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Posted By Stephen D. Clarke
Hi All,
We own some very old over-grown quarry sites that our countryside group want to open up to the public because of their archeological, historical and industrial interest. The issue is injury from rock fall as use of the quarries will involve the public getting up close (walking not climbing!) to the base of rock faces. Currently there are footpaths in and around the quarries and have been for the last 100 years or so, but the public aren't encouraged to get close to any rock face. We have had an expert in to give a preliminary assessment but a more detailed investigation is going to cost an incredible amount and that is before any work is done to make the rock faces safe if this is found to be necessary. I'd be interested in your thoughts and advice, are there experts and organisations in this area that might be able to assist?
cheers,
steve
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Posted By Bev
Stephen,
It will not be possible for you to guarantee that the cliffs are safe. All you need is a good downpour and you could get a rockfall.
I studied geology with the OU a few years ago and we were taken on several field trips to various quarries and cliffs. These were generally not open to the general public and were arranged by the OU with the companies / owners concerned. At all times we had to wear hard hats when anywhere near the rock faces and if there was any indication that the cliffs may not be safe, then we didn't go near them.
Would it be possible for your company to allow visitors only when they prearrange with your company, and perhaps your company would buy 20 or so hard hats to issue to any who did not have them. The visitors, if an organisation, will be required to risk assess before they go anywhere near, but if there is obvious risk (water gushing down or actual rocks tumbling) then your company could declare the site unsafe for access.
I'm sure this sort of access would not raise any objections from interested parties.
Hope this is of some help.
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Posted By Richard Hinckley
Stephen
It is difficult to repond to this topic without seeming to promote the services of our business, however our Rope Access Operations Division conducts a lot of Structural Stabilisation works on rock and cliff faces.
This work generally involves the installation of specialist Rock Netting which is anchored back to the face with tested anchors with access being gained via Industrial Rope Access techniques.
Over the years we have installed netting as part of identified preventative measure for rock falls and also in numerous instances where rocks have fallen and further collapses are to be prevented.
Understanding the acceptable guidlines for response on this forum I apologise if the above looks like an advert, it is certainly not intended to, but if you would like to know more leave a response with your email address or contact me via mine and I can send you a few case studies where we have used this technique in similiar scenarios as yours so you can see how the netting is installed and the finished installation.
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Posted By Stephen D. Clarke
Hi,
Bev and Richard, thanks for your response
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Posted By Stuart Nagle
Stephen.
Firstly, You state that the footpaths have existed a long time and all this time have been open to the public. Are they now public footpaths?
(e.g. adopted by the local highways authority as public rights of way etc). Have you checked with the local highways authority to assess their status?
Secondly, netting and fencing can be placed to help prevent falling rocks falling onto or rolling out from the rock faces. This is an alternative method of arresting rocks that fall and does not prevent falls, but assists in reducing risks of injuries.
Lastly, routine and regular abseil rock inspections and 'spiking' off of loose rocks helps prevent rock falls by removing loose rocks. Localises stablisation by rockdrilling and netting may also be carried out but obviosly is more exspensive.
good persons to talk to on this subject are miners who have been involved in mine roof netting, where similar tecniques of rock drilling and nettign are practiced to prevent rock falls and injuries. It is a good and well practiced solution.
Regards...
Stuart
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Posted By Stephen D. Clarke
Stuart - thanks for your help, I work for a local authority, the footpaths are public footpaths but they currently don't go near to any rock face. Our countryside department want to encourage the public closer but they don't like the cost of getting an expert out to check face stability. My judgement is that they have no option.
cheers
Steve
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