{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120429 \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E(\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPublished November 2024 , replacing January 2019)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EDefinitions\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHigh ropes activities\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eare defined within\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPOR \u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/9b4-land-based-activities/\u0022 title=\u00229b.4 Land based activities\u0022\u003E9b.4.5\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStandard Operating Procedures (SOP\u2019s)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eare written documents that detail everything about how a particular repetitive activity must be run, including instructions on use, who can run it etc.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYour\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOperating Manual\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eis your overall governance pack that details the SOP\u2019s, reviews and revisions, updates, training and assessment regimes etc.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EPart 1 \u2013 Planning\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommon themes with other activities when planning\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen planning a high ropes activity, whether permanent or temporary, correct planning is essential and must start by referencing the Scouts rules and factsheets, found in the\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/84/high-ropes?moduleID=24\u0026amp;cat=26,407,351\u0022\u003EA-Z of activities\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESupporting documents\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAny operating manual must include referenced documents, these will normally include (but are not limited to):\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EManufacturer\u2019s instructions\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EStructural details and inspection regimes\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EEquipment and other inspection regimes\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003ERisk assessments\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EAuthorised users/trainers/inspectors\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EPart 2 \u2013 Constructing an operating manual\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe operating manual must be an accessible document that anyone with suitable skills and experience can pick up and understand.\u00A0\u00A0You should think about the format and structure that will best help users of the manual to get all the information they need to run the activity safely.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EMajor considerations\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECorrectly planning and organising your activity area will help tremendously in reducing risk and making sessions more efficient.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECommon factors to consider include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EParticipant and instructor journeys\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDefined spaces, i.e. holding areas, activity area, belaying areas, fall zones\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInteraction with structures and moving people or objects\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFlat areas (or deliberately angled to direct falling objects)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEase of pre session and periodic inspections\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Environment"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe operating manual must detail every item of equipment involved in the delivery of the activity, instructions on its intended use, records of use, identifying pictures and common issues advice.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIt must also detail what happens to equipment in the event of failure during use or discovery of a fault through routine inspection.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThis will often be called a \u2018quarantine\u2019 process and will detail such things as; marking the item to avoid accidental reuse, and investigation by a competent person to review if equipment is being misused.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Equipment"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EStructures must be constructed, maintained and inspected using industry best practice.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPut in place a set of rules that detail type, frequency and thoroughness of inspections, as well as who should do them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EFor instance, it may detail that any part of the structure that is above head height is inspected at defined time periods by those qualified to work at height only, whereas all bolts and fixings at head height and below should be inspected each time the wall is used by the trained instructor.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Structure"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIt must state who is qualified to run the activity, as well as who can train them, their minimum qualification held and how often they must inspect the activity and review every aspect.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIf in-house training is used then renewal periods must be stated.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThis will normally be fully detailed in your Operating Manual but who can run what must be explicitly stated in your operating manual.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Training"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe operating manual must list the specific personal equipment used for the activity and how this is used, stored and maintained. This must detail any variants for different equipment held within the location, for example there may be two designs of harness, one for adults and one for young people, the operating manual must clearly explain the different equipment and how it is to be used. Operators must be trained on their correct use and inspection methods and regime. At all times you must ensure that all equipment is only used in accordance with manufacturers recommendations, and each use recorded.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"PPE \u2013 Harnesses, helmets and ropes"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe operating manual must detail exactly who is authorised to participate, lead, train others, watch and inspect the activity.\u00A0\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EThis should include (but is not limited to):\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPre-requisite memberships (TSA etc.)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EQualifications or in house training\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAge groups\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EVetting checks\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Users"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe operating manual must include details on how many participants the activity can host at any one time, and how many instructors/ other supervisors need to be present for the activity to safely commence.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Ratios"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EA major consideration when writing the operating manual is who will be participating in the activity, and any specific risks that they may present, as well as common risks amongst all demographics.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ESafety briefings should be constructed and delivered in a way that all participants can understand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Party"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPerhaps the biggest part of the operating manual will be the specific processes that instructors must follow in order to ensure safe operation of the activity. This will pull together all the separate topics into a coherent narrative instruction for your operators.\u00A0\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EFor example, in your operating manual it might detail that all participants are kept out of the fall zone in a holding area, and that the instructor calls new participants forward when starting the activity.\u00A0\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EElsewhere in the operating manual it may define and/or detail further locations, barriers etc. to the holding area, as well as your system for calling participants.\u00A0\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EThe operating manual should include relevant diagrams to assist with understanding, for example how to use a belay device, or how and where to tie in a harness to the rope.\u00A0\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EIt is important that it gives explicit instructions and do not leave any room for misinterpretation or ambiguity to ensure safety at all times.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAspects of the activity that usually comprise this section include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe participant\u2019s movement through the activity and actions\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe instructor\u2019s actions, i.e. belaying, ability to move around the area\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEquipment used and where\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAvoiding hazards for all and minimising risk\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECommon misuse and how to recognise and avoid.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Activity"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EPart 3 \u2013 Ongoing Review\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOperating manuals are working documents, and must have defined timescales or occasions to review.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EExamples of these times could be:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EWhen PPE reaches the expiry date\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EWhen an item of equipment is deemed to be unusable and quarantined\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003EWhen an incident or near miss occurs.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs a minimum operating manuals must be reviewed annually.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"Back to High Ropes","body":"","link":{"name":"High Ropes","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/high-ropes/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Read the operating manual for high ropes.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"15 July 2023","reviewDate":"16/12/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":46944,"nodeName":"High Ropes Operating Manual","title":"High Ropes Operating Manual","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"High Ropes Operating Manual","headerSubTitle":"Guidance for developing an operating manual for high ropes activities","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Read the operating manual for high ropes.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80Njk0NCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/high-ropes/high-ropes-operating-manual/"}