HSE Press Release E152:02 - 29 July 2002
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued new health and safety standards in leisure activities involving water and rock, along with improved guidance on the supervision and training of using ropes.
As part of the Health and Safety Commission's (HSC) Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee (AAIAC) initiative, three new guidance sheets - outlined below - give simple practical advice for providers of activities on steps that can be taken to detect hazards and assess risks, thus ensuring the health and safety of participants.
This guidance advises on good practice for the provision of combined rock and water activities, including advice on selecting suitable venues and how to assess risks and control them.
Sets out good practice for the management of safety during activities involving 'rope courses.' Ropes courses are built structures of pole and steel that may include natural features (e.g. trees), and are designed to challenge participants in activities above ground level.
Should be read as a companion piece with Entertainment Sheet 14, as it sets out good practice in the maintenance of ropes courses, including the role of supervisors.
The sheets also suggest contacts for further advice, and list other relevant publications.
1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) encourages people to take a risk-based approach to preventing accidents. Most of HSE's legislation is risk based.
2. Combined water and rock activities: guidance for providers, Entertainment Sheet no 13; Supervision of ropes courses, Entertainment Sheet no 14; Maintenance of ropes courses, Entertainment Sheet no 15 are available on the HSE website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/entindex.htm
3. Copies of HSE priced publications and free leaflets can be ordered online at: http://books.hse.gov.uk
All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office
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