Tasmanian Climbing Instructors Association

TCIA Code of Practice

Client/Instructor Ratios

1.    The ratio of participants to accredited instructors will vary according to:

• the maturity of the participants
• the aims and objectives of the planned activity
• the limitations of the cliff and surrounding area

2.    As a guide of abseiling and top roping the following ratios are suggested:

•     Maximum of 10 participants per instructor. If the participants are <18 years old there should be 2 adults present, one of whom must be a qualified instructor and the other adult must also be skilled in the management of groups

3.    The recommended ratio of clients to guide on multi pitch climbs is 2:1, it should not exceed 3:1.

Participants

1.    All participants must:

• Be informed of the nature of the program and the terrain
• Have completed a questionnaire about their medical history
• minors must also have parental approval and permission to participate

Equipment

1.    Helmets must be worn whilst participants are actively involved in: abseiling, belaying, top roping, seconding or lead climbing, and at all times whilst near the cliff.

2.    Instructors are responsible for appropriate use of such equipment as is necessary for any rock climbing or abseiling activity.

3.    All equipment used, (helmets, ropes, harnesses, belay devices, descenders, protection and rigging) must meet UIAA or recognised standards. It should have been designed, manufactured and tested for the purpose of climbing and abseiling activities.

4.    Particular caution needs to be exercised when using items from equipment pools.

5.    All equipment should be checked before use.

6.    Equipment monitoring and retirement processes must be established and followed.

Safe Practice Guidelines

1.    In any situation where a fall could result in injury, suitable protection must be used by all instructors and participants.

2.    All climbing activities must be preceded by a review of climbing rules and procedure, including equipment care and use, and by a general safety briefing.

3.    Instructors must check all tie-ins, belays and climbs.

4.    No participant should be forced to participate in any climbing related activity.

5.    A spectating area should be established to allow all those not directly involved in activities to be able to watch activities in a safe area.

6.    A clear and consistent set of signals must be established for all climbing or abseiling activities.

7.    There should be no solo climbing.

8.    Belays are tie-ins must be checked prior to use.

9.    Locking karabiners should be used for all connections between harnesses and abseiling or belay ropes. Locking karabiners or double opposed snap link karabiners should be used in all critical applications.

10.    Abseil ropes should be rigged so that rescue can be quickly and efficiently effected without the need for additional rigging.

11.    All beginner abseilers must be belayed with a safety rope. Bottom belays and prussic back ups may be used with experienced abseilers on a sequential skill based course.

12.    A first aid kit and other emergency response equipment must be kept within easy reach of the instructor.

Reference: Shepard, Nigel. A Manual of Modern Rope Techniques, Constable London. 1990

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