Climbing FAQ's
Climbing
Climbing walls must be designed and built to the European Standard BS EN 12572 (part 1 and 2). Amongst other things, these standards define the safety requirements and test methods for artificial climbing structures.
An operating manual will also need to be produced if you are installing the wall yourself. If you get a company to install it for you, you should be provided with an Operating Manual for the wall.
Operating Manuals should include:
- Operating procedures
- Emergency / rescue plan
- Equipment to be used
- Instructor competence levels
- Limitations of the structure
- Record keeping for operation, equipment, inspection, maintenance and accidents.
Yes. Scaffold climbing and abseiling structures must be built in accordance with European Standard BS EN 1004-1:2020 (Mobile access and working towers made of prefabricated elements. Materials, dimensions, design loads, safety and performance requirements) and European Standard BS EN 2482:2009 (Specification for timber scaffold boards).
It's recommended that if at all possible, a wall should be secured to an immovable object such as a building, subject to its design, and braced. Freestanding towers pose the greatest potential risk from overturning.
If you're worried or concerned about erecting and operating a climbing wall; talk to local climbers and other experts, such as scaffolders, who will often be willing to offer assistance. Also you can approach climbing wall and tower manufactures and construction companies. UKC Directory (ukclimbing.com)
You must always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for how regularly the wall and equipment should be checked/inspected, replaced and also how to store it correctly. A log of equipment and inspections should be kept.
For additional advice on caring for climbing equipment you can refer to the BMC Website information and videos - Climbing gear care and maintenance – Caring for your equipment (thebmc.co.uk)
Yes, but before you first use it, you will need to make sure it is fit for purpose and safe to use and complies with EN13814 and be certified under the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS) in the UK.
Crate stacking, Jacob’s ladder and a number of other activities which involve climbing type equipment (such as ropes, harnesses and helmets) and techniques are classed as high rope activities.
Bouldering
No, helmets are not worn as impact protection and so are not compulsory. If bouldering on natural rock then the risk assessment should identify if a helmet is required.
Boulder mats on natural rock should be considered as this can help minimise injury and also helps to protect the ground environment from the activity impact by reducing ground erosion and vegetation damage.
Yes, as no instructor is provided this would be deemed a Scout-led activity.
Bouldering walls must be designed and built to the European Standard BS EN 12572 (part 2). Amongst other things, this standard defines the maximum height of bouldering walls, dimensions of the impact zone beneath, and testing their structural integrity.
An operating manual will also need to be produced if you are installing the wall yourself. If you get a company to install it for you, you should be provided with an Operating Manual for the wall.
Free soloing is climbing without a rope on a route that would normally be climbed with a rope.
It's strongly advised that you do not take part in this activity within Scouting as there is a very high risk of injury. There are plenty of safer places to go bouldering.
Buildering is bouldering/climbing on buildings or on any architecture that is not specifically designed for climbing.
If this activity takes place without the permission of the landowner and/or building owner, it will be treated as trespassing. There is also generally much more risk of injury with this activity as the building/architecture will very likely never have been checked to make sure it is safe to climb.
It's strongly advised that you do not take part in this activity within Scouting. There are plenty of safer places to go bouldering.