I have had a discussion with HSE with regards to rope access and IRATA, they informed me that they do not recognise IRATA as a requirement. I have spoken to IRATA who told me that all ops Level 1 and 2 need to be supervised by Level 3, however also informed by a rope access company that this applies only if the company is a member company of IRATA and if company not a member company the guidelines do not technically apply so only have Level 2 on site for work unless extreme cases / complex work. The BS 7985:2009 makes no reference to IRATA but states "competent person", would this be sufficient if the operatives are trained to the required level or should they still adhere to IRATA Guidelines?

Thanks Bob, I am of the thinking that as long as company can provide evidence that the guys are competent and suitably trained then should be ok. Just would not want unthinkable to happen and for judge to disagree. As all Rope Access training seems to point towards IRATA then as long as operatives are trained to that level then should be ok. Looking at possibility of Company setting up a policy so that we have a standard to say this is what we expect from subcontractors completing work i.e. have Level 3 on site supervising etc.