BOULDERING WALL USER MANUAL

Transcription

1 BOULDERING WALL USER MANUAL 1 of 11

2 Contents P3. Construction Information P4. Structural Stability P4. Hold Insert Resistance Test P5. Foam Landing Mat P6. Instructions for Normal Use P7. Route Setting P8. Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines P9. Inspection Record Samples P11. Risk Assessment Sample 2 of 11

3 Construction Information This bouldering wall comprises of a tubular steel internal framework, a timber supporting frame and plywood panelling. All nuts, bolts, U-bolts and similar fastenings are bright zinc plated steel and of SAE grade 8.8 tensile strength unless otherwise stated. The 48.3mm diameter tubular steel structural framework is supported at five points. Points A, B and C are ground supported and positioned by floor plates, fixed with two M10x40 drop in anchors and bolts at each plate. Points A, C, D and E are attached to the steel structure of the building by forged girder clamps manufactured to BS1139 and EN74. Point B is attached to the steel structure of the building by an M10 U-bolt. The timber supporting frame is constructed from 100x47mm C24 graded wood which complies with EN using 6mm woodscrews of 80 and 100mm length. This frame is fixed to the concrete floor by means of 14 M10x40 drop in anchors and bolts, and attached to the the tubular steel framework by 10 M10 U-bolts horizontally at the top of the framework and 9 M10 U-bolts on the vertical posts, 4 at point A and 5 at point C. The climbing surface is constructed of 18mm hardwood plywood and attached to the timber supporting frame by 4x50mm woodscrews. M10 T-nuts are fitted every 244mm across the majority of the climbing surface, but are more frequent on the shield portion between the varied overhang and 30 degree walls. The climbing surface has been prepares with Coo-Var Penetrating Wood Primer and coated with Coo-Var Suregrip aggregate paint in the following colours: Coo-Var SureGrip Standard White Coo-Var SureGrip Standard Black Coo-Var SureGrip Custom Orange RAL2008 Steel frame attachment points 3 of 11

4 Structural Stability In accordance with EN :2008 Annex B Part 3, this artificial climbing structure has been tested to withstand 0.4kN substitution load per square meter at four unfavourable points, with an additional 0.8kN load applied at the most unfavourable point. These were deemed as the unfavourable points due to their distance from the ground and structural support. The most unfavourable point at the shield was determined as it is not directly supported by the steel framework, but is instead supported by the timber frames of the varied and 30 degree overhangs. Additionally the shield is almost perfectly in line with the most unfavourable point of the tubular steel framework, a part which is approximately an equal distance from support points D and E, and an equal distance from the horizontal tubes supported by points A, B and C. No damage was found at any part of the climbing structure following the test, and no measurable deflection in the tubular steel framework was present during the application of the substitution loads. The effects of climbers standing on top of the wall have not been measured as this is not allowed within the scope of use. The effects of snow and wind loads have not been measured as this bouldering wall is located indoors. Hold Insert Resistance Test In accordance with EN :2008 Annex D, this test is designed to reproduce the load that is applied to a bolt-on hold fixing in a bouldering wall panel resulting from the use of the hold by a climber. A plywood sample has been prepared and fitted with a T-nut in the same configuration as the climbing surface. A 5kN load has been applied to the T-nut and we found no breaking out or loosening of the surface element or of the hole insert. 4 of 11

5 Foam Landing Mat The foam landing mat for this bouldering wall has been custom made and comprises of three parts. A main landing area mat of 5800x6060mm and two return modules. The 460x1500mm return module fits beside the 15 degree wall and the 300x1500mm return module fits beside the 30 degree wall. The return modules attach to the main landing area mat with velcro bandages. The main landing area mat is tethered to the wall by two toggle straps. Each module is constructed of premium RX33 foam, 300mm in depth and covered in black PVC. The landing area extends 1500mm from the furthest point of the climbing surface. This is reduced from the recommended 2500mm as there shall be no climbing holds fitted to the sides of the climbing wall. Considering this reduction, care should be taken by route setters to ensure that a fall from a large dynamic move will not result in the climber falling over the edge of the landing area. 15 DEGREE VARIED OVERHANG 30 DEGREE 5 of 11

6 Instructions for Normal Use All climbers should be given an induction before being allowed to use the bouldering wall and pegboard. They should sign a participant form to say that they have received this induction and safety briefing and that they are aware of the risks of using the bouldering wall. Additionally, a usage guidelines poster should be displayed close to the climbing wall. The usage guidance of this wall is set out in eight key points for the climber; Stand Off the Landing Mat When you are not immediately climbing, please stand off the landing mat so as not to obstruct other climbers should they fall. Keep the mat free from obstacles including kit bags and water bottles. Wipe Your Feet Make sure your shoes are clean before stepping on the landing mat. Make sure your footwear does not have studs or anything that will cause damage to the wall or landing mat. We recommend climbing shoes or flat, rigid training shoes/pumps for bouldering. Climb Sensibly Warm up before you climb and know your limits. As with any training activity, over exertion can result in serious injury. Three Climbers Maximum A maximum of three climbers are permitted on the bouldering wall at any time. This allows for one climber in each zone, but it is your responsibility to make sure that you won t clash with another climber. Never walk or stand underneath a climber. Grades A tag on the start hold of each climb displays the difficulty as V grade, with a number that increases with difficulty (e.g. V0, V1, V2). A plus or minus symbol may represent a small difference in difficulty. You can also use multiple colours to make up your own routes. Start Holds Each tag represents a limb. If a hold has two tags, two limbs should be on this hold to start the climb. If there are less than four tags, your remaining limbs can use any hold you like from that climb. Holds Can Spin Climbing holds may loosen and spin. Please report any loose or damaged holds to a member of staff immediately. Coming Down Climb down so that you are closer to the landing mat and jump from the wall at a sensible height. Land on your feet and bend your knees in a controlled manner. THE LANDING MAT DOES NOT GUARANTEE SAFETY! 6 of 11

7 Route Setting Quality route setting can make a twenty-five square meter wall the most exciting climbing facility for miles, and poor setting can make a large, elaborate climbing gym hardly worth the drive. It is therefore vital to ensure that your route setting carefully considers your target user's abilities and the frequency of resetting as well as being creative and maintaining user safety. Regular resetting means your wall will never become boring to your customers, and ensures continued engagement with new and existing users. Saint Germain Climbing Walls can provide route setting at intervals throughout the year depending on the use your wall receives or provide training for your staff to bring setting in-house. Tools for Setting Route setting on a bouldering wall of this size requires a number of tools; -Cordless Impact Driver -6mm Impact Hex Bit (for countersunk M10 bolts, size varies with bolt style) -Ladders with soft end covers (to avoid damaging the climbing wall and landing mat) -Suspended Containers for Climbing Holds -Tool Tethering -Cordons and Signage Safety Considerations It is important to consider where difficult and dynamic moves will be placed on each climb, considering the height of the climber and the direction of a potential fall. It is important to ensure that a simple poorly executed move will not result in a major injury. Consider height, the proximity of other climbing areas and the extension of the landing mat beyond the footprint of the climbing wall, as well as applying common sense. Route Setting Safety It is the responsibility of the setter to ensure that route setting is carried out safely. A cordon should be put in place to keep the public out of any area where there is potential for falling objects. Dropping holds, bolts or any other item should be avoided wherever possible but you must still account for accidents. Setters should consider their own safety when setting up and ascending ladders. Tools should be tethered to the setter or the climbing wall at all times. 7 of 11

8 Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines The bouldering wall should be inspected by a competent member of gym staff at regular intervals. Daily Inspection -Landing mat is clean and free of obstacles -Landing mat is intact, free from punctures and complete at all joints -Landing mat has not moved away from the climbing wall -Safety signage is present and correct (including EN standard marking) -Check for damage to climbing surface -Ensure climbing holds are tight and free from damage -Check for evidence of vandalism or misuse Damaged climbing holds should be removed immediately and replaced with a similar hold of the same colour. Depending on the severity of climbing surface damage, use of the wall may need to be suspended. If in doubt please contact the manufacturer for advice. Climbers should be told to report loose or damaged climbing holds to a member of staff. These reports should be acted on immediately. Monthly Inspection (Internal) -Ensure steel framework connectors are tight -Ensure timber support frame is attached at all original points -Ensure all panels are fitted tightly Annual Inspection The bouldering wall should be inspected by the manufacturer or an appropriate inspector annually. A full report should be given and any recommendations acted on by the user. Inspection Records Sample daily, weekly and monthly inspection records are provided on the following pages. These can be photocopied or recreated and should be kept at least until the next annual inspection. Notes should be dated and include any problems found and the action taken to rectify them. Internal Access The lowest panel on each side of the climbing wall can be removed using a 6mm allen key or hex wrench to allow for internal access. Inside the climbing wall there is a timber ladder to give easy access to all areas of the wall. The inspector can carefully stand on any part of the timber structure but NOT on the square notches between panels (pictured). When climbing inside the wall, be aware of overhead obstacles including the steel framework and hanging lights. Removable access panel, fifteen degree side Internal timber ladder Do NOT stand on square notches 8 of 11

9 Daily Inspection Record Week Commencing: / / M T W T F S S Landing Mat Clean and Free of Obstacles Landing Mat Intact and Free From Punctures Landing Mat Sections Attached With Velcro Landing Mat Secured to Climbing Wall Safety Signage Present and Correct Climbing Surface Free From Damage No Evidence of Vandalism or Misuse Climbing Holds Tight and Free From Damage NOTES Week Commencing: / / M T W T F S S Landing Mat Clean and Free of Obstacles Landing Mat Intact and Free From Punctures Landing Mat Sections Attached With Velcro Landing Mat Secured to Climbing Wall Safety Signage Present and Correct Climbing Surface Free From Damage No Evidence of Vandalism or Misuse Climbing Holds Tight and Free From Damage NOTES 9 of 11

10 Monthly Inspection Record Year: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Steel Frame Floor Mountings Tight and Intact Steel Frame Joist Mountings Tight and Intact Steel Frame Couplers Tight and Intact Timber Frame Floor Mountings Tight and Intact Timber Frame U-Bolts Tight and Intact Panels Fitted Tightly NOTES Year: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Steel Frame Floor Mountings Tight and Intact Steel Frame Joist Mountings Tight and Intact Steel Frame Couplers Tight and Intact Timber Frame Floor Mountings Tight and Intact Timber Frame U-Bolts Tight and Intact Panels Fitted Tightly NOTES 10 of 11

11 Sample Risk Assessment Managing a climbing wall involves managing risk. How you manage risk and liability for your facility is your responsibility. The material contained in this manual is for your reference and is provided as an example on how other facilities have approached risk management, maintenance, and staff training. Saint Germain Climbing Walls assumes no responsibility for the use of the information contained in this manual and for the ongoing risk management, liability, and operations of your climbing wall. Hazard/Risk Who May Be Harmed? Likelihood (1-5) Potential Risk (1-5) Control Measures Injuries to body as a result of falling from the wall Climber falling on bystander stood on landing mat Falling objects from pockets Falling as a result of loose climbing holds Cuts and grazes as a result of damaged surface or holds Climber 3 3 Induction outlines correct dismount and landing procedure Climber and Bystanders 1 5 Participants are told not to stand on landing mat and to be aware of other climbers Bystanders 2 2 Participants are told to empty pockets before climbing Bystanders 1 3 Participants are requested to report loose holds to staff so that they can be tightened immediately Climber 1 2 Participants are requested to report damage to staff so that it can be assessed and acted on as per the inspection guidelines Falling objects during route setting Falling from ladder during route setting Bystanders and Route Setters Bystanders and Route Setters 2 5 Route setters are required to cordon off the landing area and tether tools 1 2 Route setters are required to follow ladder safety procedures 11 of 11