Activity Risk Assessment: Abseiling

Adventure Hunter recognises that using suitably qualified and experienced Instructors reduces the risks of the activity. We always use instructors who are suitably trained and qualified and who are aware of the relevant emergency procedures. We also work within industry-recognised instructor-to-participant ratios for the activity.

● Instructors must hold the following qualification as a minimum requirement: Rock Climbing Instructor (formally Single Pitch Award) Outdoor First Aid (2-day) ● Participants must be 18+ unless accompanied by a parent/carer ● Maximum Instructor to Participant Ratio: 1:12

Identified Who it Unmanaged Control Measures Managed Risk Hazard effects Risk

Instructor Group & Possible Instructors must protect themselves Unlikely falling from the Instructors Fatal with the rope or other ‘industry Fatal top of abseil standard’ recognised means when High (6) working at height. Moving around Medium (3) unprotected must be avoided at all times.

Participant Group & Possible Group must be allocated a safe place Unlikely falling from the Instructors Fatal to wait and secured if necessary. A Fatal top of the good clear briefing must be given and abseil High (6) participants approaching the top of the Medium (3) abseil must be safeguarded and a safety rope attached.

Rope burns Group & Possible Descent speed must be well controlled Unlikely Instructors Serious by belayers and monitored by Minor instructors. Climbers must be Medium (4) instructed not to hold moving ropes Low (1) when in descent.

Injury from Group, Possible Suitable venues must be chosen, and Unlikely falling objects Instructors Falal helmets must be worn throughout the Fatal & Third duration of the activity. Care must be Parties High (6) taken and alternative venues Medium (3) considered during or after adverse weather and if venues are excessively busy. Instructors must carry an appropriate first aid kit and mobile phone.

Other major Group & Possible Instructors must also be aware of any Unlikely injuries or Instructors Fatal pre-existing medical conditions within Serious incidents the group and management strategies. High (6) Instructors must have valid first aid Low (2) training and carry a first aid kit and mobile phone at all times.

Entanglement / Group & Possible Long hair should be tied back, and Unlikely Entrapment Instructors Serious jewellery/loose clothing must be Serious removed/taped over. Instructors brief Medium (4) must include correct position and Low (2) technique.

Injury from ill Group & Possible Instructor must check and allocate the Unlikely fitting Instructors Serious correct size equipment and ensure it Serious equipment fits properly for all participants before Medium (4) the activity starts. Low (2)

Equipment Group & Possible Equipment must be checked for wear Unlikely Failure Instructors Fatal at regular intervals. Excessively worn Fatal equipment must be retired. Rope High (6) protectors should be used if necessary Medium (3) and rigging positioned to avoid any foreseeable damage.

Exposure Group & Possible Groups must be suitably clothed and Unlikely related: Instructors Fatal equipped. Instructors must be suitably Serious Hypothermia/ trained and able to recognise and deal Hyperthermia/ High (6) with signs of exposure. Carry spare Low (2) Sunstroke/ warm clothing/group shelter for cold Dehydration and wet conditions and plenty of water, and sun cream on hot and sunny days.

Minor trips, Group & Probable Venues with suitable approaches and Possible slips & falls Instructors Serious friendly top/base areas should be Minor chosen by the instructors. Crags with High (6) unsupervised drops at the top and/or Low (2) base should not be used with groups.

Other Users Group, Possible Instructors must assess the venue on Unlikely Instructors Serious arrival. If too busy or there is reason Serious & Third for concern, another venue should be Parties Medium (4) considered. Helmets must be worn. Low (2)

Document last updated: 22/06/20 (W. Hunter)