F51 Terms and Conditions ABC Participation Statement: - “All climbing and bouldering activities have a risk of serious injury or death. Participants must be aware of and accept that even if they follow all good practice there may still be the risk of accident and injury. It is the responsibility of the participant to adhere to the conditions of use.”
BMC Participation Statement: - "The BMC recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions.
- It is important that you understand this document. There is inherent risk involved with climbing centres and associated activities. By signing this form, you are stating you understand that these risks cannot be completely removed. If you do not understand any of the terminology or content, ask a member of staff to clarify.
Conditions of use Our Duty of Care: - The conditions of use of the climbing centre are not intended to limit your enjoyment of the facilities; they are part of the duty of care that we, as operators, owe to you, the customer, by law. As such, they are not negotiable and if you are not prepared to abide by them then the staff may ask you to leave.
Your Duty of Care: - You have a duty of care to act responsibly towards the other users of the centre, follow good practice and abide by the conditions of use of the centre. Statements of ‘Good Practice’ are posted around the centre adjacent to the relevant facilities. These describe the accepted methods of use of equipment and climbing areas.
Children: - All children under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult, unless they have been deemed competent and assessed by a member of staff for unsupervised climbing.
Unsupervised Climbing: - Before you can use the top ropes or lead walls without supervision the centre expects you to be competent in the use of a climbing harness, a suitable knot to attach a rope to the harness and a belay device to secure a falling climber or lower a climber from the wall using a rope.
- Before you can use the bouldering walls without supervision, you must be aware of safe usage of bouldering and know how to use the bouldering walls safely. You are required to register to say that you know how to top rope, lead or boulder, that you are prepared to abide by the conditions of use of the centre and that you understand the risks involved in your participation.
- Anyone who is not competent to climb unsupervised must be supervised by a competent person.
Supervised Climbing: - An adult who has registered at the centre and proved competency, may supervise up to two novice climbers, as long as they are prepared to take full responsibility for the safety of those people.
- Groups of three or more novices must only be supervised by an instructor holding the relevant valid Mountain Training qualification and insurance or other relevant qualification.
- All children in the centre must be supervised by an adult unless they have been assessed by the management and registered for unsupervised climbing.
Requirements to Supervise: - The supervisor must be at least age 18 or older.
- They must be a registered climber with F51, alongside having been deemed competent by the F51 climbing centre.
- The supervisor must be appropriately experienced in the sport of indoor rock climbing.
- The supervisor must always be able to observe their novice at all times while using the rock climbing facilities at F51.
- The supervisor must not allow novices to belay anyone without ground supervision (tailing is strongly recommended).
- The supervisor must have read, understood and agreed to the requirements to supervise policy/F51 climbing terms and conditions.
Responsibility of Supervisor: - The supervisor will accept all responsibility around the actions and safety of the novice(s). This includes all climbing activity in the F51 roped climbing and bouldering areas.
- The supervisor must make the novice(s) aware of all risks involved in the sport of indoor rock climbing. Alongside the risks associated in roped climbing and bouldering.
- The supervisor can only supervise up to 2 novice(s).
Novice Climbers: - A novice climber is anyone who is under the age of 18, or is not registered as an unsupervised climber for roped, auto-belay, lead climbing and bouldering or just bouldering.
- Novice climber(s) must be supervised at all times.
- Novice climber(s) agree and understand that they must be with their supervisor at all times.
- All novice climber(s) must be supervised by an unsupervised climber, who is registered and has been deemed competent by the F51 climbing centre.
General Safety: - Report to reception on each visit before you climb.
- You must exercise care, common sense and self-preservation at all times.
- Report any problems with the walls, equipment or other climbers' behaviour to a member of staff immediately. This is particularly important with broken or spinning holds.
- Be aware of the other climbers around you and how your actions will affect them.
- Do not distract people while they are climbing or belaying.
- Never stand directly underneath someone who is climbing.
- If you have children, you must keep them under control and supervise them directly at all times. Be close enough to affect or control the child’s behaviour at all times.
- Please make yourself aware of the location of the fire exits in the building and fire assembly points.
- We advise that you empty your pockets before engaging in any rock climbing activity.
- YOU MUST NOT SOLO CLIMB AT ANY POINT WHILE USING F51’S CLIMBING FACILITIES.
As a user of this climbing wall, you must be aware of and accept the following: - Volumes on the walls are designed to enhance the quality of climbing but you must be aware of and accept that when climbing above them there is an additional risk of falling onto them.
- Climbing beyond your capabilities on any wall is likely to result in a fall. Any fall may result in an injury despite the safety systems in place. You must make your own assessment of the risks whenever you climb.
- Participants must understand that climbing while pregnant can increase the risk posed to mother and unborn child.
- Participants must be aware and accept that climbing holds can spin or break.
- You must do everything reasonable and practical to avoid endangering yourself or others.
- You have to be aware of and adhere to the safety rules of the centre at all times.
- Stand back from the climbing walls unless you are belaying or spotting a climber.
- You take responsibility for adequately maintaining your equipment.
- Please empty your pockets and remove all jewellery before climbing.
Unsupervised Auto-Belay Use: - Maximum user weight: 136kg
- Majority of accidents caused during auto-belay use is mainly down to human error. Please remain to be vigilant and wary of your surroundings when using an Auto-Belay machine based at F51.
- All unsupervised Auto-Belay users must be over the age of 16.
- ALL 16 TO 17 YEAR OLDS MUST BE ASSESSED BY AN F51 MEMBER OF STAFF OR HAVE ATTENDED AN F51 AUTO-BELAY INDUCTION COURSE, BEFORE USING THE AUTO-BELAYS.
- Auto-Belay users that are under the age of 16, must be supervised or clipped on by a person over the age of 18. If a 16 to 17 year old has not attended an F51 auto-belay induction course or passed the auto-belay competency test, then they MUST BE clipped in by a supervisor aged 18 or older. This supervisor must have passed the auto-belay competency test or F51 top rope and auto-belay competency test.
- YOU MUST HAVE COMPLETED AN AUTO-BELAY COMPETENCY TEST OR F51 AUTO-BELAY INDUCTION SESSION, TO USE THE AUTO-BELAYS BASED AT F51.
- ALL F51 REGISTERED CLIMBERS MUST HAVE COMPLETED THIS WAIVER OR AN ADD-ON AUTO-BELAY WAIVER FORM, BEFORE USING THE F51 AUTO-BELAYS.
Before Auto-Belay Use: - Ensure that your harness is appropriately fitted (the waist belt cannot be pulled down over your hips and all buckles are secured correctly).
- The box made out of colored tape on the ground around the auto belays is a landing zone; be aware of descending climbers when standing within it.
- Clip the Auto-Belay karabiner off of the orange "clip in" mats.
- Clip the Auto-Belay karabiner onto the belay loop attached to your harness.
- THE AUTO-BELAY KARABINER MUST ONLY BE CLIPPED INTO THE BELAY LOOP, NO WHERE ELSE ON THE HARNESS!
- Clip the karabiner gate facing away from you.
- Ensure that the Auto-Belay karabiner gate is locked securely.
- Look up the webbing line and ensure there are no twists (if there are, make sure to untwist the webbing line before climbing).
- Pull down on the webbing line (a couple of meters in length) and ensure that it is retracting into the machine. You will need to do this at least twice.
- THIS MUST BE DONE BEFORE EACH CLIMB!
- YOU MUST ENSURE THAT ALL OF THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE ARE, COMPLETED BEFORE CLIMBING ON EACH AUTO-BELAY BASED AT F51.
When using the Auto-Belay: - When climbing on the auto belays you must stick to the routes assigned to that auto belay, and not stray off away from this line.
- Make sure to not climb faster than the retraction of the webbing line.
- You must make sure that the landing zone is clear before descending on the auto belay.
- You must make sure when descending you do it in a controlled way. Place both hands onto the blue or purple sections of the webbing line. Alongside not holding onto any holds while you descend.
- If the Auto-Belay webbing line begins to stop retracting, seek F51 climbing staff assistance immediately!
- If you have found you are not clipped into the Auto-Belay machine while climbing. ALERT A MEMBER OF F51 STAFF IMMEDIATELY! They will then begin to conduct the F51 Auto-Belay emergency procedure rescue.
After using the Auto-Belay: - Ensure that the Auto-Belay karabiner is clipped back into the orange "clip in" mat.
Top Rope Climbing: - Always use a climbing harness to attach yourself to the rope. Tying the rope directly into the harness using a figure of 8 knot with a stopper knot, or a bowline knot with a stopper knot.
- Clipping in a carabiner with a figure of eight on a bite, is not advised.
- Many of the climbs in the centre have top ropes already in place. Do not take them down or move them.
- It is your responsibility to vet your climbing partner's ability before they belay you.
- You must make sure that you do not climb above or below other climbers while using the roped climbing area at F51.
- Under 18’s cannot belay unless they have been deemed competent and have been assessed by an F51 climbing wall staff member.
- Make sure that all landing zones are clear of obstacles and debris.
- Lines 7,8 & 9 are for lead climbing only and not top roping.
Lead Climbing: - Always use a climbing harness to attach yourself to the rope. Tying the rope directly into the harness using a figure of 8 knot with a stopper, or a bowline knot with a stopper knot.
- Lead belaying requires a higher degree of skill and understanding from top rope belaying and should only be undertaken if you have received training or are competent to do so. If you are unsure do not climb and ask a staff member for available instruction at the centre.
- When using the lead walls, you must supply or rent (if available) your own appropriately rated dynamic rope.
- Dynamic lead climbing ropes must be the correct length for the wall you are climbing. YOU CANNOT use the centres top ropes to lead climb.
- Quickdraws/runners/clips are provided on the lead wall. Please don’t use your own.
- You must not skip clips and clips must be clipped in order.
- Under 18’s cannot lead belay unsupervised at any time.Climbers must understand that lead climbing and belaying can be dangerous. If attempted without the correct experience or supervision, can lead to great injury.
- If climbers are practicing lead falls, we advise that you tell a member of staff and assess all risks/consequences that could occur before practicing a fall. It is your responsibility to make sure before practicing a lead fall, that the area is clear of obstacles and obstructions. You must display clear communication between the lead climber and lead belayer before any fall is taken.
- Climbers must understand that when lead climbing greater forces are exerted on the belayer, resulting in them being pulled off the ground and gravitated towards the wall. Injury may occur due to lack of belayer experience.
- Even though every precaution is taken and advise, due to the dynamic effect of lead falls we cannot take responsibility for any injury or risk of death that occurs while falling. This includes striking objects or obstacles surrounding the climber while falling.
- SECONDING a lead climb on the designated lead climbing wall is not allowed under any circumstances.
When Belaying: - Always abide by good practice when belaying.
- Always use a belay device attached to your climbing harness with a locking carabiner as per manufacturers' guidelines. ‘Traditional’, or ‘body’, belaying is not acceptable.
- To ensure your partner's safety, pay attention to what the climber is doing.
- Always stand as close to the climbing wall as is practical. Sitting or lying down is not acceptable.
- Novice climbers must be supervised at all times when belaying. This involves shadowing or tailing the dead rope, by either a supervisor or F51 climbing staff.
- You must not conduct direct belaying on any ground anchor supplied by the centre. Whether this is ground or weighted bags.
- The belayer must never drop or let go of the rope with the chosen brake hand.
Bouldering: - Whenever possible downclimb, or if this is not possible, use a controlled/planned jump.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that you can climb down or land safely; don’t climb into a situation that you cannot safely get out of.
- Never climb directly above or below another climber.
- Always take your harness off before bouldering.
- Remove anything from pockets that could hurt you when landing.
- Always be aware of people climbing above and around you.
- You must not climb or swing from the orange I-beams.
- Always climb within your ability.
- Protective matting does not remove any risk of injury, it is designed only to help reduce the severeness of these injuries.
- Be aware that uncontrolled falls may lead to injury of yourself or others.
- You must not climb over the top of the bouldering wall.
Training Area: - You use the training equipment at your own risk. If you are unsure how to safely use any item, please ask a member of staff.
- Under 18’s are not allowed to use any equipment based within the training area unless supervised by a coach.
IMPORTANT: - The bouldering wall is the site of most injuries at a climbing wall.
- THE SOFT MATTING DOES NOT REMOVE THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Injuries can still occur even after a controlled/planned jump but are more likely after an uncontrolled fall.
- You should always be doing your utmost to avoid the risk of uncontrolled falls. This includes paying attention to how you will land and always assessing the risk of each climb that you undertake.
- Lead climbing also contains inherent risks, which are always present. Leader falls can result in an injury and you must exercise great caution and preparation before you expose yourself to that risk.
- In top roping and leading, the greatest risk is presented by the belayer. Always make sure they are skilled enough to keep you safe; if you are unsure consult a member of staff.
BOULDERING CODE OF CONDUCT: - You must be over 16 to be unsupervised in the bouldering area.
- You must not wear jewellery while climbing in the bouldering area (necklaces, rings, and metal bracelets).
- You must take all items out of your pockets while climbing (keys, phones and wallets).
- Do not run at any time when in the bouldering area.
- You must not leave water bottles, bags, and other personal items except chalk bags on the matting area.
- You must be aware of other climbers at all times.
- When on the bouldering mats do not climb or stand beneath other climbers.
- You must ensure that there is enough space between you and another climber, when climbing a route.
- Once you finish climbing up, you must down climb with control.
- If falling you must try to land with bent legs.
- YOU MUST NOT CLIMB OVER THE TOP OF THE WALL.
- When resting from climbing, step off the bouldering mats.
ROPED CLIMBING AREA CODE OF CONDUCT: - You must be over 18 to be unsupervised in the roped climbing area.
- Do not wear jewellery while climbing in the roped climbing area (necklaces, rings, and metal bracelets).
- You must take all items out of your pockets before climbing (keys, phones, and wallets).
- Do not run at any time when in the roped climbing area.
- You must not leave water bottles, bags, and other personal items in the roped climbing area.
- You must be aware of other climbers at all times.
- When in the roped climbing area, spectators should not stand under climbers or belayers.
- You must stand up while belaying and not lie or sit down.
- When in the roped climbing area, spectators should not stand on green triangles.
- When in the roped climbing area, you must follow all advice given by the F51 climbing staff.
- YOU MUST NOT CLIMB OVER THE TOP OF THE WALL
DO YOU AGREE TO F51 CLIMBING TERMS AND CONDITIONS/CODE OF CONDUCTS AS STATED ABOVE? Instructed Session Agreement Section: It is important that you understand this document. There is inherent risk involved with climbing centre's and associated activities. By signing this form, you are stating you understand that these risks cannot be completely removed. If you do not understand any of the terminology or content, ask a member of staff to clarify. I understand that all climbing and bouldering activities have a risk of serious injury or death. I Agree I agree that this is a supervised climbing session and I must listen/adhere to all instructions given by the climbing instructor or supervisor. I Agree I understand that if I have not answered these questions satisfactorily, we can refuse the right to let you use F51 climbing facilities. I Agree Declaration of fitness: I certify that to the best of my knowledge; that my child does not suffer from a medical condition that might have the effect of making it more likely that I be involved in an accident that could result in injury to myself or others. I Agree Declaration of fact: I also confirm that the information within this entire document is correct and if any information changes, I will notify the centre. I Agree I HAVE HAD SUFFICIENT OPPORTUNITY TO READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD IT, AND I AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS. |
