{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120427\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E(Published January 2023, replacing January 2018)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIntroduction\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis is guidance for those using and operating climbing activities on mobile structures and those which use auto belay systems.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EDefinitions\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMobile climbing structures\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u2013 this relates to those climbing structures which are usually on the back of a trailer and can be lifted to form a temporary climbing structure.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERotating climbing walls\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u2013 these are structures which are electronically controlled rotating units which a climber uses, allowing them to experience challenge whilst remaining closer to the ground.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAuto belay\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u2013 an auto belay is one where a climber is automatically and slowly lowered to the ground without the need for any human intervention. These are often, but not exclusively, used on mobile climbing structures and in clip and climb centres.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EClip and climb\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u2013 these are recreational facilities which allow members of the public to experience climbing without the need for belaying and climbing ropework skills.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESimilar equipment is required for use of these systems as for traditional climbing, the main difference is the rope. In traditional climbing the climber is connected to the top of the wall using a rope and a belay system with someone managing the rope as they move up and down the wall. In an auto belay or clip and climb system the rope is replaced with either a rope, lanyard, dyneema or protected high tension metal rope. At the top of the system will be the auto belay unit which controls the decent of the climber and protects them from falling.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe use of helmets for climbing using auto belay systems must be determined by the activity risk assessment and the operator\u2019s requirements.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere a climbing centre requires participants to wear helmets or a risk assessment determines they should be worn on an auto belay climb the instructor needs to ensure the route the participants are climbing are set up so snag hazards are avoided.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen using auto belay systems the use of helmets needs to be considered as part of the risk assessment, largely they are not used for these systems but may be appropriate for those with additional needs. When helmets are used, they should only be used on climbing routes where there is no risk of the strap of the helmet snagging on a climbing hold.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAny equipment used, must be done so following the manufacturer\u2019s guidelines, this includes its intended use.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENote: some systems which may appear to be suitable for climbing are not designed for climbing and therefore must not be used in this context.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is important that any inspection and servicing time periods that has been recommended by an equipment manufacture, previous inspection and servicing records is adhered to.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Equipment"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFor a mobile climbing wall using a traditional roped system the normal\u00A0rules relating to climbing activities\u00A0must be followed, this includes permits for any scout led activity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere an auto belay system is used this activity can be managed under\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9-activities/rule-9123-climbing-and-abseiling/\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9.34 Climbing\u0022\u003EPOR rule 9.12.3\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0which states that either a climbing permit holder or someone following written operating procedures which have been agreed by a County Climbing Assessor.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis allows for local onsite training to be undertaken for the specific equipment in place.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere a piece of equipment is owned by a Scouting entity the manufactures guidelines for use must be followed at all times and this may include the training and operations of the equipment.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn all mobile climbing activities or those using auto belay systems a safety briefing must be given to the group prior to the activity starting, this should lay out the way in which the activity will take place and any rules the group must follow.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is essential that a climber remains on the ground until their climbing harness has been checked and that they have been clipped or tied in correctly to the rope linked to the belay system by the instructor before climbing. If being belayed by a person the participant only starts climbing once the belayer has verbally confirmed they are ready to belay.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Management of the activity"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EManufacturer\u2019s guidelines must be followed in regard to the storage, transportation and maintenance of all of these systems.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMobile Climbing Walls should meet the requirements for EN13814 and be certified under the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (\u003Ca href=\u0022http://www.adips.co.uk/\u0022\u003EADIPS\u003C/a\u003E) in the UK, this requires regular inspection to ensure that it is managed and fit for purpose.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe auto belay systems may need to be inspected separately by the manufacture, a qualified specialist or the installing company.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Inspection and maintenance of the structure"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen using an external provider the\u00A0externally led activity\u00A0rules must be followed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf hiring mobile climbing equipment the provider must show ADIPS accreditation for each piece of equipment used.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Externally provided activities"}]}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9a-activities/#9a.7\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9a.7 Adventurous Activities Permit Scheme\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9a.7\u0022\u003ERule 9a.7\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;Adventurous Activities Permit Scheme\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9a-activities/#9a.8\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9a.8 Adult Groups undertaking activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9a.8\u0022\u003ERule 9a.8\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0Adult groups undertaking activities\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/#9b.4\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9b.4.3 Climbing\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.4\u0022\u003ERule 9b.4.3\u003C/a\u003E Climbing and Abseiling\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/#9b.4\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9.78 High Ropes Activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.4\u0022\u003ERule 9b.4.5\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0High Ropes Activities\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Rules relating to climbing - auto belays and mobile walls","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9a-activities/#9a.1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9a.1 Preparation, generic rules and definitions for all activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9a.1\u0022\u003ERule 9.a.\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;Activities\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9a-activities/#9a.6\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9a.6 Use of External Centres and Instructors\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9a.6\u0022\u003ERule 9a.6\u003C/a\u003E Use of External Centres and Instructors\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"General activity rules","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http://www.adips.co.uk/\u0022\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAmusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS)\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Additional Information","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"This is guidance for those using and operating climbing activities on mobile structures and those which use auto belay systems.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"14 July 2023","reviewDate":"20/11/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":45226,"nodeName":"Climbing - 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