Here’s why.
Certifications are more than a piece of paper; they represent adherence to national and often internationally recognized safety standards. Most regulatory bodies, our customers, and employers require valid certifications to ensure that technicians are competent and that work is carried out in accordance with legal and organizational requirements. And don’t get me started on being involved in an incident with an expired certification. You won’t have a great day, I promise.
Most oil and gas facilities around require each technician to hold a current SPRAT or IRATA certification. I’m sure you can imagine how much work your employer would win if its employees (you) did not have a valid certification. Even worse, you may not have a job for long, and frankly, you are not as employable as the guy with the paper. Keep your certifications current.
Renewing your certification signals that you take your profession seriously. Rope access techniques, equipment, and regulations evolve over time. By staying current, you show that you are committed to maintaining your skills and knowledge, which builds trust with employers, clients, and teammates. It also demonstrates you are someone who understands the importance of playing by the rules. Countless books have been written which highlight the importance of these qualities in leaders.
For instance, imagine a major offshore wind project in the North Sea halting operations for two days because several rope access technicians had expired IRATA certifications. The delay could cost the employer many thousands of dollars in penalties and lost productivity—all because certifications weren’t checked and renewed in time. What would be the repercussions be for the technicians with expired certifications? How would the field manager or supervisor look for not verifying the certifications? There are many people in this chain, but it always ends in you. It is your responsibility to keep your certifications current.
Safety is the cornerstone of rope access. Keeping your certification current allows for continuous learning. I’m sure you appreciate the time your surgeon spends in continuous educational activities. I don’t know about you, but I’d be wary of a surgeon who carried around a medical license from 2018 when the recertification frequency requires 2 year intervals.
Rope access recertification reinforces critical procedures such as:
These skills are perishable—if not practiced and refreshed regularly, they can degrade.
What would happen if, during a tower maintenance job in Texas, a technician with expired certification struggled to perform a rescue drill, delaying the operation and increasing risk. A current certification would have ensured recent practice and confidence in emergency procedures.
We want you to be successful because we care about you and the industry. Give us a call at 504 366-0586 or send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll help where we can. See you in a course soon!
Dwayne