**Update: September 10, 2020
Information written below is the original communication about SPRAT certification extensions that we published in the spring. The original variances below have been extended to November 16, 2020 as per SPRAT's most recent response, which you can find here:
SPRAT Follow-Up Response to COVID 19
To visit the SPRAT website, click here: https://sprat.org/news/board-response-to-covid-19-updated-guidance/
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As SPRAT members, we receive communication from SPRAT head office periodically that pertains to any changes SPRAT has made to their training or certification requirements. The information below is from an email sent out on March 16, 2020. For the most up to date information, please visit sprat.org or email us at info@pacificropes.com. Any information on our blog is not official SPRAT communication and you must do you due diligence when confirming SPRAT requirements and updates concerning COVID-19.
1. As global regions and industries are affected differently by this pandemic, employers, rope access training companies, and Evaluation Session Hosts are best suited to consider their local conditions when deciding to continue operations, training, and/or hosting evaluation sessions. At Pacific Ropes, we have suspended our courses indefinitely as of April 9, 2020. However, if you are desperate to get training in asap, you may be able to find another company that hosts SPRAT training. If you think you need training because of an upcoming expiry, head to point #3 and #4 below.
2. As a temporary variance to Section 3.3.1. of SPRAT’s Safe Practices for Rope Access Work, employers operating rope access programs with rope access technicians whose certifications have expired as a result of this pandemic are still considered to be operating under the Safe Practices for Rope Access Work standard as long as all other requirements and recommendations of the standard are addressed appropriately. Employers should continue to ensure that rope access technicians have the appropriate training and skills to complete assigned responsibilities and tasks. If practicable, refresher training should be conducted.
3. Rope access technicians with expired certifications are encouraged to attend an evaluation session to re-certify or advance as soon as is practicable. As a temporary variance to Section 5.5.3. of SPRAT’s Certification Requirements for Rope Access Work, rope access technicians whose certifications expire during this period will be considered current when they attend their next evaluation session.
4. As a temporary variance to Section 5.5.2. of Certification Requirements for Rope Access Work, experience documented by rope access technicians whose certifications expire during this period may be used for certification advancement.
5. While no end date for this notice has been established, this notice will be reviewed by SPRAT’s Board of Directors prior to September 16th, 2020. SPRAT will institute a transitional period for employers to ensure re-certification of expired rope access technicians.
For more information and up to date communication, please email the SPRAT head office at info@sprat.org. You can also contact us below:
