A comprehensive inspection and maintenance process is an essential part of ensuring that any ropes course is initially fit for purpose and that the deterioration of materials and equipment on a used facility is detected before failure occurs.
With some early ropes courses now reaching the end of their serviceable life, and many new courses receiving vast numbers of recreational users, there is an ever increasing requirement for a professional approach to inspection processes. RCD's unique products are designed to minimise the requirement for maintenance and regular inspections. Clients dislike paying to have their ropes course maintained and worry about their responsibilities for ongoing inspections. Over the last ten years our policy has been remarkably successful - hence the demand for RCD ropes courses.
EN: 15567 stipulates the following Inspection procedures
Independent Inaugural Inspections
The EN requires that when a new ropes course is built, but before it is used, an inaugural inspection must take place. This may only be done by a completely independent professional inspector - classified as a Type A inspector (as defined by EN ISO/IET 17020).
By definition, such an inspector will have no commercial interest in the construction or maintenance of ropes courses nor any fiduciary interest in the facility to be inspected.
They must also have their own public liability insurance for such work.
The inaugural inspection involves a:
It is unlikely that the Type A inspector will also be an arboriculturist so the services of competent arboriculturist are likely to be required.
For this inspection RCD recommend a specialist Type A inspection company called Capstone Inspections which is ran by Paul Capper.
Routine Visual Check
This should be carried out before opening of the ropes course each day. This involves a visual check of critical components, an assessment of the general appearance of the course and surrounding environment. This will normally be done by an appropriately trained instructor.
Operational Inspection
This will be carried by the operator every 1-3 months or as directed by the constructor.
Examples of visual and operational inspection are cleanliness, condition of ground surface, sharp edges, missing components, excessive wear (of moving parts) and the structural integrity of the safety system (e.g. condition of cables).
Periodical Inspections
This must be carried out by a Type C inspector (as defined by EN ISO/IEC 17020) at least once a year. They may also have a maintenance and construction capability but this must be a separate part to their business and not interfere, or have influence on, their role as an inspector.
The following shall be carried out as part of this process:
A comprehensive report must be provided as part of this inspection; this will include:
For the Periodical Inspections RCD recommend a specialist Type C inspection company called High Time. High Time is run by Steve Gunn who has ropes course construction experience and who now specialises in ropes course inspections and minor ropes course maintenance. The latter can invariably be carried out at the same time as the inspection - thereby minimising the cost. If any major maintenance is required then this is best carried out by RCD.
RCD Jacob's Ladder