www.abcwalls.c.uk ABC RS02 (Octber 2014)
2 Assciatin f British Climbing Walls 1. PURPOSE, SCOPE & LIMITATIONS The ABC (the Guidelines) utline Best Practice fr rute and bulder setting, as endrsed by the Assciatin f British Climbing Walls (ABC) in cnsultatin with industry experts. The Guidelines are designed t help climbing wall peratrs and setters meet their legal bligatins. ABC members must cnfrm t these guidelines. The Guidelines cver the respnsibilities f setters and climbing wall peratrs in relatin t setting in a cmmercial envirnment. They d nt cver creating new lines n natural rck, building climbing walls r wall maintenance. While in sme centres, the setter may have additinal respnsibilities such as wall and equipment inspectins, these are utside the remit f these guidelines. It is understd and accepted that site-specific circumstances may require a different apprach t what is prvided fr in the Guidelines. In the case f such deviatins, the nus is n the setter r peratr t cmplete their wn risk assessment and develp prcedures t adequately cntrl any additinal risks created. The emplyment status f setters is cnsidered with respect t health and safety implicatins, but the financial and tax cnsequences are nt cvered. 2. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS COSSH. Cntrl f Substances Hazardus t Health. Hazard. Smething with the ptential t cause harm. Hld. Remvable climbing cmpnent used fr prgressin n an ACS. (EN 12572:3) LOLER. Lifting Operatins and Lifting Equipment Regulatins. MEWP. Mbile Elevating Wrk Platfrm. Risk. The likelihd that a particular harm will arise frm a hazard and the severity f that harm. Setting. The creative act f putting climbing hlds and vlumes n an climbing wall in a particular rder with the result being a rute r bulder prblem f a defined grade. Setter means bth Bulder and Rute Setters. Where there is a distinctin the term Rute Setter r Bulder Setter will be used. Vlume. A remvable structure that can either be used as a climbing hld (if nt designed t be used with additinal climbing hlds) r as part f the wall itself (if designed t be used with additinal climbing hlds). WAHR. Wrking at Height Regulatins. Wrk at height. Wrk undertaken at any height where there is a risk f persnal injury shuld the wrker fall. 3. EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND INSURANCE All setters must cmply with the WAHR regardless f whether they are emplyed by a climbing wall r freelance cntractrs. Irrespective f the an peratr labelling a setter as a cntractr r an emplyee, a curt f law may find therwise. The nature f the relatinship is determined n a case-by-case basis lking at a number f factrs. The tax status f an individual des nt preclude them frm having a different status under emplyment law.
3 Assciatin f British Climbing Walls 3.1. EMPLOYER DUTIES Emplyers have a duty t take reasnable care fr the health and safety f their emplyees and any persn wh culd be harmed as a result f their activities. This includes activities carried ut by cntractrs. The emplyer must: Cnduct a risk assessment fr all wrk activities; Name smene respnsible fr health and safety within the rganisatin; Explain risk cntrls and prvide adequate training t emplyees; Ensure that thse invlved in wrk at height are trained and cmpetent; Cnsult with emplyees n relevant health and safety issues; Have adequate first aid prvisin; Reprt any incidents (RIDDOR); Select, prvide, inspect and maintain suitable wrk equipment. This includes maintaining inspectin recrds; Ensure that all wrk at height is prperly planned and rganised including having an emergency and rescue plan; and Ensure that the place where wrk at height is dne is safe: the climbing wall must be fit fr purpse, safe t use and prperly inspected and maintained. 3.2. EMPLOYING SET TERS AS CONTRACTORS Even where the setter is a freelance cntractrs, climbing wall peratrs still have a requirement t: 1. Select a suitable cntractr. Identify the wrk that needs t be dne. Cnsider the experience and cmpetence f the cntractr. Ask fr references. Review their management arrangements what prcedures d they use? Hw d they inspect and check their equipment? 2. Exchange infrmatin. Site rules and inductin including emergency prcedures. Specific site hazards and relevant cntrl measures. 3. Agree the methd f wrk. Identify the ptential hazards. Specify the methd f wrk and cntrl measures t remve/minimise risk. Identify hw the wrk will be supervised and managed.
4 4. Mnitr the wrk. Assciatin f British Climbing Walls Check that agreed prcedures are being adhered t befre and during the wrk. Review perfrmance after wrk has been cmpleted. Investigate and fllw up any near misses r accidents. 3.3. INSURANCE It is a legal requirement fr all emplyers t have emplyer s liability insurance which cvers the cst f cmpensatin fr claims made by emplyees fr accidents and illness during their wrk. Emplyers must display a cpy f their Certificate f Emplyers Liability Insurance. Additinally, nearly all climbing wall peratrs have public liability insurance which will cver the csts f a claim frm a member f the public. Whether a cntractr is cvered by the emplyer s public liability insurance plicy shuld be agreed in advance with the insurer. Cntractrs are nt legally required t have their wn liability insurance, thugh such insurance is available and may be requested by climbing wall peratrs. 4. RISK ASSESSMENTS AND CONTROL MEASURES Under health and safety legislatin, emplyers must cnduct a risk assessment fr all wrk activities. If they emply mre than 5 peple they must have a written health and safety plicy. In any case, it is a legal requirement fr all emplyers and cntractrs t cnduct a risk assessment fr any wrk at height. While there are several methds fr determining risk, fr the purpses f these guidelines, a simple classificatin may be used: nt likely t ccur r nt likely t cause serius injury. Medium ccurs ccasinally r culd cause serius injury. High ccurs frequently r culd cause serius injury r death. The HSE s guidance Five Steps t Risk Assessment utline the basic principles fr any risk assessment. Appendix A has a sample risk assessment fr rute setting activities. It is nt exhaustive nr des it replace the requirement fr emplyers and cntractrs t cnduct their wn sitespecific risk assessment.
5 5. EQUIPMENT Assciatin f British Climbing Walls WAHR has sme general principles and LOLER has specific guidance abut equipment selectin, use and inspectin. 5.1. SELECTION Equipment fr wrking at height must: Have adequate strength. In particular, anchrs must be able t withstand frces impsed n them; Meet standards relevant fr intended use (ie PPE shuld be CE marked); and Be uniquely identifiable. Categry Ntes Rpes 10 11mm diameter lw-stretch rpes are recmmended. Dynamic rpes f the same diameter may be used; hwever, they may cmplicate rescues and may nt be apprpriate fr use with sme equipment. All rpes must be rated as single rpes. Harnesses Setters may use either sit harnesses r full bdy harnesses (this includes sit harnesses with mdular chest attachments). Sit harnesses (cnfrming t EN12277) are cmmnly used because they are less restrictive when testing rutes. Fall Arrest harnesses may be used (cnfrming t EN361), this is less cmmn practise. A wrk psitining seat may be used fr cmfrt- it is nt part f the prtectin system. Helmets Helmets may be muntaineering type helmets cnfrming t EN12492 r industrial type helmets (EN397 r EN 14052). Helmets must be used when there is a danger f injury frm falling bjects r impact t the head (e.g. when wrking belw anther setter r fall arrest climbing). Cnnectrs (carabiners) All cnnectrs will be lcking type suitable fr climbing r industrial purpses (EN362 r EN12275). Maillns are als acceptable if cmpliant as abve. Descenders Descenders shuld be aut-lcking, cnfrm t the relevant Eurpean standard (EN12841C r EN341A) and be cmpatible with the rpe type and diameter. Ascenders Ascenders shuld cnfrm t the relevant Eurpean standard (EN12841B r EN567). Backup devices The device shuld withstand freseeable lads and cnfrm t EN 12841-A. Backup devices shuld lck autmatically, help absrb any shck and nt cause damage t the rpe. Setters shuld select a lanyard apprpriate fr use with the backup system.
6 Categry Kit bags, buckets, haul bags Ntes Assciatin f British Climbing Walls Bags and buckets shuld be strng enugh t safely supprt the expected lad and be checked befre each use. Setters shuld cnsider the effect f the bag/bucket n equipment lads and rescues when psitining the bag/bucket. It is preferable that the bag/bucket be attached t a dedicated haul line. A secure methd shuld be used t haul equipment/hlds t avid bjects being drpped. 5.2. USER TRAINING AND COMPETENCY Where emplyees are prvided with equipment, the peratr must ensure that they are als prvided with such infrmatin, instructin and training as necessary s that they are cmpetent t carry ut the wrk safely. Emplyees must be aware f and understand: The risks that the equipment will avid r limit; Hw t crrectly and safely use the equipment; and Hw t cnduct a simple visual/tactile pre-use check t ensure that equipment is safe t use. 5.3. USE AND MAINTENANCE Equipment must be maintained and stred prperly, as per the manufacturer s guidelines. 5.3.1. HEX KEYS, DRILLS AND IMPACT DRIVERS Hex keys (eg T-bars, allen keys, ratchets) are apprpriate fr casual use. Emplyees using pwer tls (impact drivers and drills) must be trained t d s. Special care must be taken when using impact drivers because incrrect use can cntribute t the fllwing prblems: Applying t much trque t tighten hlds. This increases the risk f hlds cracking r breaking and may damage the fixings. Stripping threads and crss-threading. Due t the speed and frce, t-nut and blt threads are mre likely t be damaged than when using T-bars r drills. Damaging blt/screw heads. Persnal safety issues shuld als be cnsidered, e.g. hearing damage & eye prtectin
7 5.4. INSPECTION Assciatin f British Climbing Walls In additin t the pre-use check, equipment must be inspected n a regular basis by a cmpetent persn. Inspectins are detailed examinatins by a cmpetent persn. A cmpetent persn is ne wh has the apprpriate practical and theretical knwledge and experience t enable them t detect defects r weaknesses and assess their imprtance in relatin t the safety and cntinued use f the equipment. The inspectr must be sufficiently independent, impartial and have authrity t discard equipment, thugh they d nt have t be emplyed frm an external cmpany. This must be dne every six mnths r in accrdance with a schedule drawn up by the cmpetent persn, taking int accunt the recmmendatins f the manufacturer/supplier. The inspectin must be recrded (see belw). An additinal interim inspectin may be required fllwing any incident that culd affect the safety f the equipment. Where the safety is dependent n assembly r installatin, an initial inspectin after assembly/installatin is required. Otherwise, a certificate/declaratin f cnfrmity will suffice. 5.5. REPORTS AND RECORDS Each inspectin must be recrded in an Inspectin Reprt, which must be kept fr at least tw years, thugh it is advisable t keep recrds fr a lnger perid f time. Individual inspectin recrds shuld be kept at least until the next inspectin. Equipment transferred between businesses must have clear indicatin f when it was last inspected. Cpies f the declaratin/ certificate f cnfrmity shuld be kept while the equipment is in use. 6. CLIMBING HOLDS AND VOLUMES 6.1. CLIMBING HOLDS Climbing hlds shuld cnfrm t EN 12572-3. Setters shuld visually inspect climbing hlds befre each use using the fllwing guidelines: N visible cracks; N sharp edges; Blt r screw hles in gd cnditin. If ne f the abve prblems is detected the hld must be retired immediately. There is n evidence that climbing hlds need t be retired after a set perid f time, hwever, lder hlds may break mre easily than newer hlds. Climbing hlds shuld be peridically cleaned t remve excess chalk. This is dne using a brush, jet wash r chemical slutin. Fr mre infrmatin n cleaning refer t the
Assciatin f British Climbing Walls 8 manufacturer s recmmendatins. The cleaning prcess may carry with it additinal risks (e.g. inhaling chemical fumes, scalding frm ht water). These shuld be addressed in the site-specific risk assessment and site-specific prcedures put in place t manage these risks. 6.2. VOLUMES Rute setters are respnsible fr attaching vlumes t the climbing walls. These Guidelines d nt cver building and maintaining vlumes. Setters shuld be advised that the placement f vlumes may be included in the next review f EN12572 and special cnsideratin shuld be given t their installatin if they can supprt a climber. Vlumes are currently cnsidered climbing hlds and shuld meet the requirements f EN 12572-3 if they are designed fr use withut additinal climbing hlds attached t them. If they are designed fr use with additinal climbing hlds they shuld meet the requirements f EN 12572-1. Setters shuld visually inspect vlumes befre use. Vlumes shuld be repaired r retired if they shw the fllwing anmalies: Splintering; Sharp edges; Lss f integrity at jins; Ersin f the fixing hles; r Other signs f damage r weakness. 6.2.1. ATTACHMENT AND PLACEMENT Setters shuld fllw the manufacturer s guidance fr attaching vlumes t the wall. Where guidance is nt available, setters shuld attach the vlume in such a way that it will withstand the expected frces. Screws securing the vlume shuld cmpletely penetrate the climbing wall. There shuld be n gaps between the wall and vlume. Setters shuld nt psitin the vlume where the rpe r intermediate prtectin pints belays may rub against it. Avid placing vlumes where climbers are likely t land n them. Special care shuld be taken when mving vlumes as they can be quite large and heavy. Vlumes shuld be secured at all times when they are being mved at height r attached t the wall. 7. ROUTE SETTING PROCEDURES 7.1. ACCESS AND POSITIONING
Assciatin f British Climbing Walls 9 Emplyers, setters and cntractrs must ensure that all wrk at height is planned, rganised and carried ut by cmpetent persns taking int cnsideratin findings frm the risk assessment. As wrking at height when setting is unavidable, steps must be taken t prevent and reduce risks. Where pssible, cllective fall preventin measures will be used in preference t persnal fall prtectin. 7.1.1. MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS It is preferable t use MEWPs ver rpe access systems and this shuld be cnsidered in the site specific risk assessment. Hwever, there may be practical reasns why MEWPs cannt be used in many climbing walls (eg flring, access). Where a MEWP is used, the fllwing guidelines apply: The user must have apprpriate training/certificatins and use the MEWP crrectly; The grund must be stable- use temprary cvers if required; and The MEWP must nt extend beynd the exclusin znes. 7.1.2. SCAFFOLDING Because it is difficult fr setters t use scafflding safely while setting, it is nt cmmnly used. When they are used, scaffld twers must be designed, erected, altered and dismantled by a cmpetent persn. 7.1.3. LADDERS Ladders are cmmnly used fr setting n shrter climbing walls r fr wrking n the base f a taller wall. See Safe Ladder Use guidance belw. When using ladders fr rute setting, setters shuld cnsider using a backup line. 7.1.4. ROPE ACCESS The rpe access/psitining system shuld cmprise at least tw separately anchred lines, bth cnnected t the setter s harness, f which ne (the wrking line) is the means f access, egress and supprt and the ther is the safety line. The wrking line must have safe means f ascent and descent with a self-lcking system t prevent a fall. The safety line shuld have a mbile fall prtectin system cnnected t the setter at all times. The system must be cnnected t and travel with the setter at all times. The mst cmmn setting methd is t use ne r tw rpes anchred separately at the tp f the wall fr prtectin and psitining. Additinally, the setter may use a haul line fr hauling a kit bag and climbing hlds. A single rpe system is permitted nly where a risk assessment has determined that the use f a secnd line wuld entail higher risk t persns and nly if apprpriate measures have been taken t ensure safety. This is extremely unlikely t ccur within climbing walls. Hwever, we recgnise that testing rutes can nly be dne effectively using standard climbing techniques (single rpe tp-rpe r lead climbing). In this instance, the setter is cnsidered t be climbing rather than wrking. T ensure the safety f the climber/setter apprpriate climbing equipment (dynamic rpe, belay device) will be used with a cmpetent
Assciatin f British Climbing Walls 10 belayer. While testing, the setter may wish t repsitin sme hlds. It is acceptable t d this while using standard climbing techniques prvided that the jb is f a shrt duratin (i.e. a minr adjustment t the rute) and the belayer is prtected at all times frm bjects falling frm height. T facilitate rescues, wrk shuld take place in descent mde. Setters shuld nt perate n their wn, unless this has been cnsidered in a risk assessment and apprpriate precautins taken. Access t the rigging pints will vary frm site t site. Safe ptins, in rder f preference, include: Access via a walkway; Using standard rped climbing techniques with a belayer; Self-belaying with a back-up; Fall arrest climbing. 7.2. EXCLUSION ZONE An apprpriate exclusin zne must be set up at the base f the climb t prtect the public frm falling hlds/equipment. Nte that falling bjects may rebund and the exclusin zne shuld be larger the higher the wall, best practise wuld be fr this area t be fenced r netted ff frm public access & t act as catchent fr any falling items. The exclusin zne is a hard hat area and must have adequate ntices warning the public f any risks. This area must be mnitred t ensure that n ne is at risk. 7.3. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Setters shuld: Psitin hlds s that they d nt cause excessive wear n the rpes and prtectin pints. Take special care when setting n walls with uneven surfaces- use hlds with smaller bases. Alert the peratr t any prblems with the climbing wall. 7.3.1. AUTOBELAYS Setters shuld be aware f limits n sideways mvement as per the manufacturer s instructins. Setters shuld be fully familiar with the manufacturers requirements fr the placement f the aut belay & the nature f climbing surface they can perate n. Because climbers are nt able t stp when descending, setters shuld nt use hlds that can catch n clthing r helmets. Rutes shuld nt finish abve the anchr.
11 Assciatin f British Climbing Walls 7.3.2. LEAD ROUTES The first 2-3 clips shuld be relatively easy fr the verall grade f the climb t minimise the likelihd f the climber hitting the grund. Hlds shuld nt be placed where they will cause excessive wear n the quickdraws r the rpe. The setter shuld cnsider clipping psitin when setting. Fr example, it is cmmn t use a jug as the last hld t clip the lwer-ff frm. The fall trajectry shuld be taken int accunt (eg crners, vlumes). Setters varying the use f runners frm nrmal use (eg in cmpetitins) must always cnsider the climbers safety. 7.4. SETTER WELFARE T minimise the risk f injury, setters shuld: Warm up befre setting; Use pwer tls when pssible t prevent elbw/wrist repetitive strain; Cnsider using a wrk psitining seat; Re-psitin themselves as frequently as required t avid verreaching; Divide large lads int smaller, mre manageable nes and use apprpriate lifting techniques; Ensure that they d nt remain suspended withut mving fr lng perids f time; and Use equipment such as trlleys t minimise manual handling. 8. BOULDER SETTING PROCEDURES 8.1. SAFE LADDER USE Ladders are the mst cmmn means f access and wrk psitining fr bulder setting. The use f ladders is justified because the setter is nly n the ladder fr a brief perid f time and needs t mve it frequently. Furthermre, the matting belw mst buldering walls r the variable angle f the walls themselves makes ther means f access (e.g. MEWPS, scaffld) unfeasible. The HSE prvide useful guidance in Safe use f ladders and stepladders (INDG455, January 2014). Key pints frm HSE s guidance, and their specific applicatin t climbing walls, are belw: Ladder selectin: Generally, ladders (Class 1 r EN131) are the best chice fr mst setting scenaris. Hwever, n steep walls where the cmpressin f the mat may make it difficult t set the ladder up apprpriately, it may be preferable t use a stepladder. Stepladders shuld never be used fr side-n activity.
12 Ladder use. Assciatin f British Climbing Walls Avid carrying heavy lads n the ladder. D nt verreach (keep the centre f gravity within the stiles). D nt wrk ff the tp three rungs. D nt leave items n the ladder. Avid hlding items when climbing the ladder- cnsider using a tl belt. Ladder psitining. Check ladder feet befre using t ensure they will nt damage mats. When setting n verhangs/stepped wall/rfs, be aware that the ladder will sink int the mat when weighted. Ladder feet shuld be n a reasnably firm, nn-slip, clean surface. Ladder rungs shuld be level. Ladders shuld be psitined at 75 (1 unit ut fr 4 units up). If required, smene shuld ft the ladder t ensure that it cannt slip. Safe wrk area. Ladders shuld nt be placed where they can be pushed ver. The wrk area shuld be crdned ff. The wrk area shuld be kept tidy s that in case f a fall, the setter will nt injure themselves by landing n an bject. Inspectin and maintenance Pre-use check. The setter shuld visually inspect the ladder befre each use. This includes checking the stiles, feet, rungs, steps r treads and any lcking mechanisms. Visual inspectin. In additin t the pre-use check, a detailed visual inspectin shuld be undertaken and recrded n a regular basis by a cmpetent persn.
13 8.2. EXCLUSION ZONE Assciatin f British Climbing Walls An apprpriate exclusin zne must be set up t prtect the public frm falling hlds/equipment and bstructins n the mat and t prevent access t ladders. Areas pen t the public shuld always have a clear impact area cnsistent with EN 12572-2 (2.5m fr walls that are higher than 3m). Any barriers used t separate public frm excluded areas shuld nt create an additinal hazard fr the climber. 9. EMERGENCY /RESCUE PROCEDURES It is a legal requirement that emplyers/cntractrs have a plan fr emergencies and rescue fr all wrk at height. Emplyers als have a legal duty t have adequate First Aid prvisin fr their emplyees. Rescue plans shuld be apprpriate fr the site and cmpetence level. The necessary equipment shuld be available and the designated staff trained in the rescue prcedure. This training shuld be dcumented and refreshed n a regular basis t ensure cmpetency. A trained, cmpetent persn shuld be n hand whenever wrk at height is taking place. At walls with limited cmpetent staff, cntractrs may need t wrk in teams t ensure adequate rescue prvisin. Appendix B has an example rescue prcedure.
14 Assciatin f British Climbing Walls APPENDIX A - SAMPLE RISK ASSESSMENT FOR ROUTE SETTING The sample risk assessment prvided belw is fr reference nly. It is nt exhaustive nr des it replace the requirement fr emplyers and cntractrs t cnduct their wn sitespecific risk assessment. Hazards Spinning hlds Brken hlds Vlume detached frm wall Wh is affected? Users (climbers) Users (climbers) Users (climbers) Risk Level befre cntrls High Medium High Cntrl measures Cmpetent setters attach hlds using crrect fixings. Setters use fixing hles r pin hlds if hld is likely t spin due t psitining r surface. All rutes/blcs tested befre pen t public. Users warned f risk f spinning hlds. Climbing wall peratrs shuld have an effective spinning hld plicy which includes attending spinning hlds as sn as reasnably practicable. Setters inspect hlds befre use. Setters fasten hlds using apprpriate fastenings. Setters take care nt t ver-tighten hlds, especially n nn-even surfaces. Setters check vlume befre use. Use adequate number f screws relative t size f vlume. Pre-pilt hles t ensure that screws are placed at best angle. Ensure that screw hles have nt deterirated the wd. Risk level after cntrls Med/High 1 1In spite f the cntrl measures, it is still cmmn fr hlds t spin thugh serius injury is unlikely t result.
15 Hazards Climber striking vlumes r hlds Finger traps frm gaps behind hlds Finger trapped behind climbing hld Sprts Injury Structural failure (walls and vlumes) Wh is affected? Users (climbers) Users (climbers) Risk Level befre cntrls Medium Cntrl measures Assciatin f British Climbing Walls Setters must cnsider placement f vlumes and hlds carefully. Hlds placed crrectly t ensure that there are n large gaps between the hld and the wall capable f trapping a finger. Setter Setter shuld grip the utside edge f the hld and take care when using pwer tls t fasten the hld. Users (climbers) Setters and Users (climbers) Medium High Setters shuld set within grade range defined by the peratr. Rutes shuld be clearly labelled with an indicatin f their difficulty. Setters shuld avid setting rutes and prblems with hlds r sequences likely t cause injury. Walls, vlumes and anchrs inspected and maintained by cmpetent persn. Risk level after cntrls Medium 2 2Climbing is recgnised t be a dangerus activity that carries with it the risk f injury r death. Sprts injuries are relatively cmmn, thugh minr, ccurrences.
16 Hazards Objects falling frm height when setting Repetitive strain injury Manual handling Scalding and pressurise d water (jet wash) Electric shck (jet wash) Chemical substances (hld washing with chemical) Wh is affected? Setters and members f the public Risk Level befre cntrls High Cntrl measures Assciatin f British Climbing Walls Where reasnably pssible, arrange setting t minimise risk t public (eg during quiet perids). Suitable exclusin zne crdned ff with ntices warning f danger. Helmets wrn when within exclusin zne. Equipment t be attached t setter. Pre-use check f kit bags/buckets. All lifting f heavy lads (eg vlumes, hlds) shuld be prperly planned, apprpriately supervised and carried ut in a safe manner. Setters Setters advised t warm up befre setting. Crrect use f tls. Setters Medium Setters use apprpriate lifting techniques when mving hlds and vlumes (HSE guidance n Manual Handling) Setters Medium Setters trained in use f jet wash. Jet wash nt accessible t public and turned ff when nt in use. Jet wash must never be pinted at Setters/pu blic anyne. Remve any electrical appliances frm wet areas. Setters Medium Hlds sak in ventilated, well-lit area. Cntainers with txic substances clearly marked and put away when nt in use. Prtective eyewear and glves t be used when washing hlds. Substances t be used and stred in areas nt accessible t the public. All COSSH recmmendatins fllwed. Risk level after cntrls
17 Hazards Falling frm height Equipment failure Setter stuck n rpe/wall Injury frm prlnged suspensin Wh is affected? Risk Level befre cntrls Cntrl measures Assciatin f British Climbing Walls Setters High Only trained, cmpetent setters emplyed. Alternative means f access shuld be cnsidered and used where pssible. Cllective prtectin methds shuld be favured ver fall arrest methds. Setters use apprpriate safe methds f wrk. Setters High Equipment inspected, maintained and stred by cmpetent member f staff. Setters t d a pre-use check f all equipment befre use. Setters High An apprpriate rescue plan shuld be in place with trained staff n site when setting takes place. Setters Medium Setters shuld cnsider using a wrk seat t alleviate strain frm prlnged suspensin. Risk level after cntrls
18 Assciatin f British Climbing Walls APPENDIX B EXAMPLE RESCUE PROCEDURE The example rescue prcedure belw is nt be suitable fr all sites. A cmpetent persn shuld develp a rescue plan taking int cnsideratin site-specific restrictins such as setting prcedures, access ptins, availability f trained, cmpetent staff and equipment selectin. GENERAL PROCEDURE 1. Assess the situatin, d nt put yurself in danger 2. Ensure that n ne else is put in danger 3. Call Emergency services if required 4. If casualty is suspended, initiate rescue (see belw) 5. Attend t casualty as per usual first aid prcedures RESCUE PROCEDURE There are a number f pssible methds fr rescuing a stuck setter. It is pssible fr a rescue plan t include mre than ne methd. Methd Prcedure Ntes Climbing with belayer Climbingwithut belayer Releasable anchrs (n grund) Releasable anchrs (tp) Climb up t stuck setter n adjacent rute using standard climbing techniques (lead/bttmrping). Attach t setter using a shrt lanyard. Release the setter s back up line. er the setter n their wrking line while yur belayer lwers yu. Ascend the setter s back up line. Attach t setter with lanyard. Release setter s back up. er setter n wrking line and self in turn. er the setter using releasable anchrs Access the anchrs using standard climbing technique (with belayer) r by ther safe means (eg walkway, fall arrest climbing) er the setter using releasable anchrs Ensure that it is safe t use the setter s rpes. Setter must nt be attached t wall. Ensure that setter has enugh rpe t reach the grund.
19 IRATA snatch rescue Ascend the setter s backup line using their wrking line as yur backup line. Change t descent mde. Attach t setter using a shrt link. Mve yur backup device abve their descender. er setter nt yu and remve their descender. Add an additinal link frm setter t yu. Remve the setter s backup device. er self and setter with care. Assciatin f British Climbing Walls Yu will need t add frictin t descend in cntrl. Where the setter is an ascent mde yu will need t perfrm an additinal hist t release their ascender. It may be necessary t release the setter lse frm an attachment pint n the wall where they have used this t psitin themselves. Careful cnsideratin shuld be given t the methd by which this is dne. SUSPENSION INTOLERANCE Suspensin intlerance ccurs when smene falls int suspensin (ie in a harness) and then becmes uncnscius due t rthstasis (mtinless vertical suspensin). A casualty wh is experiencing pre-syncpal symptms (premnitry symptms f impending cllapse) r wh is uncnscius whilst suspended in a harness, shuld be rescued as sn as is safely pssible. If the rescuer is unable t immediately release a cnscius casualty frm a suspended psitin, elevatin f the legs by the casualty r rescuers where safely pssible may prlng tlerance f suspensin. Symptms include light-headedness, nausea, sensatins f flushing, tingling r numbness f the arms r legs, anxiety, visual disturbance r a feeling that they are abut t faint. Nrmal First Aid prcedures apply, but emergency services shuld be called fr anyne wh becmes uncnscius in harness suspensin whether apparently recvered r nt. STAFF TRAINING Rescues shuld nly be perfrmed by trained, cmpetent staff. Staff training will be prvided by [insert name/title here] and must be refreshed [insert time perid here]. This will include practicing at least ne f the abve rescues. All staff training must be recrded.
20 Assciatin f British Climbing Walls APPENDIX C - RELEVANT LEGISLATION These guidelines cnfrm t the fllwing legislatin and standards: General H&S legislatin: Health and Safety at Wrk Act 1974 Management f Health and Safety at Wrk Regulatins 1999 Management f Health and Safety at Wrk (Amendment) Regulatins 2006 Wrkplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulatins 1992 Health and Safety (cnsultatin with emplyees) Regulatins 1996 Prvisin and Use f Wrk Equipment Regulatins 1998 Occupiers Liability Acts 1957 and 1984 Industry specific legislatin: The Wrk at Height Regulatins 2005 (WAHR) The Wrk at Height (Amendment) Regulatins 2007 Lifting Operatins and Lifting Equipment Regulatins 1998 (LOLER) Persnal Prtective Equipment at Wrk Regulatins 1992 Eurpean Standards ACS: EN 12572-1:2007 Artificial Climbing Structures Part 1: Safety requirements and test methds fr ACS with prtectin pints EN 12572-2:2008 Artificial Climbing Structures Part 2: Safety requirements and test methds fr buldering walls EN 12572-3:2008 Artificial Climbing Structures Part 3: Safety requirements and test methds fr climbing hlds Cntributins: This ABC dcument wuld nt have been pssible withut thew cntributins made by numerus members f the Assciatin and related external bdies. The ABC wishes t express their thanks t all cntributrs.