This consultation ended 31st October 2006

Summary

You were invited to comment on the proposals for the way in which the Work at Height Regulations will apply to those paid to lead or teach others in climbing or caving activities. On 1 August HSE launched a three month consultation on the amended proposals.

These proposals have been produced in close collaboration with the Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee working group responsible for work at height issues.

They include:

• draft amended regulations that resolve the outstanding issues identified by the sector relating to double rope working; plus greater clarification that single rope working is permissible under the regulations; and
• detailed guidance drawn up in conjunction with sector experts on the application of the amended regulations to those paid to lead or instruct climbing and caving activities.

The draft regulations propose a test of an ‘equivalent level of safety’ such that adherence to national governing body guidelines for climbing or caving should be sufficient to comply with these regulations. Similarly the guidance supports the standards of the national governing bodies.

• View the consultation document [800kb]