Industrial Rope Access Trade Association is written shortly as IRATA, is a trade body organization established in the United Kingdom in the late 80′s. Many companies who were using industrial rope access techniques came together to form this association, to foster a safe working condition in the industry. It goes without saying that the maintenance of the highest level of safety in this industry is most important. Therefore, this association and its member companies have constantly endeavored to work towards the following objectives:

* Improvement in the safety standards in the industry.
* Developing standards and guidelines to be followed by the industry; developing training manuals and arranging training programs, so as to enable Rope Technicians working in the industry to achieve those standards.
* Comprehensive evaluation of all Rope Technicians working in the industry and their registration.

These activities are being carried out in association with Health and Safety Executive, UK, t he national regulatory body for promotion of the cause of safety and health at the work place. Because of these activities carried by the association in the last ten years, the safety statistics collected by the association shows that no fatal or major accidents have occurred amongst its member companies. It has also been found that accident rates among its member is very much less than other industries during these ten years. Other activities of the association includes:

* Preparations of submissions and providing advice and opinion to different government departments and others on the subjects of training, health and safety at work place.
* Providing assistance to people for discussing and commenting on existing and new legislations and guidelines.
* Provision of assistance towards training and certification of all the people working in this industry.
* Provide a forum for all the people working in this industry for free and informal exchange of opinion and experience.

All member companies of the association is audited by independent external auditor to make sure that all the correct systems and procedure are being followed so that all Rope Technicians are working in a safe manner. All the member companies are required to follow all the guidelines set by Health and
Safety Executive, UK for safe working condition in the organization. Recently, these guidelines have farther developed as International Guidelines without reference to any national standards or regulations. All members of this association follow strictly a Code of Ethics developed by this association.
The five main areas in which these companies work are:

* Inspection and Testing Safety Surveys
* Maintenance and Repair Sealant installation and reinstatement
* Cleaning and Painting using Jet spray, grit blast and three-tool methods
* Geotechnical work connected with Civil Engineering including Permanent Rock Anchorage
* Construction Cladding for Industrial Glazing and Curtain walling