About IRACS
IRACS is an ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited Certification Body operating scheme for rope access personnel based on International Organization for Standardization Personal equipment for protection against falls – Rope access systems – Code Of Practice.
IRACS is an acronym for the International Rope Access Certification Scheme. This organization was formed in India in order to solve maintenance challenges that were present in the Rope Access industry. The initiative to form this company came from a number of different leading companies who had started to use industrial rope access techniques in order to provide a safe working environment for employees.
Rope access technique is used for repair, maintenance, inspection, and access work in a variety of settings. The rope access methodology is known for its unrivaled safety record, short set-up and dismantling time, positive environmental benefits, and lack of need for invasive access equipment or disruption to a worksite. IRACS’s certified technicians and training providers of rope access is continuing to grow in popularity throughout India and the world.
Functions of IRACS
Our Objectives
IRACS’s mission is to be the world leader in rope access, promoting safety and quality, and dedicated to education and training. IRACS strives to improve best practices for those who work in rope access and increase awareness of the advantages of rope access over alternative methods.
Why IRACS Certification?
Certification Of Persons Confirms The Competence
In many areas where, purchaser, user and public confidence in the competence of individuals is extremely important, certification of persons confirms the competence of named individuals to perform specified services or duties. This is achieved through the issuing of a certificate of competence.
Certification bodies for persons or Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) are those which are involved in assessing the individuals’ necessary competencies, and ensuring that these are appropriate to the work being performed.
A conformity assessment body running scheme for certification of persons must be able to demonstrate its competence to assess and certify its clients.
Accreditation scheme for the CAB has been developed as per the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024:2012 standard to establish an internationally accepted benchmark for organizations assessing and evaluating the skills of personnel. The main objective is to raise confidence, improve productivity and give direction through enhanced skill training to the personnel.
ISO/IEC 17024:2012 has a number of requirements for organizational structure, quality management system elements, competence of personnel, confidentiality, etc. An assessment body must also describe the certification process, how candidates are evaluated and must define periods of recertification. In addition, the CAB must be able to demonstrate how conflict of interest is managed and must have mechanisms in place to objectively evaluate the outcome of the certification process.
WAH Safety Guideline
Work at height safety is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries when working in elevated locations. Here are some key considerations to ensure work at height safety:
- Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment before any work at height activities. Identify potential hazards, such as unstable surfaces, fall risks, or overhead obstructions. Assess the level of risk and implement appropriate control measures to minimize or eliminate the identified risks.
- Proper Equipment: Select and provide suitable equipment for working at height. This may include ladders, scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), or personal protective equipment (PPE) like harnesses and lanyards. Ensure that the equipment is in good condition, regularly inspected, and used correctly by trained personnel.
- Training and Competence: Ensure that workers involved in work at height activities receive proper training and demonstrate competence in using the equipment and following safety procedures. Training should cover topics such as hazard identification, equipment use, emergency response, and rescue procedures.
- Fall Prevention: Implement measures to prevent falls. This may involve using guardrails, edge protection systems, or safety nets. Encourage the use of collective protection measures whenever possible to minimize the reliance on individual fall arrest systems.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE for work at height tasks. This may include helmets, safety harnesses, non-slip footwear, and high-visibility clothing. Regularly inspect and maintain PPE to ensure its effectiveness.
- Site Organization: Maintain an organized work environment. Keep work areas clear of clutter, debris, or any tripping hazards. Secure tools and equipment to prevent them from falling. Establish safe access and egress routes for workers.
- Communication and Supervision: Encourage effective communication between workers involved in work at height. Establish a system for clear instructions, signaling, and emergency communication. Assign competent supervisors to oversee and monitor work at height activities.
- Weather Conditions: Take weather conditions into account when planning work at height. Avoid working in high winds, icy conditions, or during storms. Regularly monitor weather forecasts and adjust work schedules accordingly.
- Emergency Preparedness: Have appropriate rescue and emergency procedures in place. Ensure that workers are aware of these procedures and have access to necessary rescue equipment. Conduct regular drills to practice emergency response scenarios.
- Continuous Review and Improvement: Regularly review work at height procedures, incidents, and near misses to identify areas for improvement. Encourage feedback from workers and incorporate lessons learned into future safety measures.
By following these guidelines and promoting a safety-first culture, you can enhance work at height safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and protect the well-being of workers involved in elevated tasks.
Standards
ISO/IEC 17024:2012 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for the certification of individuals in specific fields or areas of expertise. It sets out the criteria for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a reliable certification program that ensures the competence and credibility of certified professionals.
Here are the key aspects of ISO/IEC 17024:2012:
- General Requirements: The standard establishes general requirements for certification bodies that offer certification programs. It emphasizes impartiality, transparency, and the consistent application of certification processes.
- Certification Body: The standard outlines the requirements for the certification body itself, including its legal status, organizational structure, management system, and competence of its personnel. It focuses on ensuring that the certification body has the necessary resources, expertise, and processes to operate effectively and impartially.
- Certification Program Development: ISO/IEC 17024:2012 specifies the criteria for developing a certification program, including defining the scope and objectives, establishing the certification scheme, and identifying the competencies and performance criteria required for certification.
- Certification Process: The standard defines the requirements for the certification process, including application and registration, assessment of competence, examination or evaluation methods, and decision-making on certification. It emphasizes fair and consistent assessment practices and the involvement of qualified assessors or evaluators.
- Management of Certification: ISO/IEC 17024:2012 outlines the requirements for the ongoing management of certified individuals. This includes the establishment and maintenance of a certification register, regular surveillance of certified individuals, handling of appeals and complaints, and monitoring of the effectiveness of the certification program.
- Impartiality and Confidentiality: The standard emphasizes the need for certification bodies to demonstrate impartiality and confidentiality throughout the certification process. It requires the identification and management of any potential conflicts of interest to ensure the integrity and credibility of the certification program.
ISO/IEC 17024:2012 provides a framework for the development and operation of reliable certification programs that enhance confidence in the competence and professionalism of certified individuals. By adhering to the requirements of this standard, certification bodies can ensure the consistent and fair assessment of individuals’ capabilities, contributing to trust and recognition in various industries and sectors.