Abseiling and Climbing Australian Adventure Activity Good Practice Guide

Transcription

1 Abseiling and Climbing Australian Adventure Activity Gd Practice Guide

2 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 Cpyright Cpyright 2018 Outdrs Victria Ltd. Outdrs Victria Ltd currently acts as the cpyright hlder as Secretariat fr the Australian Adventure Activity Standard prject and its prject partners. Please refer t the website fr details f the prject partners Disclaimer The infrmatin published in the Australian Adventure Activity Standard (AAAS) and accmpanying Gd Practice Guides (GPG s), including this dcument, is fr infrmatin purpses nly and is nt a substitute fr, r intended t replace, independent, prfessinal r legal advice. The infrmatin cntained in the Australian Adventure Activity Standard and the Gd Practice Guides are a guide nly. Activity prviders and any ther persn accessing the dcumentatin shuld cnsider the need t btain any apprpriate prfessinal advice relevant t their wn particular circumstances, including the specific adventure activities and needs f the dependent participants. The infrmatin published in the Australian Adventure Activity Standard and Gd Practice Guides are subject t change frm time t time. Outdrs Victria Ltd gives n warranty that the infrmatin is current, crrect r cmplete and is nt a definitive statement f prcedures. Outdrs Victria Ltd reserves the right t vary the cntent f the Australian Adventure Activity Standard and/r Gd Practice Guides as and when required. Activity prviders shuld make independent inquiries as t the crrectness and currency f the cntent and use their wn skill and care with respect t their use f the infrmatin. The Australian Adventure Activity Standard and Gd Practice Guides d nt replace any statutry requirements under any relevant State and Territry legislatin and are made available n the express cnditin that Outdrs Victria Ltd tgether with the authrs, cnsultants, advisers and the Australian Adventure Activity Standard Steering Cmmittee members wh assisted in cmpiling, drafting and ratifying the dcuments: are nt prviding prfessinal r legal advice t any persn r rganisatin; and are nt liable fr any lss resulting frm an actin taken r reliance made n any infrmatin r material cntained within the Australian Adventure Activity Standard, Gd Practice Guides and assciated dcuments. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 2 f 48

3 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 Cntents Overview Preface 4 1 Intrductin 7 2 Management f risk 8 3 Planning 8 4 Participants 9 5 Envirnment 9 6 Equipment and lgistics 11 7 Leadership 15 Glssary 25 Abseil & Climb Appendices 28 Table f cntents 46 Versin details Versin Date Details Dec 2018 Pre-release versin. Final guidance cntent. Frewrd Adventure is wrthwhile Aristtle The Australian Adventure Activity Standard and Gd Practice Guides are designed t ensure effective, respnsible, sustainable and safe delivery f adventure activities t dependant participants. They can help peple acrss the utdr sectr t develp apprpriately managed adventure activities which enhance individuals and ur cmmunities, while prtecting the envirnment and culturally significant places. In ding this, these dcuments can help ensure that peple will cntinue t enjy the benefits f adventure activities well int the future. Best wishes fr all yur adventures. The Australian Adventure Activity Standard Steering Cmmittee. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 3 f 48

4 Preface Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 Abut these dcuments The Australian Adventure Activity Standard (AAAS) and related Gd Practice Guides (GPG s) are a vluntary gd-practice framewrk fr safe and respnsible planning and delivery f utdr adventure activities with dependent participants. The AAAS and related GPG s prvide guidance n safety and ther aspects f respnsible activity delivery, such as respect fr the envirnment, cultural heritage and ther users. They are nt a full legal cmpliance guide, nr are they a hw t guide r field manual fr utdr activities. They d nt prvide guidance n prviding a high-quality experience ver and abve safe and respnsible delivery. Activity prviders are encuraged t btain independent prfessinal and legal advice in relatin t their bligatins and duties in delivering adventure activities and shuld reference the relevant laws t the area in which they intend t undertake the adventure activity. Des the Standard and Gd Practice Guides apply t me? The AAAS and related GPG s are specifically designed t help activity prviders wh are cnducting activities invlving dependent participants, t prvide a safe and respnsible experience. It is fr each prvider t determine based n their wn individual circumstances, if they are wrking with dependent participants r nt. A dependent participant is a persn wed a duty f care by the activity prvider wh is reliant upn the activity leaders fr supervisin, guidance r instructin t supprt the persn s participatin in an activity. Fr example, this ften includes participants under the age f 18, participants lacking the ability t safely undertake the activity, r participants reasnably relying n the activity prvider fr their safety. The degree f dependence may vary during an activity. Cnsideratins fr determining if a persn is a dependent participant may include, but is nt limited t: the freseeable level f cmpetence f the participant in the activity and the assciated level f reliance this creates n the activity leaders the level f freseeable self-reliance f the participant t reasnably manage their wn safety the pssible variatin thrughut the activity f the level f reliance the variatin f the degree f dependence thrughut the activity the individual cntext, nature and circumstances f the activity the relevant circumstances and particular facts relating t the respnsibilities assumed by the prvider. An activity prvider can be any rganisatin business, cmmunity grup, gvernment agency, schl r any ther grups that rganises and leads adventure activities. Individuals can als be an activity prvider, if they have the ultimate legal duty f care t participants. In general, the Standard and GPG s relate t a prvider as a whle rganisatin, rather than t specific rles within the prvider rganisatin. Sme prviders may have their wn standards r guidelines apprpriate t their duty f care. It is recmmended that these be reviewed peridically t ensure current duty f care expectatins are met. The Standard and GPG s may aid such reviews. Are they legally binding? The AAAS and GPG s are vluntary, nt legal requirements. Hwever, they may refer t specific laws and regulatins which may be legally binding n activity prviders. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 4 f 48

5 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 While the AAAS and GPG s are vluntary, sme land managers and ther rganisatins may require cmpliance. This may be as a cnditin f btaining a licence, permit r ther permissin, r sme ther cnditin (e.g. a cntract). Under Australian cmmn law and relevant legislatin, prviders have a legal duty f care twards dependent participants in sme circumstances. In brad terms, the legal duty requires prviders t take reasnable care that their actins and missins d nt cause reasnably freseeable injury t dependent participants. The AAAS and GPG s are nt legal advice, and they cannt answer whether a legal duty exists in specific circumstances. All adventure activity prviders shuld check what legal requirements apply in their wn situatin and seek legal advice if at all in dubt. Even in cases where participants are nt dependent, ther legal duties and bligatins may arise. The AAAS and GPG s have nt been develped fr thse cntexts. Structure f the Standard and Gd Practice Guides The AAAS (i.e. the Standard) has a related Cre Gd Practice Guide (Cre GPG). They bth include guidance that applies t all adventure activities. They set ut recmmendatins fr a cmmn apprach t risk management that can generally apply regardless f the specific activity being undertaken. Individual activity Gd Practice Guides include guidance n specific adventure activities. Fr any given activity, (i) the AAAS (the Standard), (ii) the Cre GPG and (iii) the activity Gd Practice Guide that applies t that specific activity, shuld be cnsulted. The AAAS and Cre GPG cver nly thse activities specifically listed. While the AAAS and Cre GPG may be useful in managing risk generally fr ther activities, they may nt reflect gd practice fr such ther activities. Interpretatin f the Standard and Gd Practice Guides The fllwing wrds and phrases are used in all dcuments and have specific meanings: Must: used where a prvisin is mandatry, if the prvider is t perate fully in accrdance with AAAS r GPG s. (This is equivalent t the keywrd shall used in ther vluntary standards e.g. Standards Australia, ther Internatinal Standards Organisatins (ISO s) etc.) Shuld: used where a prvisin is recmmended, nt mandatry. It indicates that the prvider needs t cnsider their specific situatin and decide fr themselves whether it applies r is relevant. Can/cannt: indicates a pssibility and capability. May/need nt: indicates a permissin r existence f an ptin. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 5 f 48

6 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 But are nt limited t: used t indicate that a list is nt definitive and additinal items may need t be cnsidered depending n the cntext. The fllwing frmatting is used thrughut: Defined wrds are in italics. They are defined in the Glssary. The main key wrds are in italics. Examples are in smaller italic 9-pint fnt. In dcument references are in underlined. References are t sectin heading titles. External references are in dtted underline italic. Creatin The AAAS and GPG s were develped with the input frm a wide range f utdrs and adventure activity experts with extensive field experience. They draw n state and territry-specific standards previusly in place acrss Australia. The develpment prcess included wrk by a range f technical expert wrking grups, as well as pen cnsultatin thrughut the cmmunity f activity prviders and ther experts. Further details f the creatin f the AAAS and GPG s can be fund at The Steering Cmmittee wishes t thank all the Technical Wrking Grup (TWG) members fr their wrk and cntributins. It is intended that the AAAS and GPG s will be regularly updated t reflect changing practice and better understanding ver time. Updates will be nted n the website Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 6 f 48

7 1 Intrductin This dcument is t be used tgether with Cre Gd Practice Guide. Abseil and Climb GPG Versin Abseiling Abseiling is descending vertical r near vertical natural r artificial using rpes and descending frictin devices t manage the descent. It is als knwn as rappelling. Abseiling can ccur n a single-pitch r multi-pitch. In mst situatins, abseiling invlves descending a rpe by walking backwards dwn a vertical r near vertical surface. Frward abseiling descents are als pssible. 1.2 Climbing Climbing is ascending, traversing r descending vertical r near vertical natural r artificial. The term rck climbing is als used fr climbing n natural and at times used t describe climbing n artificial. Fr the purpses f this Gd Practice Guide climbing may include ascending a fixed rpe and climbing in climbing indrs (e.g. climbing gyms). There are three types f climbing cvered in this Gd Practice Guide: tp-rpe climbing, lead climbing and buldering. Tp rpe climbing is usually cnducted n a single pitch. Lead climbing is further separated int traditinal climbing and sprts climbing. It can be cnducted n a single pitch r multi-pitch. Buldering is a frm f climbing activity, limited in height and fr which fall safety can be achieved by the prvisin f an impact absrbing system, by a sptter prviding cntrl f a fall r by a cmbinatin f these measures. Climbing r abseiling withut a means f a belay system is cnsidered unacceptable, except fr where a climber is buldering within a reasnable fall height. 1.3 Exclusins Activities that are nt cvered by this Gd Practice Guide are: Challenge Rpes curse activities Slack lining r high lining Climbing invlving muntaineering and ice climbing Imprvised rping activities during bushwalking n difficult r trackless terrain Activities assciated with Camping while n vernight r extended activities. 1.4 Related activities Abseiling and climbing is als engaged in as a cmpnent f assciated activities including canyning r caving. In these cases, the relevant assciated Gd Practice Guide must be used in cnjunctin with this Gd Practice Guide. Challenge curse activities - refer t Challenge Curse Gd Practice Guide. Where bushwalking ccurs t access climbing and abseiling sites, then the Bushwalking Gd Practice Guide must be cmplied with. Where camping ccurs assciated with abseiling, the Camping Gd Practice Guide must be cmplied with. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 7 f 48

8 2 Management f risk Abseil and Climb GPG Versin Management f risk Refer Cre Gd Practice Guide Management f Risk prvisins. 3 Planning Als refer t Cre Gd Practice Guide. 3.1 Activity plans Activity plan cnsideratins shuld include but are nt limited t: aims and bjectives f activity participants invlved including but nt limited t: grup size relevant items listed in participant sectins envirnmental cnditins the site envirnment including but nt limited t: the intended rute t the site the access t start & finish lcatins and thrughut the activity identifying site specific hazards and risks surface type, stability and sundness f any features and anchrs characteristics f the rute(s) e.g. difficulty, height, pitch, verhangs availability and features f waiting areas relevant items listed in envirnment sectins the equipment requirements including but nt limited t: the expected weight f equipment need t be carried relevant items listed in equipment sectins the leadership requirements including but nt limited t: supervisin requirements specific t the site cmpetencies required by activity leaders relevant items listed in leadership sectins. 3.2 Emergency management planning Als refer t Cre Gd Practice Guide - Emergency management planning. A nn-participating cntact shuld be used as part f the emergency management plan fr all activities and must be used if prviding activities in remte areas r where there is nly ne activity leader. Events must be treated as an emergency where a persn is hanging in a harness and is: uncnscius r is unable t cntinue t prgress either up r dwn fr an extended perid f time. Emergency management plans must include: guidance n trigger pints fr cnsidering the pssibility f 'harness hang syndrme' ccurring apprpriate actins t fllw where 'harness hang syndrme' is suspected, including but nt limited t the relevant first aid treatment. The use f relevant rescue systems and prcedures must be practiced peridically. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 8 f 48

9 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 Where there is nly ne activity leader, the emergency management plan must have arrangements that allw participants an adequate and apprpriate cmmunicatin system if the leader becmes incapacitated. 4 Participants Als refer t Cre Gd Practice Guide. 4.1 Infrmatin prvided pre-activity Pre-activity infrmatin shuld clearly cmmunicate: expectatins and activity cnditins An apprpriate pre-activity assessment shuld be cnducted t ensure participants have the necessary prerequisite skills & knwledge t undertake the activity. 4.2 Participant health and wellbeing Ptential measures t assist in prviding psitive participant experiences may include but are nt limited t: prviding the activity as an ptin s it is challenge by chice prviding a scaled level f experience t build participants level f skill, knwledge and experience prviding real chice in terms f activity entry and exit ptins prviding a briefing f hazards and risks and hw these are managed cnsidering the grup dynamics when gruping participants prviding emtinal supprt thrugh a supprtive envirnment and psitive rapprt building and maintaining psitive relatinships within the grup reducing as much as practical any discmfrt frm the equipment used. 5 Envirnment Als refer t Cre Gd Practice Guide. 5.1 Envirnment related planning Natural Any apprved installatin f permanent artificial anchrs in natural must be undertaken by apprpriately cmpetent persn. Any apprved mdificatin r remval f natural must be undertaken by an apprpriately cmpetent persn. Safety cnsideratins fr natural shuld include but are nt limited t: stability f the cliff face stability f features (e.g. lse rcks) availability f anchrs r natural features t use fr anchrs safety requirements fr access and egress including the likelihd f a fall frm height befre and after participatin climatic cnditins and weather events r cnditins ability t retrieve rpes withut disldging r causing rckfalls Artificial Permanent artificial cnstructed specifically fr use in activities must cmply with relevant cnstructin standards which may include but is nt limited t: Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 9 f 48

10 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 AS Artificial climbing structures and challenge curses Part 1: Fixed and mbile artificial climbing and abseiling walls AS : Design and cnstructin AS /Amdt : Design and cnstructin AS : Operatin and maintenance AS /Amdt : Operatin and maintenance AS : In-service inspectins EN 795: Persnal fall prtectin equipment anchr devices Natinal Fire Prtectin Assciatin (NFPA) standards Temprary artificial shuld cmply with either permanent artificial relevant requirements r be assessed by a cmpetent persn that it is fit fr purpse fr the activity. Cmpliance with the AS Australian Standard may include but is nt limited t inspectin, testing and maintenance requirements Weather infrmatin Refer weather infrmatin in Appendix Severe weather triggers Trigger pints must be based n the relevant Bureau f Meterlgy weather warnings and actual weather cnditins. The risk management plan and emergency management plan shuld include guidance n trigger pints and assciated actins fr: severe weather warnings severe thunderstrm warnings castal waters wind warnings trpical cyclne advice: watch and warning extreme cld temperature extreme ht temperatures. Actins fr weather triggers may include but are nt limited t: cancellatin f activity evacuating t a safe lcatin avid lcatins effected by tides r surf aviding areas that have the ptential fr flash flding preparatins t avid the risks assciated with lightning preparatins t avid the risks assciated with blizzards mving t areas that are prtected frm strng winds and/r hail managing risks f flying r falling items during strng winds. 5.2 Bushfire, prescribed fire and fire danger Refer Cre Gd Practice Guide - Bush fire, prescribed fire and fire danger. 5.3 Water crssings and flding Areas subject t current fld warnings shuld be avided. During severe weather r thunderstrms r when they are frecast, areas likely t experience flash flding shuld be avided. 5.4 Wildlife safety Prcedures shuld be in place t minimise the risks assciated with wildlife that may be encuntered. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 10 f 48

11 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 The types f wildlife encunters that may need t be cnsidered include but are nt limited t: bees hazardus plants e.g. stinging nettle nesting birds snakes spiders wasps. Cnsideratins in reducing the abve wildlife encunters may include but are nt limited t: briefing participants in hw t respnd t encunters cnducting a site assessment befre use using alternative lcatins if necessary. 5.5 Envirnmental sustainability prcedures Envirnmental sustainability prcedures may include but are nt limited t: minimising the use f living trees used as anchrs use f tree prtectrs and/r wide tape slings when using living trees as anchrs lcate activity area and waiting areas t reduce repeated sil and rt cmpactin arund trees the use f temprary edge prtectin the installatin f permanent artificial anchrs r equipment nly being carried ut with the permissin f the Land Owner r Land Manager use f gelgical features r artificial anchrs where installed, in preference t living trees as anchrs aviding the mdificatin f any natural r remval f natural features aviding the remval f selected rck surface vegetatin the mdificatin f natural r remval f natural features nly being carried ut with the permissin f the Land Owner r Land Manager the use f existing site access tracks wherever pssible avid using the edge f access tracks chsing sites wherever pssible that have a rcky base and tp that can better tlerate grups chsing sites that are apprpriate fr the grup size actively managing grups t minimise impact chsing shaded waiting areas s shade is nt sught in inapprpriate areas aviding blcking access t ther users with equipment r belayers negtiating with ther users regarding shared use f a site use remvable prtectin in a manner that avids damage t and prtects natural using chalk sparingly, nly when necessary and where custmary and/r allwed. Als refer Cre Gd Practice Guide Envirnmental sustainability prcedures. 6 Equipment and lgistics Als refer t Cre Gd Practice Guide. 6.1 Equipment requirements Prcedures must be in place t ensure apprpriate clthing fr the expected and freseeable weather cnditins is available. Prcedures must be in place t ensure apprpriate ftwear fr the expected and freseeable terrain is used. Ftwear must be fit fr purpse. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 11 f 48

12 Equipment listed belw must be manufactured fr use in the cntext f the activity: Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 Accessry crd Artificial remvable anchrs including but nt limited t chcks, cams, nuts, hexes, keyhle/remvable blt plates Artificial fixed anchrs used in artificial climbing r abseiling structures Ascending devices Belay devices Carabiners r ther cnnectrs Descending devices Dynamic rpe Harnesses Helmets Lanyards Pulleys Slings Static rpe Any ther equipment that is part f the safety system used. The use f twin r half rpes may depend n the individual prvider s plicy and prcedures. Apprpriate vertical rescue equipment must be readily accessible. Vertical rescue equipment may include but is nt limited t: ascending devices belay device cnnectrs knife pulleys prusik lps rpe lng enugh fr the lngest pitch slings. Where practicable, an additinal rpe lng enugh fr the lngest pitch shuld be cnsidered fr rescue purpses. Prcedures must be in place t ensure a drinking water supply is available. Example equipment lists can be fund in appendix Use f equipment Equipment use All equipment must be used with reference t the manufacturers instructins. Training in the use f equipment used must be prvided t activity leaders and participants. Befre use, the cmpatibility between and crrect functining f all equipment must be cnfirmed. An apprpriate helmet fr prtectin frm falling bjects must be wrn fr all climbing except buldering n natural all abseiling n natural and artificial when in an area identified as requiring a helmet due t a falling bjects risk. An apprpriate helmet shuld be cnsidered when: climbing r buldering n artificial, Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 12 f 48

13 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 buldering n natural. Cnsideratin must be given t if a helmet needs t be wrn when nn-actively participating. Cnsideratins regarding the wearing f helmets must include: the hazards and risks f falling bjects (e.g. rck fall, equipment being drpped, falling climber etc.) the hazards and risks f head impact against a surface (e.g. the head hitting: the climbing wall, a feature like an verhang rf, a hard surface in the fall zne, an bstacle in fall zne, a persn in the fall zne etc.) what hazards the helmet design can prvide prtectin fr (e.g. if intent is t prtect bth impact f a falling bject and a lateral blw, the helmet used shuld be designed fr that purpse). An apprpriate harness must be used Equipment lading Equipment will have a Stated Strength that may r may nt include a safety factr. The type f Stated Strength rating needs t be knwn befre use t ensure equipment is safely laded. (Refer appendix 3 equipment lad ratings fr mre details). Equipment with the Stated Strength prviding the Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) must have a suitable Safety Factr applied and a Safe Wrking Lad (SWL) calculated. Equipment with the Stated Strength prviding the Safe Wrking Lad (SWL) must nly be laded t the maximum f the Safe Wrking Lad (SWL). Reference t the manufacturers instructins must ccur when determining a safety factr and/r safe wrking lad. The expected peak lad and pssible additinal lads shuld a rescue be carried ut must be cnsidered when determining equipment lading Cnnectins Cnnectin methds, equipment and systems used must be peridically reviewed. Cnsideratins when determining cnnectin methds, equipment and systems shuld include but are nt limited t: the type f anchr r anchrs being used the redundancy available shuld an anchr fail what needs t be attached t the harness (e.g. direct cnnectin t rpe r a descender device) the experience and cntext f wh is cmpleting the cnnectin f the rpe t the harness r descender device the availability f a cmpetent persn t supervise r check the cnnectin that is cmpleted by a participant Cnnectrs and practices relating t use Carabiners must be used s that n lad is intentinally acrss the minr axis r gate. Systems that have cyclical lads cnstantly applied r subject t vibratin shuld be inspected at an apprpriate frequency. The type f cnnectr used must be suitable fr the task. The cnnectin f the harness must use either: tw methds f cnnectin t prvide redundancy, with any carabiners used being lcking carabiners r a three way aut-lcking carabiner where clipping in is the sles means f attachment. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 13 f 48

14 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 The cnnectin f the belayers harness t belay devices must use either a lcking carabiner r autlcking carabiner. In situatins where participants cmplete any cnnectin t a harness: the cnnectr r knt must be checked by a cmpetent persn and when a cmpetent persn may nt check the cnnectin, tw methds f cnnectin t prvide redundancy must be used Chest harnesses Chest harnesses are nly t be used in cmbinatin with a sit harness. Cnsideratin f the use f a cmbinatin chest and climbing sit harness r a full bdy harness shuld ccur: fr frward facing abseils when inversin is intended r likely when the security f a sit harness cannt be relied upn due t bdy shape when the security f a sit harness cannt be relied upn if the persn were t experience a preexisting health, medical r persnal cnditin episde (e.g. epilepsy) very yung participants Other equipment use cnsideratins Dynamic rpe must be used fr the belay rpe when: lead climbing a fall factr is likely t apprach r exceed 0.3 lanyards (e.g. cws tails ) are used at r abve anchr height. A prcedure regarding participant supplied equipment shuld be develped. Where a participant supplies any persnal climbing r abseiling equipment, this must cmply with the abve equipment requirements and equipment use sectins and be serviceable. Wearing glves shuld be cnsidered when abseiling Rescue systems and rigging fr rescue Anchr systems and belay systems must be rigged fr a timely and effective rescue. Cnsideratins in rigging systems fr rescue must include but are nt limited t: lad directin lad magnitude ability t lwer the persn ability t cnduct sideways hauls ability t enable an activity leader t cmplete a cntact rescue ability t raise the persn. 6.3 Maintenance f equipment All equipment must be checked that it is serviceable befre each activity r befre being used. All equipment shuld be inspected peridically that it is serviceable. Apprpriate prcedures must be in place fr inspectins and determining the time perids between inspectins. All anchrs n artificial used shuld be peridically inspected as per any relevant artificial cnstructin standard by an apprpriately cmpetent persn. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 14 f 48

15 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 Cnsideratins fr hw regular the assessment f all anchrs ccurs may include but are nt limited t: the characteristics f the site hw many peple use the site and hw regularly any manufacturers recmmendatins where relevant the equipment being used. Equipment and inspectin recrds must cnfrm with any legislative r regulatry requirements. A recrd f inspectin f anchrs n artificial must be maintained. An equipment recrd shuld be maintained. Where used, an equipment recrd shuld recrd but is nt limited t the: item individual identifier age (e.g. date f manufacture) date f inspectins recmmended r maximum lifespan. A retirement f equipment plicy shuld be develped. Cnsideratins fr a retirement f equipment plicy may include but are nt limited t: type f use frequency f use prevailing cnditins when used actual deteriratin, wear and tear extreme usage events r patterns (e.g. impacts, catches ) age years in service manufactures recmmendatins. 6.4 Strage f equipment Activity equipment must be stred in accrdance with the manufacturer s recmmendatins r instructins. Where n manufacturer s recmmendatins exist, cnsideratins fr strage f equipment may include but are nt limited t: equipment is clean and dry the strage is free frm harmful chemicals the strage is free frm damp cnditins the strage is free frm envirnmental expsure including Ultra Vilet (UV) light and avids extremes f temperature the strage is free frm interference f fauna r vermin. 7 Leadership Als refer t Cre Gd Practice Guide 7.1 Naming cnventins The activity leader naming cnventin enables this Gd Practice Guide t be related t Cre Gd Practice Guide requirements. It is imprtant t clarify specific rles and cmpetencies required t avid the pssibility f: an assistant guide leading a grup when guide cmpetencies are required Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 15 f 48

16 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 an assistant guide r guide leading a grup when instructr cmpetencies are required. All activity leader cmpetencies needed fr a particular rle must be clearly defined. An abseiling and/r climbing instructr, has the cmpetence t instruct participants s that they may undertake the activity independently withut supervisin. An abseiling and/r climbing guide, has the cmpetence t lead participants thrughut the whle activity. An abseiling and/r climbing assistant guide, has sme but nt all f the cmpetencies f an abseiling and/r climbing guide, s can nly lead participants thrugh part f the activity under supervisin f a guide r instructr. The leadership naming cnventins are: Abseiling guide, Climbing guide, Abseiling instructr and Climbing instructr can be the equivalent t Leader in Cre Gd Practice Guide. 7.2 Cmpetencies This sectin utlines the cmpetencies that activity leaders shuld have Cmpetencies verview The AAAS and Gd Practice Guides refers t units frm the Sprt, Fitness and Recreatin Training Package fr descriptive statements f the knwledge and skills required f activity leaders. The Training Package units are used fr the sle purpse f prviding descriptins fr the knwledge and skills required. It is nt intended t imply r require that specific frmal training, assessment r qualificatin is the nly means f gaining r recgnising knwledge and skills. Activity prviders can recgnise activity leaders as having the ability t apply knwledge and skills t achieve expected results (i.e. cmpetencies) in a number f different ways as per Recgnitin f cmpetence in Cre GPG. The Training Package units listed can be fund by searching fr the units n the training.gv.au/hme/tga website. The cde prvided with the unit name assists in this search Abseil and climb cmpetencies Als refer t cmpetencies sectin in Cre Gd Practice Guide. Fr activities that als invlve bushwalking t the site, refer t the Bushwalking Gd Practice Guide. Abseiling natural cmpetencies see appendix A6.1 Abseiling artificial cmpetencies see appendix A6.2 Climbing natural cmpetencies see appendix A6.3 Climbing artificial cmpetencies see appendix A6.4 Buldering cmpetencies see appendix A6.5 Relevant rescue cmpetencies must be practiced peridically. 7.3 Recgnitin f cmpetence Refer t cnsideratins fr recgnitin pathways utlined in Cre Gd Practice Guide. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 16 f 48

17 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin Supervisin Overview Apprpriate supervisin must be prvided at all times during the activity. The number f participants permitted t actively participate in an activity must be limited t the number the activity leaders can prvide with direct supervisin t deal with all aspects f the activity. Spectatrs r participants currently nn-actively participating shuld be lcated in a waiting area that reduces the likelihd: f a fall frm height being struck frm a falling bject and/r they interfere with the cnduct f the activity. Spectatrs r participants currently nn-actively participating shuld where necessary be supervised independently Abseiling and climbing grup size Cnsideratins when determining grup size must include but are nt limited t: site capacity site related legislatin r regulatin the time allwed t enable all participants in the grup t cmplete the activity is sufficient and realistic and des nt cmprmise safety having apprpriate supervisin fr nn-actively participating participants cnsideratins fr determining grup size utlined in Cre Gd Practice Guide Recmmended supervisin Cnsideratins fr determining supervisin requirements may include but are nt limited t: characteristics f the site the belay system used participant training prgressin and cmpetence supervisin requirements f participants wh are waiting time fr the activity leaders t allw all participants t undertake the activity being sufficient and realistic general cnsideratins fr determining supervisin requirements utlined in Cre Gd Practice Guide. The supervisin requirements and ratis fr prgrams that train/teach participants t becme guides r instructrs shuld be determined n a case-by-case basis, accrding t the prgress f thse participants twards being fully independent guides r instructrs themselves Participants that are nn-actively participating Cnsideratin must be given t the type f supervisin participants require when nn-actively participating (i.e. wh are waiting t undertake the activity). In cases where participants wh are nn-actively participating require direct supervisin, that supervisin must be prvided by an activity leader nt prviding direct supervisin f an activity r by a respnsible persn as apprpriate Abseiling supervisin Adequate supervisin must be prvided fr participants bth actively and nn-actively participating. The fllwing supervisin recmmendatins are based n participants wh are nn-actively participating are either: Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 17 f 48

18 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 capable f self-managing their wn safety in a waiting area based n instructins prvided r are under the supervisin f either anther activity leader nt prviding direct supervisin f the activity r a respnsible persn. Recmmended supervisin fr participants actively abseiling and/r belaying, fr single pitch r multi-pitch n natural r artificial : tp-belay with guide r instructr belaying at tp: 1 x abseil guide/instructr t 1 x belay system in use. tp-belay with participants used as belayers at tp, with backup belayers, while in clse prximity t each ther: 1 x abseil guide r instructr t a maximum f 2 x belay systems in use. bttm braking: 1 x abseil guide/instructr dispatching at tp and 1 x abseil guide/instructr/assistant guide at the base t a maximum f 1 x active belay system in use. self-belay (nte: is cntext dependent based n an apprpriate learning prgressin): 1 x abseil guide/instructr t maximum 2 x belay systems in use. multipitch abseil: 1 x abseil guide/instructr dispatching at tp and 1 x abseil guide/instructr t establish the lwer belay statin t a maximum f 1 x active belay system in use. multipitch abseil that is a series f single pitch abseils, where all pitch changevers ccur at an area that des nt require a belay system r direct supervisin f participants t prtect frm a fall frm height: 1 x abseil guide/instructr t 1 x belay system in use Climbing supervisin Adequate supervisin must be prvided fr participants bth actively and nn-actively participating. Unless the belayers and climbers are assessed fr cmpetence they shuld be cnsidered dependent participants and suitable supervisin as recmmended belw is used. The fllwing supervisin recmmendatins are based n participants wh are nn-actively participating are either: capable f self-managing their wn safety in a waiting area based n instructins prvided r are under the supervisin f either anther activity leader nt prviding direct supervisin f the activity r a respnsible persn. Recmmended supervisin fr participants actively climbing and/r belaying: Fr single-pitch n natural r artificial : tp-belay with belayer at the bttm, with participants as belayers and backup belayers, while climbs in clse prximity t each ther: 1 x climbing guide/instructr t maximum f 2 x belay systems in use 1 x climbing guide/instructr and 1 assistant guide t maximum f [3] x belay systems in use. tp-belay with belayer at the tp, with participants as belayers and backup belayers, while climbs in clse prximity t each ther: 1 x climbing guide/instructr supervising belaying and 1 x assistant climbing guide supervising tying in (at the base) t a maximum f 2 belay systems in use. aut-belay tp-belay n artificial surface with climbs in clse prximity: 1 x climbing guide/instructr t a maximum f 8 x belay systems in use. lead climbing with participants as belayers and backup belayers, while climbs in clse prximity t each ther: 1 x climbing guide /instructr t a maximum f 2 belay systems in use. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 18 f 48

19 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 self-belay (nte: is cntext dependent based n an apprpriate leaning prgressin): 1 x climbing guide/instructr t maximum 2 x belay systems in use. Fr multi-pitch n natural r artificial : climbing guide/instructr leading climbs; participants belaying: 1 x climbing guide/instructr t a maximum f 4 participants Buldering supervisin Adequate supervisin must be prvided fr participants bth actively and nn-actively participating. The number f climber s that can be supervised while buldering must be based n the: the cmpetence f the sptters the ability and need fr prviding direct supervisin r indirect supervisin f bth the climber(s) and sptter(s) the available distance separating multiply climber s buldering the site cnsideratins including hazards within the fall zne. 7.5 Activity management during activity Knwledge f site The knwledge and experience f the activity site that activity leaders require befre leading participants at that site, shuld be cnsidered when allcating activity leader rles Activity infrmatin prvided t participants The infrmatin required must be determined prir t the activity. Required infrmatin must be prvided at the apprpriate time befre r during the activity. Opprtunities fr participants t ask questins and have cncerns addressed must be prvided. Where there is nly has ne activity leader, the grup must be briefed n what actin t take t enact the emergency management plan if the activity leader becmes injured r incapacitated. Activity infrmatin that shuld be prvided t participants includes but is nt limited t: the plan fr running the activity wh is cntrlling the activity and wh t ask fr guidance relevant participant respnsibilities site specific hazards and risks the crrect fitting f persnal equipment and this is t be checked befre use the crrect use f the belay systems and ther any ther fall prtectin systems the crrect use f the activity s systems an apprpriate technique(s) fr the activity the release prcedures fr belay system r ther system cmmunicatins systems and requirements any ther relevant activity infrmatin r prcedures. Climbing specific activity infrmatin Activity infrmatin that shuld be prvided t participants climbing includes but is nt limited t: the activity infrmatin listed abve methd fr falling ff and recvering t the climb prcedures fr exiting at the tp r being lwered back t the start. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 19 f 48

20 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin Falling bjects Prcedures t minimise the pssibility r impact f falling bjects must include but are nt limited t: checking the site and anchrs prir t use ensuring helmets are wrn where relevant as per the equipment sectin designating waiting areas that reduce the expse t falling bjects briefing participants n ptential hazards and hw t avid disldging bjects briefing participants n the apprpriate actin and warnings t give if an bject des fall managing grups s that the grups and individual s expsure within ptential fall areas is minimised minimising mvement between areas that are lcated abve ther peple supervisin f participants while they are lcated abve ther peple. Prcedures t minimise the pssibility r impact f falling bjects shuld include but are nt limited t: placing belay areas wherever pssible s that they are nt directly under the climber where allwed, remve lse bjects that are likely t fall prir t running the activity managing spectatrs and ther peple mving thrugh the area Falls frm height Cnsideratins fr the likelihd f a fall frm height shuld include but are nt limited t: hw clse t the edge peple are the slpe f the surface being std n the stability and grip f the surface being std n bstacles that need t be negtiated abilities f participants including the ability t fllw instructins. T prtect frm a fall frm height, prcedures must include checking participant(s): equipment is crrectly fitted befre they need t rely n the belay system crrect attachment t the belay system, abseil system and/r ther safety systems. Checking equipment and attachment must nt be delegated t the participants themselves, unless they have demnstrated cmpetence in the prcedure(s). T reduce the ptential fr and/r severity f falls frm height, prcedures must include: ensuring rpes are f a sufficient length fr the pitch remve unnecessary slack in belay system befre use mnitring the crrect use f belay systems mnitr attaching t anchrs r belay systems mnitr belay rpe(s) t keep them at the apprpriate length mnitr belay systems t remve unnecessary slack in belay rpes prviding apprpriate instructin t mitigate risks caused by the stretch in dynamic rpe. T reduce the ptential fr and/r severity f falls frm height, prcedures shuld include: designating what areas that are nt t be entered designating waiting areas designating areas that can nly be accessed when attached t the belay system [duplicatin see abve] checking crrect attachment t the belay system, safety r ther systems anchring the belayer where the belay system relies substantially n the belayers weight t arrest a fall and the weight f the abseiler r climber is greater than that f the belayer. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 20 f 48

21 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 Cnsideratin must be given t the need fr separately sptting climbers when starting their ascent, until such time the climber reaches a fall height where the belay system will fully perate t stp their fall befre they tuch the fall zne. (Refer buldering specifics sectin During activity Buldering.) Swinging falls T reduce the ptential fr injury r damage t participants r equipment cnsideratin shuld include but is nt limited t the pssibility f participants: taking a rute n an angle that creates the ptential fr a pendulum swing if cntrl is lst swinging r falling against r acrss hard, abrasive r sharp bjects Entanglement and snags The activity leader(s) shuld mnitr belay rpe(s) t keep them at the apprpriate length and tensin, t prevent the pssibility f a slack rpe becming entangled r snagged. T avid entanglement in rpes and devices: lng hair must be secured t stp it being able t be entangled lse jewellery (e.g. bracelets and necklaces) shuld be remved r secured lse clthing and drawstrings shuld be secured. T avid being caught r snagged, where there is such a risk: rings shuld be remved r tapped ver bdy piercings shuld be remved r taped ver Anchrs and the belay & activity systems Anchrs must be sufficient t prtect a fall. Prcedures t ensure that all systems functin as intended must include but are nt limited t: anchr systems are assessed as suitable t supprt the intended lads anchr systems and equipment are suitable fr the activity, site and participants apprpriate knts and cnnectins are used regular inspectin f all anchrs and cnnectins where practicable perating prcedures and checks used will prevent unplanned discnnectin f any part f the system checking attachment t and discnnectin frm the system during the activity. Where a belay system requires a belayer, either the belayer must be: a cmpetent belayer; r under direct supervisin f an activity leader. Als refer equipment sectin Rescue systems rigging fr rescue Abseil belay systems The abseil system must use at least ne belay methd t prtect the abseiler if they lse cntrl f the descent. Belay methds include but are nt limited t a tp belay system, bttm braking r a self-belay system. Equipment and systems t affect a rescue must be available. Cnsideratins fr using a tp belay system shuld include but are nt limited t: any stretch in the belay system still allws it t effectively prtect a fall the likelihd f the abseiler spinning and twisting the belay and abseil rpes tgether e.g. free abseiling, abseiling ver verhangs. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 21 f 48

22 Cnsideratins fr using bttm braking shuld include but are nt limited t: Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 that any stretch in the belay system still allws it t effectively prtect a fall the belayers cmpetence r ability t be apprpriately supervised the apprpriate equipment required t ensure the descent speed is apprpriate the activity aims, and bjectives being suited t the participants any plicy requirements f the rganisatin engaging the prvider t deliver activity fr its participants (e.g. educatin department plicy) the apprpriateness f the site the additinal risks when abseiler s are free hanging and/r required t negtiating verhangs the ability f the belayer t see the abseiler at all times the likelihd f bjects falling n the belayer. Cnsideratins fr using a self-belay system (e.g. prussik brake) as the belay methd t prtect the abseiler if they lse cntrl f the descent shuld include but are nt limited t: the abseiler being cmpetent in perating the self-belay system having available equipment and systems t affect a rescue the stretch in the belay system is t great fr a tp belay system r bttm braking system t effectively prtect a fall Lnger abseils Cnsideratins fr lnger abseils shuld include but are nt limited t: apprpriate cmmunicatin systems t enable effective cmmunicatin between the tp and bttm f the pitch use f an apprpriate belay system that effectively prtects a fall including: checking if bttm braking is effective ver the length f the abseil checking if a tw-rpe system is effective ver the length f the abseil use f an apprpriate descender device t handle the heat build-up ver the length f the abseil issues caused by the weight f the rpe(s) the time the abseiler will be suspended in a harness strategies t manage the varying amunt f frictin experienced ver the length f the abseil Frward abseiling Sme risks assciated with frward abseiling are different t backwards abseiling and require additinal risk management practices. Frward abseiling can cause significant discmfrt t the abseiler. Sit harnesses must nly be used when they: have manufactures endrsement fr use in frward abseiling are fit fr purpse are fitted as per manufactures instructins and nt in reverse fit the abseiler crrectly will retain the abseiler if they becme inverted. A full bdy harness must be used when a sit harness is nt suitable. The cnnectin t the belay system in every case must be checked by a cmpetent persn, as the abseiler is unable t fully inspect the cnnectin lcated behind them. The abseiling system used must allw a rescue t be swiftly cmpleted withut requiring the abseiler t assist. A self-belay system must nt be used as the belay methd t prtect the abseiler if they lse cntrl f the descent when frward abseiling. Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 22 f 48

23 Abseil and Climb GPG Versin 1.0 Frward abseiling activity leaders must: have experience in frward abseiling cmpetent in handling the additinal cmplexities when cmpleting frward abseiling. Additinal cnsideratins fr frward abseiling shuld include but are nt limited t: having an apprpriate learning prgressin fr the participant any pre-existing medical cnditins the abseil site including the length f abseil and slpe the equipment used, including its impact n the speed f descent the pre-activity infrmatin and briefings prvided Multi-pitch activities A pre-activity check and nging mnitring must be used t cnfirm that the activity fllws and uses the crrect rute and belay statin lcatins. Participant management practices shuld be used t prevent vercrwding at belay statins. Participants shuld have: prir experience in the activity r the pprtunity t try a single pitch f the activity, befre being cmmitted t cmpleting a multi-pitch activity the cmpetence in using basic skills t temprarily perate ut f line f sight r cmmunicatin f an activity leader. Prcedures must enable apprpriate cmmunicatin between grups at each belay system. Additinal pre-activity infrmatin shuld include but is nt limited t the methd f transferring frm the activity belay system t a fixed anchr and back t the activity belay system Activity leader fatigue and repetitin Cnsideratins in managing activity leader fatigue and task repetitin risks shuld include but are nt limited t: grup sizes and the number f grups rle rtatin suitable breaks Activity leader psitining The activity leader shuld where practicable, have visual cntact with the abseiler(s) and/r climber(s). An activity leader with the apprpriate rescue cmpetencies must be psitined t affect a timely rescue if required Cmmunicatin A system f clear & unambiguus verbal r nn-verbal cmmunicatins must be used t manage the activity. Having line f sight and cmmunicatin by sund shuld be used as the preferred means f supervising participants wherever pssible Participants belaying r sptting Cnsideratins fr when participants perate belay systems r sptting shuld include but are nt limited t: participants are willing and capable apprpriate training is prvided Pre-release versin fficial launch versin due Sept 2019 Page 23 f 48