ADRENALIN CLIMBING GYM

CHURCH STREET
TOOWOOMBA


RISK ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT







Adrenalin Climbing Gym Risk Assessment

1

The Adrenalin Climbing Gym is run with the objective of offering a safe environment for all
participants. While every effort is made to ensure the experience of rock climbing is a
positive one, there are factors which are beyond the control of the operators. For this
reason, we require
all participants be of an intellectual level sufficient to grasp the concepts involved,
especially with regard to belaying
all participants be prepared to follow the instructions/directions of the instructors and
not disobey or defy any instruction
all participants be open to corrective instruction, or repeated instruction, and not
become resentful
all participants be cognisant of the inherent dangers of the sport and be mature
enough to appreciate the potential for injury to the climber due to belayer neglect or
recklessness.
With regard to the first time climber, the operators insist on the correct fitting of the harness.
In a group situation, no-one is permitted to climb until all harnesses are checked. The
correct fitting of the harness is as follows:
the waistband is to be worn on or above the umbilicus
the waistband, which is to be done up first, must be so snug that only 2 thumbs can
be inserted into it at the umbilicus point
the leg loops need to be firm and even, with males needing to be extra vigilant with
the tension to prevent major discomfit
all buckles must be threaded back in order to prevent any unthreading of said
buckles.
It is expected that on subsequent visits the harness will be worn correctly/as instructed.
However, the operators will check all harnesses prior to giving the go-ahead.
Once all participants are correctly fitted with harnesses the group is given an in-depth
lesson. The instruction team is made up of 2 climbers who go through the entire procedure
with the expectation that all participants will be paying attention. While the instruction given
is peculiar to the equipment used at Adrenalin, the rules and practices of rock climbing are
adhered to, and the skills learned at Adrenalin are applicable in other situations.
Ensure the rope is not tangled. Any tangling will lead to additional friction, making it
considerably more difficult for the belayer to pull the rope through the belay device.
It can also damage the rope
Attach the climber with 2 carabiners. This instruction is relayed both verbally, and
visually. The instructors also demonstrate how to open and lock the carabiners. A
warning is issued that the climber must attach exactly as demonstrated, and never
link one carabiner into another. This is bad practice due to the potential dangers of
metal fatigue.
The belay instruction is comprehensive, and emphasis is placed on the need for participants
to grasp the concepts involved from the outset. An attempt, albeit very basic, is made to
offer an understanding of the physics involved, and the reasons why things are done in a
very particular way. The belayer must:
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make sure the belay device is clear of any obstruction. By using their body weight
to maintain tension on the ground rope prior to reaching for the belay device, the
belayer will be ensured that the device is in the correct position and is not entangled
in the rope
hold on to the rope constantly once the climber is off the ground. This is applicable
as soon as the climber no longer has a foot on the ground. This is one of the
ground rules of rock climbing in any and all situations
never pull on the loaded (climbers) side of the rope. Adrenalin is a sport climbing
venue, and in sport climbing the climber is not assisted in any way by the belayer.
Furthermore, this practice can endanger the climber as the belayer will be letting go
of the rope in order to reposition their hands. As stated before, keeping a hand on
the rope at all times is a fundamental rule of rock climbing
pull the rope with their hands in the neutral position (thumbs up) to affect more
efficient pulling
stand face-on to the wall on which their climber is climbing.
At this point the climber must check that their belayer is ready for them to commence
climbing. At this point the (climbing) instructor begins to climb, with the other instructor
belaying. Two thirds of the way up, the climber will dramatically fall off the wall. This is done
in order to reinforce the need for the belayer to give his/her climber their full attention. The
danger of slack rope is relayed to the learners. The climber then resumes climbing. Once
the bar has been reached, the belaying instructor emphasises the need for very close
attention. It is then explained that the most dangerous point of the sport has been reached.
The procedure from this point is as follows - the belayer must
tighten up the rope, stepping forward if necessary to do so
with both hands firmly on the rope, rock the device to the right of centre
call out to the climber that it is now safe to let go. The climber must step off the
holds, and place both hands on the rope which is attached to their harness. This
step will lock the belay device, which is then demonstrated to the learners. It is the
responsibility of the belayer to ensure this step is complete before progressing. At
this point it is stressed that the belayer is totally in control of the situation, and should
an accident occur in which there is no belay device damage, the accident will be
attributed to operator (belayer) error
run their right hand along the rope, taking it behind their back. An explanation is
given that the nearer the hand is to the device, the greater the potential for friction
burn. A belayer who is less than comfortable is not as likely to give the climber their
full attention, which can lead to the climber being dropped when the belayer lets go of
the rope in reaction to the pain of the rope burn
open up the right hand to form a tunnel for the rope to run through, but not to ever let
go of the rope
lean back to use their body as a counter weight and offer the necessary tension to
ensure the device operates correctly and smoothly
last of all reach, with their left hand, for the lever on the belay device, hold it in a firm
overhand grip, and apply steady, gentle downward pressure. As the rope begins to
flow through the device, the belayer must allow the rope to run unimpeded through
their right hand, which remains behind their back. The instructor warns that the
harder the pressure on the lever, the faster the descent, so it is important to begin the
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process slowly and only ever lower the climber at a speed with which both
participants are comfortable. It is also demonstrated that should anything not feel
right, the belayer has only to let go of the lever to bring the climber to an immediate
halt. There is no reason for anyone to be brought crashing to the ground.
Once the climber is safely back on the ground, allow him/her to pull enough slack
rope through the device to detach comfortably.
Once the demonstration is over, the instructors ask for any questions, or/and if anyone
would like to see the demonstration again. Once any questions have been dealt with, the
instructors inform the climbers as to how the colour coding system works purely out of
interest. The instructors want only for the climbers to enjoy the experience and how anyone
reaches the bar (and experiences the thrill of achievement) is entirely up to them. To climb
on one colour only is challenging, and is often only attempted once the climber has
developed the confidence and motivation to do so.
At this point the climbers are released to begin their climbing session. From this point on the
instructors patrol the gym, looking out for anyone who may need assistance. Unfortunately
there are times when a situation needs immediate intervention, and the belayer may be
spoken to harshly, but it is only because the climber is in danger and the instructors must
deal with the problem without delay. It would be preferred to never have to admonish
anyone, but experience has taught that people will take unnecessary risks, perhaps with no
malice, but rather a misunderstanding of the speed in which things can go wrong.
N.B. CHILDREN WHO HAVE NOT YET TURNED NINE MAY ONLY BE BELAYED BY AN
ADULT (18+).
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MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT.

All equipment is sourced from reputable suppliers of safety equipment to both emergency
services and the outdoor sports industry. All equipment is checked on a daily basis, and
replaced without delay should any show signs of wear.
Ropes are replaced once they become difficult to pull through the belay device rather
than when their expected life span is up. The expected lifespan of a rope far
exceeds this event.
Harnesses are removed from service once their wear reaches a point at which they
are no longer safe, in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations
Carabiners are constantly checked for correct closing, and should a climber have a
problem with a carabiner, it will be replaced immediately.
The belay devices (Gri-gri) are checked before the start of each session.

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GENERAL
Long hair is to be tied back to prevent it from following the rope through the belay device.
All climbers are to be fully clothed at all times. The removal of shirts is not permitted.
Running in the gym is not allowed.
Swinging on the ropes is not allowed.
Interference by a third party in the climbing and belay process is not allowed.
Bad language is unwelcome.
No-one who is intoxicated is permitted to climb. Anyone who is under the influence of
alcohol or drugs is expected not to ask to participate.
Anyone sitting on the deck area is expected to behave appropriately. The throwing of cans,
food, etc over the balcony is forbidden.

In conclusion, any and all climbers are expected to appreciate the dangers involved in this
sport and take responsibility for their own actions. This includes ensuring the harness has
been correctly refitted after going to the toilet, and especially not deliberately loosening the
harness after it has been passed as safe in order to be cool.
Adrenalin endeavours to practice and implement the above procedures at all times. Should
any parties prove to be a risk to the safety of the climbers and the business, Adrenalin
reserves the right to confiscate the harness and ask said parties to leave the premises.