Venue:
On site Ropes Course and Tunnel System.
Instructor Qualification:
In House training and assessment by Activity Manager
Ratio:
1 Instructor to 8 Participants
In addition to the instructor there must be at least one responsible adult available during session aware of the abilities and disabilities within the group
Equipment:
- Equipment must be kept in a good state of repair
- Logged monthly checks carried out by Centre staff
Pre Session:
- Consideration given to group abilities, including medical issues, health and behavioural problems
- Consideration given to weather conditions, etc
- Ensure an appropriate level of control and support is available
- Pre session check to be carried out by instructor, ensure course is free from obstructions, eg wet leaves, overhanging branches. Check tunnels are clear of nocturnal inhabitants or other obstructions.
Sessions:
- Helmets must be worn on low ropes course and tunnels See ‘Safety Policy Helmets’.
- Pass on safety information relevant to the level of activity being undertaken
- Brief staff and group members in the role of spotting; visiting staff and students should be encouraged to take an active role in spotting for each other
- Ensure that appropriate clothing and footwear is worn.
- Exposed jewellery should be removed or covered.
- No part of the ropes course should be used ‘against the clock’
End of Session:
- Equipment to be put away at end of session
- Faulty equipment should be labelled and removed from service. The fault should be logged (staffroom whiteboard/check sheet) and made good as soon as possible.
THE INSTRUCTOR HAS FINAL SAY IN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT A SESSION TAKES PLACE AND IN WHAT MANNER IT IS CARRIED OUT
Problem Solving
Venue: QE2 Activity Centre Site
Instructor Qualification:
In House training
Ratio:
1 Instructor to 8 Participants
In addition to the instructor there must be at least one responsible adult available during session aware of the abilities and disabilities within the group
Equipment:
- Equipment must be kept in a good state of repair
- Logged monthly checks carried out by Centre staff
Pre Session:
- Consideration given to group abilities, including medical issues, health and behavioural problems
- Consideration given to weather conditions, etc
- Ensure an appropriate level of control and support is available
- Pre session check of the area to be carried out by the instructor.
Sessions:
- Pass on safety information relevant to the level of activity being undertaken
- Care should be taken when moving and carrying equipment (poles etc)
- Ensure that appropriate clothing and footwear is worn.
Session Specific:
Catapults:
- Ensure Catapult pouches are securely attached to the frame and check regularly during the session to prevent them coming loose and hitting somebody.
- Keep the area in front of the catapult clear when people are shooting to prevent others being hit by balls.
Go Karts:
- Remind participants to keep their hands away from the wheels to prevent injury.
- Avoid collisions with other go karts.
- Ensure group use appropriate speed for the rider when pulling / pushing the go kart.
End of Session:
- Equipment to be put away at end of session
- Faulty equipment should be labelled and removed from service. The fault should be logged (staffroom whiteboard/check sheet) and made good as soon as possible.
THE INSTRUCTOR HAS FINAL SAY IN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT A SESSION TAKES PLACE AND IN WHAT MANNER IT IS CARRIED OUT
Helmets
Under normal circumstances all participants must wear helmets for Zipwire, Ropes Course and Tunnel activities.
Where there is a compelling reason for a participant not to wear a helmet eg head size or a phobia, the following procedure should be followed.
- The participant should be encouraged to wear a helmet.
- Consideration should be given to the balance between potential benefits of participation against the potential for harm. This would include consideration of the behaviour and abilities of the individual, external factors eg other support available, size of the group, conditions etc. in assessing the possibility of injury occurring.
- Discussion with the participant / responsible person about safety, additional risk and possible additional controls eg 1:1 working.The participant should be encouraged to wear a helmet.
- The agreement of the participant and or responsible person must be obtained.
It should be stressed that only in exceptional circumstances will use of the ropes course or climbing wall without a helmet be allowed.
When using underground tunnels participants without a helmet are restricted to the plastic parts of the system.
Riders on the zip wire are to have a controlled walked descent being held by the instructor if they are not wearing a helmet.