IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) is the globally recognised authority for industrial rope access. Its standards are widely regarded as the benchmark for safety, training and operational excellence within the industry.

This achievement marks a significant step forward for our business and reinforces our position as a trusted provider of high-level window cleaning and rope access solutions across the UK.

 

A milestone one year on

This accreditation comes a just over a year after the official launch of our in-house Vertical Division in March 2025.

Bringing the window cleaning service in-house was a strategic decision as part of our Beyond Cleaning approach. It allowed us to improve response times, deliver greater value to our clients, and refine service consistency offering a fully integrated operation.

Previously, window cleaning services were offered through our long-term service partners. The transition to an in-house model has provided us with greater control over quality, safety and operational standards. It also gives our clients a single point of contact and increased transparency around capabilities or real-time reporting.

Achieving the full IRATA accreditation is the next step, in line with our continued ambition to grow and innovate within the market. Our Divisional Managing Director, Gareth Thomas, shared:

To be awarded IRATA corporate membership is a testament to the investment and hard work everyone at DOC put in, it’s a huge milestone for us as a business and provides the prefect platform to move forward.

 

A proud achievement for Team DOC

Achieving IRATA recognition is a proud moment for our entire team. It represents the culmination of significant effort, planning and dedication, and is a clear reflection of the quality of our rope access training and window cleaning expertise.

We would like to thank our team and clients for their continued support, and we look forward to building on this success as we continue to grow.

 

Raising industry standards

This accreditation is a strong endorsement of the standards we have always upheld at DOC Cleaning.

Our approach has consistently focused on safety, quality and reliability, working on complex high-rise buildings or delivering specialist rope access solutions. The IRATA audit process has formally validated these standards, demonstrating that our systems, procedures and on-site operations meet the highest industry expectations.

This is not a change in how we work, but recognition of how we have always worked.

 

Strengthening our rope access capabilities

Rope access plays a central role in the services we provide, allowing us to access challenging environments safely and efficiently minimising disruption.

Gaining this accreditation strengthens our capabilites in this area, providing further assurance that our methods align with globally recognised best practices. It also enhances our ability to support a broader range of projects and clients, continuing to grow our services and capabilities with adherence to international standards.

 

Investment in training and our team

A core element of IRATA membership is its focus on training and competency.

Recognising the expertise and dedication of our team, who consistently deliver work to the highest standards. As an IRATA member, we will continue to invest in training and development, ensuring our technicians are assessed and registered in line with requirements.

Our people are central to everything DOC does, and this milestone is a direct result of their safety, skill and commitment.

 

What this means for our clients

Our IRATA accreditation brings key benefits to our clients:

• Enhanced Safety Standards – Work carried out in full compliance with internationally recognised rope access guidelines.
• Certified Competence – Assurance that all technicians meet rigorous training and assessment criteria.
• Efficient Access Solutions – Reduced disruption compared to traditional access methods.
• Increased Confidence – Partnering with a company recognised by the industry’s leading global association.

This ensures we continue to deliver safe, reliable and high-quality outcomes across every project.

 

Looking ahead

This achievement means DOC Cleaning is now recognised as a Probationary Member of IRATA International.

Over the coming year, we will continue to build on this foundation as we work towards full membership status. This includes maintaining the high standards required by IRATA, ongoing audits, and a continued focus on improvement across all areas of our operations.

For more information about our rope access and specialist cleaning services, or to discuss an upcoming project, reach out to our team today.