HELMETS

1. Must be worn by instructors, spectators and all participants on all high & low ropes course sessions

2. Are CE approved

3. Can be uncomfortable and heavy but help protect the head in falling situations and offer protection to spectators against anything accidentally dropped from above.

CONSTRUCTION:

 

Traditionally fiberglass but in recent years plastic shells have become common. Fiberglass absorbs energy by the breaking of the outer shell. Plastic absorbs less energy than fiberglass but transfers it to the cradle which stretches.  All helmets used at HRA are plastic.

STRENGTHS:

In both types of helmet, protection is lost after one severe impact, and will be discarded.  

INSPECTIONS, MAINTENANCE AND CARE:

1. Inspected prior & after use to check for damage

2. Are never be painted, washed with solvents or have stickers put on.
3. They deteriorate with age

4. Are be discarded if serious impact received

 HARNESSES & BELAY DEVICES

Harnesses take three main forms:

1. Sit harness

2. Chest harness (chest harnesses are never used by themselves)

3. Full body harness (always used for under 10 year olds)

CONSTRUCTION.^­

1. Made from sewn broad tape and have buckles for adjusting to size

2. All harnesses are CE approved.

USE OF HARNESSES:

1. Unless belaying sit harnesses will always be used in conjunction with a chest
harness to eliminate inverting and the associated risks.

2. Chest harnesses are never be worn by themselves

3. Children 10 years & under will wear a full body harness

4. Harnesses should be well fitting but not restrictive

5. Tying in is done in accordance with manufactures recommendations

BELAY DEVICES

All instructors are familiar with a variety of belay devices and operate them in accordance with the manufactures recommendations. Two of the more popular devices are

1. Belay Plates

2. Grigris

Instructors are be given extensive practical experience with the above. But only Grigris are used during a course.

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