IDENTIFY THE HAZARD 

Create a dynamic risk assessment that works for you.... 

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So for example I immediately focus on - 'what's the Risk and Consequence' 

• Take the Hazard of wet rocky terrain 

• The Risk could be an injury from a slip and trip by someone in your group

•  Identify how you define Consequence in this situation - so for example

  • Low - slip over, bump / bruise / small graze

  • Medium - slip over, laceration / sprain

  • High - slip over, fracture / head injury

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Then you need to Control the Risk using one or all the below

• Verbally mention it / coach them through it

• Physically position yourself in a place to protect the group

• Offer physical assistance (non-rope) and then

• Collect your group in a safe place

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REMEMBER this is for YOU as well

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More information on Risk Assessments can be found on the HSE Website

 

USING THE ROPE

The Award does not cover the skills required for the planned use of the rope, consider it like your first aid, you carry one, but have no intention of using it
 

When choosing an anchor consider the 3 S's

• Size - Big is best 

• Solid - It doesn't move / vibrate (visually check it, tap it and then kick it)

• Shape - The rope doesn't "ride up it

 

If required select an appropriate rope system

DIRECT

• Walkers weight goes directly to the anchor

• Anchor must be big, bombproof and the rope moves around it easily. This is quick and efficient

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INDIRECT

• Walkers weight goes through you prior to the anchor

 

WITH CONFIDENCE ROPING

• always be above them

• keep the rope tight

• feet across the slope is more effective than toes pointing down hill

• prepare to stop a slip with every step