If an IRATA Level 1 technician does not perform industrial rope access work for 6 months, what must they do?

For an IRATA Level 1 technician who has not performed industrial rope access work for a period of 6 months, undergoing refresher training is essential to ensure safety and proficiency in their skills. The nature of rope access work can involve complex techniques and safety practices that may be forgotten or become rusty without regular application.

Refresher training helps reinforce critical knowledge about equipment usage, safety protocols, and emergency procedures. It re-acquaints the technician with current best practices and updates that might have occurred during the period of inactivity. This is vital in maintaining a high standard of safety and efficiency in rope access operations, as any lapse in skill or knowledge could lead to dangerous situations.

While written exams and re-certification may assess knowledge or skills, they are not necessary if the technician has simply been inactive for a certain period. Shadowing a Level 2 technician does not address the knowledge or skill refreshment directly, which is what refresher training specifically targets. Therefore, the requirement for refresher training after 6 months of inactivity is a standardized safety measure to ensure that all technicians are up-to-date and competent in their roles before they return to work in industrial rope access settings.