Posted By Michael Hosking one of our employees wishes to abseil from our internal cradle gantry into our Central inner atrium area part of children in need. (drop approx 100ft) Being sensible safety have considered the following to enable this though have a few areas would appreciate some help on. Risk assessment: we will do together. simple precautions such as safe access,clear below,etc will be in place Competence: membership of national association:(he mentions British Mountaineering association.)Any one give me any pointers to this/other association also any guidance/standards on the web. Equipment: all to confirm with current standards ? can anyone provide current standard location Anchor points: Building steel framework/cradle track should be suitable for this. 2nd anchor rope will be expected Insurance: his responsibility. If you can send me info that can "tie up loose ends" (no pun intended) it is appreciated thanks Mike

Posted By Saracen11 Hi Michael, ask to see his membership details of the BMA, and check with them that he is registered, and for doing what? If you don't know where to find the standards for the climbing equipment, how are you able to make a decision as to whether the equipment is suitable when you find them? "Anchor points: Building steel framework/cradle track should be suitable for this" How can you guarantee this? Soft protection of the steelwork is required to safeguard the steel and drop rope... "2nd anchor rope will be expected" But not necessary? How are you going to decide this? "Insurance: his responsibility" Check yours covers this type of activity. Don't forget, he's on your premises. Imagine the worst case scenario - rope snaps and he kills a spectator when he lands on them, and you then find out you're not insured. His equipment should have been inspected, ask to see his records. You mention you are to complete the RA together, how can you without the necessary knowledge? Folk on the forum can answer your questions for you but are unable to give you the confidence to act in a competent manner. Respectfully Michael, I don't think you have the level of competence to carryout a suitable and sufficient assessment of this activity, even if colleagues provide you with the info. This is a specialist subject, I suggest you spend some money and employ a specialist... Good luck with this worthy idea. Regards

Posted By DavidW It seems a shame we can no longer do these kinds of things without so much fuss, but it is a sign of the times and all the advice given above seems good to me. Rope access (including abseiling) is now fairly common and you might want to try the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (link below) for help on standards, inspections etc. http://www.irata.org/ Good luck David

Posted By Dave Wilson Well well Bruce, It would be better if you actually abseil down the rope about twenty times first as after this it gets quite smooth and you can go really fast!! No really fast! as when you are dangling at the end of a rope on a hot LZ you want to get off ASAP and take cover! best to fast rope and don't bother with a harness or figure 8 crab, we used to use hessian sacks and your neck as a brake! If he cams up first you wont know who he is anyway and if he falls please ensure he lands in a firing position! 100ft pah! Seriously it may be worthwhile to ask your local pongo or bootneck who has experience of this as its not just a matter of tying off and throwing yourself off!