to get into but willingness and friendliness go a long way (as always!). You can usually start as a ground rigger. Pay is usually ?180-?220 for a 6 hour call (2 calls per show usually, in and out).

[DanDare]

Do a bit of N.A.R.C from time to time.

[cuffy]

PM Anna, she works with rigging n stuff iirc

[getyerkneedown]

Cheers for the tips folks. 'ppreciated!

I was considering something along the lines of non-destructive testing, or painting/cleaning etc - the guys that paint things like Blackpool tower, London Eye, Forth Bridge etc...

But yeah, rigging is something to consider.... thanks once again.

[gettin2dizzy]

I know someone who does this measuring cracks in bridges. The money is good but he said it took him £900 to get sufficient qualifications (as an experienced climber). Tempting none the less.

[Warthog]

*shudder* not my kind of thing at all!!

[getyerkneedown]

Hehe, imagine gettin paid though to have views like this:


http://www.ropeaccesscontractors.com/images/pics/test01.jpg
http://www.cangroup.net/specialistaccess/rasupp2.jpg
http://www.oui.co.uk/_borders/JumarLeg.JPG

[FG1]

Slightly off topic (sorry) but why has the bloke in the top piccy got a dayglo waistcoat. Who the "f" is going to bump into him by accident.......:)

Back on topic, I'd love to get out of my current line of work aswell and quite like the look of something like that.

[Ed]

OK for when you're younger but do you really want to spend the rest of your life dangling from a rope in all weathers.

Nossir, not me:salut:

[ethariel]

Slightly off topic (sorry) but why has the bloke in the top piccy got a dayglo waistcoat. Who the "f" is going to bump into him by accident.......:)

Back on topic, I'd love to get out of my current line of work aswell and quite like the look of something like that.


There u have it, H&S at work, working for you (so they say...LOL)

[Warthog]

ARGH those pictures make my palms sweat haha

[timwilky]

A young chap of my acquaintance is currently doing a steeplejack apprenticeship. Apparently they had aptitude tests and quite a few applicants with no fear of heights started to bottle at 100ft

[getyerkneedown]

A young chap of my acquaintance is currently doing a steeplejack apprenticeship. Apparently they had aptitude tests and quite a few applicants with no fear of heights started to bottle at 100ft

Quite understandable.

I think a fear of heights is healthy, it stops people doing stupid things. It's when that fear stops you doing what you set out to do that it becomes a problem.

I'm scared of heights, but only to the point of it making sure that i check, check then check again my ropes, knots, harness and other equipment before committing my life to them.

I also looked at Tree Surgery.. there's something about swinging from a rope with a chainsaw in my hand that gets me excited.