Safety Recommendations

The latest UBES Risk Assessment document can be found on the downloads page.

The University of Bristol Expeditions Society recommends that the following procedures are followed during these high mountain activities.

The BMC Participation Statement

The University of Bristol Expedition Society is not an affiliate member of the British Mountaineering Council, however society members need to be aware that the meaning of the BMC's participation statement also applies to them, and that you are responsible for yourself in the hills/on a climb.

"The BMC recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement."

Hiking

  1. Each member of the group should carry waterproof jacket and trousers in mountainous conditions.
  2. Hiking boots with ankle support are worn.
  3. Each group member should carry a survival bag, torch and appropriate warm clothing (e.g. hat & gloves).
  4. Each group should carry a survival shelter (fit for the whole group), first aid kit and appropriate food for the trip.
  5. It is recommended that each group should have a First Aider.
  6. It is recommended that each group leader explains the route to the group.

Scrambling

  1. Before embarking on a scramble the guide is read thoroughly by the leader and party members are informed.
  2. People who have not scrambled before should not attempt above a grade 1 unless they have previous climbing experience.
  3. If a scramble is considered for the weekend the leader should print out a weather forecast and act appropriately.
  4. Helmets should be worn if scrambling in a gully or if the leader is not familiar with the route.
  5. On a grade one scramble a confidence rope is carried by a proficient leader.
  6. On a grade two or above harnesses, rope and appropriate gear should be carried.
  7. A scramble of grade two or above should have no more than four people in a group. Obviously if there are 12 people wanting to do the same scramble then there can be three groups, each with their own rope and gear. They should move with these groups over the technical ground.

Climbing: General guidelines

  1. Helmets must be warn at all times while at crags and any situation where there is a danger of falling objects to protect against falling debris and head injuries.
  2. No soloing.
  3. One helmet, harness and belay plate to be provided by the club for each member who requires it to enable members to climb safely.
  4. Who’s climbing with whom and where they are climbing should be noted down in the route book on weekends away.
  5. Sufficient guidebooks should be provided so that all groups have access and so that suitable routes can be chosen.
  6. Lead climbers must inform all members of access /descent paths off the crag.
  7. Check partner’s knots/belay device/harness before each climb.
  8. As far as possible/practical the group should stay together.

Single Pitch Sport

  1. Choice of crag should be selected according to the trip size and group ability.
  2. Climbing groups should consist of at least one competent leader and one competent belayer. One of these must supervise or perform belaying.
  3. Seconds reminded not to unclip at the top.

Single Pitch Trad

  1. Climbing group size must be no more than three and should have at least one competent leader and one competent second. This allows safe climbing, with competent belaying from top to bottom with a maximum of one second on each of the double ropes.
  2. Choose climbs according to the group’s ability.
  3. Ensure that you have suitable gear for the route.
  4. Ensure that the group is aware of what will happen when they reach the top.

Multipitch Climbing

  1. Climbing group size must be no more than three and should have at least one competent leader and one competent second. This allows safe climbing, with competent belaying from top to bottom with a maximum of one second on each of the double ropes.
  2. Climbing groups of three must use double ropes.
  3. Take appropriate gear for the route.
  4. Head torches and water must be taken along with appropriate clothing for the current weather conditions to enable safe completion and retreat of route if it takes longer than expected.
  5. Do not start a multipitch climb if the weather looks as though it will affect your ability to climb, eg. Rain.
  6. Have realistic climbing times so as not to end up climbing in the dark.
  7. Plan a descent before starting so you know how to get off the climb at the top.
  8. Consider a retreat from each pitch of the climb so if an accident occurs you know how to retreat.

Bouldering

  1. Ensure that there are sufficient mats and spotters according to the route to enable a safe landing.
  2. Helmets must be worn where it is deemed necessary by the route/bouldering leader.
  3. Ensure a safe descent is possible and advise the group before commencing as boulders can often have dangerous descents.

Kit

  1. Club members are advised to check their equipment in line with current BMC recommendations.
  2. Society kit should be checked at least once a year to ensure that all equipment is safe to use.
  3. Damaged and old gear shall be destroyed so that it cannot be used again.

Unofficial Trips

  1. An unofficial trip is one that is organised by members of the society but is not run by the society. All the people present on the trip may be members of UBES but this does not make it an UBES trip.
  2. For a trip to be an official trip it must be presented to the committee for approval and a trip registration form must be presented to the Health and Safety Advisor.
  3. The union states that if a trip registration form is not passed onto the Health and Safety Advisor then the trip is not recognised as an official UBES trip.
  4. However if a trip wishes to use Society kit, you must adhere to the guidelines set out above.
  5. If any money goes through the UBES bank accounts it becomes an official trip and a trip registration form must be filled out.