Anyone have Irata or Sprat certs? I have some questions.

I am starting a job in the next few weeks and am going to get my certifications. I am just wondering if anyone can give me a quick run down on the technical side of the course.

What Knots they are showing you, Is everything pretty similar to the aid climbing world as far as lowering out and ascending, anything super out of the ordinary to remember?

I assume if you guys have the certs you are doing rope access and abseiling for a living. Just wondering how you like doing it in general. I got fed up sitting at a desk or inside all day and this seemed like a great way to change that.

SPRAT.org
white papers
Certification Requirements
Details all requirements for all levels

Thanks guy!

I am taking the course just wasn't sure how much relation the two had.

experience aid climbing or jugging lines will help. working experience with a grigri helps in some respects, but too much actually hurts your habits in rope access. The device we use is a Petzl ID, basically an oversized grigri with some extra safety features. If you use a grigri all the time, you WILL forget to move the handle into the 'lock' position when you are using the ID. Actual rock climbing will not help much beyond knowledge of some knots and maybe some rope management.

I don't think you can just show up and take the test for level 1, you have to take a course along with it. And you are allowed 3 minor discrepancies before you fail, not just one IIRC. One major one and you are out, but the only area where its really possible to do this is on the aid traverse if you manage to let yourself only have one point of attachment. Just take your time on it and its easy.

I had a blast in my course, every day was fun and challenging. I'd highly recommend wearing a pair of full finger gloves, the petzl ones work great.

Phill T wrote: I don't think you can just show up and take the test for level 1, you have to take a course along with it.

oops, correct, one major not minor. You can test out of the L1 if you are going for L2. Ropeworks has a direct entry program that allows you to skip L1 by testing straight to L2. However, you are correct that you still need to take a course.

+1 for taking the course. RA work is a blast! Be safe and have fun!