March 2009
AAIAC have added to their web-site new guidance for the installation and operation of ropes courses. The guidance has been produced through the cooperation of the European Ropes Course Association, AAIAC, HSE, the Licensing Service and major operators and is intended to assist those involved with ropes courses to comply with the European Ropes Course Standard (EN:15567). The guidance covers not only traditional high and low ropes courses, where personal and group dynamics play an important part, but also purely recreational 'adventure parks'.
The guidance is available to download from AAIAC. We would suggest that anyone wishing to use a ropes course and not just run one should look carefully at the section of the UK Guidance on types of supervision, and decide which level is right for them or their group. Level 1 supervision provides a 'hands on' instructor, dedicated to your group who can physically intervene if necessary. Level 2 supervision also has an instructor dedicated to your group, who can observe the group and will be able to intervene, at least verbally. Level 3 supervision does not provide an instructor to each group. Instructors 'roam the area' and may need to be summoned if an incident develops or occurs.
