OutCut#12: Petzl Ball Lock Karabiners

A potential problem has been identified with Petzl's ball-locking karabiners. These are in widespread use by various groups/Centres. Go to Petzl's website at http://en.petzl.com/petzl/ProNews?News=149 where the issue is explained in detail, along with steps to be taken. The first part of the Petzl's report is included below.

Dear Petzl customers,

We have identified a quality issue with a limited number of the M34 BL Am'D BALL-LOCK and M36 BL WILLIAM BALL-LOCK carabiners with the new metal locking sleeve: the sleeve may be unlocked without pressing the green button, so the locking system acts as a TWIST-LOCK, instead of a BALL-LOCK. Following testing and analysis of current stock, we believe this issue may be present in approximately 5-10% of all BALL-LOCK carabiners that have the new metal sleeve. This information does not apply to the older nylon-sleeve locking system, but only to BALL-LOCK carabiners with the metal locking sleeve manufactured in 2006..................... etc

OutCut#11: Church Beck Closed

Note the following which has been circulated via the IOL website. As this is a time of year when 'out of area' groups may use Church Beck as part of a 'summer camp', and given the sensitivity of access arrangements in any case, it would be helpful to spread the word to anyone you may know who regularly uses the beck during the summer holidays:

As from Monday 14th August 2006
Church Beck will be closed for all leisure activities until further notice. A large construction scheme is starting on that day and there is a high risk of boulders falling into the beck. Please can you pass this information on to the people who use the beck. Your co-operation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Jonathan Hext
Coniston Hydro Electric Company Ltd

OutCut#10: Swamped Rafted Canoe Incident

All providers who use rafted canoe journeying on the Lake District's major lakes ('Open Water' in BCU langiuage) are strongly advised to read the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau's (MAIB) report on a recent serious incident in Poole Harbour.

In many ways, it reinforces the approach that AALA inspectors (me included!) have been taking over the years on rafted open canoeing. Rafts CAN swamp, so:

Lots of extra buoyancy, quick release systems, BIG balers, safety boats to accommodate the whole group, and above all, staff training on all these issues in deliberately 'marginal' conditions. And the presence of a safety boat isn't an automatic panacea!

This is a pivotal report for all providers of this popular and fun activity. In my opinion, MAIB is a template for spreading good practice and lessons learned, and should be 'bookmarked' on all providers browsers.

Go to the MAIB website or download the report as a pdf file.

OutCut#9: Canoe/Kayak from Fellfoot

The following information has been circulated by the IOL

The National Trust are asking that anyone wanting to go group canoeing from Fell Foot Country Park MUST provide the Park Manager with a written risk assessment and a copy of their insurance before doing so.

For further details contact:
fellfootpark@nationaltrust.org.uk
01539 531 273
fax: 01539 539 926

Logged 24th November 2005

OutCut#8: Crayfish in Cumbria

SIGNAL CRAYFISH FOUND IN CUMBRIA
(more information available in pdf format from info)

Paddlers please note this press release from the EA
Signal crayfish have been found in a catchment of the River Derwent near Penrith, posing a threat to salmon spawning and white-clawed crayfish. Following a report from a member of the public, Environment Agency staff from Penrith have confirmed that non-native signal crayfish are present in St Johns Beck near Threlkeld. This is the first time crayfish, native or non-native, have been found in this catchment.

Gail Butterill, Technical Officer for Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity, said: 'The introduction of this alien species is a devastating blow. Not only does it pose a threat to salmon spawning but it has broader negative impacts on plant and invertebrate communities and river bank stability. We are urging anyone who thinks they have seen a crayfish in any tributaries of the River Derwent to contact us immediately.'

The River Derwent is an international and nationally important river system being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).   The adjacent Eden catchment supports one of the UK and Europe¹s best native white-clawed crayfish populations and the Environment Agency and English Nature are extremely concerned about the risk posed from this introduction to this population and other native crayfish populations in the county.
Signal crayfishŠ2

Signal crayfish have devastated native populations across England through direct competition and the transfer of crayfish plague.  Crayfish plague is transferred via spores which is invariably fatal once introduced. The spores can only survive in wet  conditions. It is possible for spores to travel on any medium, so long as it remains wet. This can include fishing gear, fish scales, water and mud on vehicles or other equipment. It can also be transferred via birds, mammals or other animals.

Gail added: 'We are asking anyone who has direct contact with water within the Greta Catchment, (including paddlers), to wash thoroughly and dry or disinfect all equipment before using in any of the Eden, Kent or Leven Catchments as a precaution.²

The Environment Agency is continuing investigations into the extent of the infestation and the source and discussing with English Nature possibilities for control/ eradication. To report a sighting of a crayfish call the Environment Agency on 0870 850 8082.

Logged 20th October 2005

OutCut#7: Church Beck

For anyone who may not already know, there have, over the last year to eighteen months, been access problems at Church Beck, the popular ghyll scramble in Coniston. However, after some sterling work by represenatives of local organisations (such as the Association of Head of Outdoor Education Centres, the Northern Region of the Institute for Outdoor Learning and Impact Development Training Group), an Access Agreement has been negotiated. In order to protect future access to this great little ghyll, it's viatl that all users and potential users are aware of, and comply with, this Agreement. For details go to the IOL Website

Logged 28th April 2005

OutCut#6: Cathedral Quarry

Most people will be aware that Cathedral Quarry, a very popular group activity site near Coniston, was put 'off limits' for a while at the end of last year by the National Trust while they investigated certain stability issues. Equally, most local activity leaders will be aware that the site is now back in use after getting the 'all clear'. However, there may still be some people who are unaware of recent developments, so we've included this in 'OutCuT for their benefit. There is a statement on the BMC website from Jim Loxham (the NT's local Property Manager) confirming the outcome of their investigations.

And for any 'non-locals' reading this section, please be aware that before using this site with a group, each organisation, local or otherwise, must have attended one of the Trust's safety briefings. Failure to do this may threaten future access arrangements for all.

Logged 14th April 2005

OutCut#5: Nookie Throwlines

Nookie have identified a possible manufacturing fault with some of its throwlines, which would have been purchased in the last six months. The fault is clearly visible to the naked eye; it will look like the rope has been cut and re-welded together. They can be contacted via Nookie or telephone 01822 832333.

Logged 14th April 2005

OutCut#4: The Glenridding Beck Tragedy

There is a very good section about the outcomes from this terrible local tragedy on the School Trips section of the HSE’s website: go to http://www.hse.gov.uk/schooltrips/index.htm

Logged 11th March 2005

OutCut#3: BELA – The Basic Expedition Leader Award

This long-standing and popular award for low-level walking and camping leaders has changed its name – it’s now the "Level 2 Award in Basic Expedition Leadership". There is also clarification of the sort of area that its remit covers – the emphasis is now much more on the nature of the terrain than on the altitude. Acceptable areas will be:

• Low-lying rural countryside, farmland, valleys or forest.
• Gentle to moderate rolling terrain with no steep slopes to negotiate
• It should not be possible for a navigation error to result in a group straying into out-of-scope areas.

For more information, look on the Sports Leaders UK website at
http://www.bst.org.uk/Home/Content.aspx?PageID=canBasicExpeditionLeadership

Logged 1st March 2005

OutCut#2: Proposed ‘Work at Height Regulations’

Many of you will be aware of the protracted discussions (over 3 years) that the outdoor community, supported by a number of high-profile political and media figures, has been having with HSE regarding its proposals for the implementation of this European Directive. Most people in the industry believe that, unless activities such as climbing and caving are allowed exemption, or that the draft proposals are significantly modified in such a way as to make it clear that current good outdoor practice is acceptable, then there could be serious implications for the professional outdoor activities sector.

These discussions have been fronted by a ‘Crisis Committee’ consisting of, amongst others, John Cousins of the MLTUK, and local outdoor professionals Tom Redfern (Head of Centre at Ingleborough Hall) and Simon Waring (General Manager at OB Ullswater).

As yet there is no clear outcome, although the prognosis is now much better than it was 12 months ago. It’s therefore important that everyone involved professionally in an adventure sport which ‘works at height’ (ie anywhere above ground level!) keeps in touch with developments. OutCuT will try to keep you up to date, and will post any developments of consequence.

In the meantime, if you want to get a idea of the level and complexity of the debate, have a look at the two documents below:
http://www.mltuk.org/docs/downloads/SportsMinister.doc
http://www.mltuk.org/docs/downloads/LegalOpinion.pdf

Logged 1st March 2005

Hot off the Press
Work at Height RESOLVED!

John Cousins of MLTUK reported as follows on 11th March:

Hi everyone

I believe that we have resolved the issue of Work at Height Regulations being applied to adventure activities.

The Minister Jane Kennedy appears to have agreed to allow an exception to the Temporary Working at Heights Directive in relation to specified adventure activities such as climbing and caving. As you know the sector and MPs have lobbied the Minister following lengthy negotiations with Health and Safety representatives, on the grounds that the Directive was not aimed at sporting activities, and that imposing it in its entirety could have severe and damaging effects on safety and businesses.

Alistair Burt MP for North East Bedfordshire accompanied Doug Jones of Mountain Leader Training UK , Tom Redfern of the British Caving Association, Brian Lamb of the Institute for Outdoor Learning and myself to a meeting with the Minister and Health and Safety Commission Chairman Bill Callaghan on March 8th.

Alistair Burt MP has been a fantastic supporter of our cause, when he could so easily have been distracted by the prospect of elections and all sorts of far more serious legislation. He said "We are very pleased with the outcome. The sector always recognised the point of the Directive in relation to those whose work temporarily involved working above ground, as in scaffolding or construction, but felt very strongly that it was never intended for sport. This view is held throughout the EU, and was confirmed in a legal opinion prepared for the Minister last November, which offered the opportunity that we had been seeking of allowing National Governing Bodies in climbing and caving to remain the key guardians of safety, a responsibility they have exercised superbly over the years."

I believe this decision finally lays to rest the threat which has hung over the sector of inappropriate safety provisions applying to climbing, caving and related activities. We do face a further year of developing a ‘Regulatory Impact Assessment’, drafting ‘Work at Height (Adventure Activity) Regulations’ and contributing to a consultation process but I believe the arguments have all been won (famous last words!). It is a victory for common sense, and we are grateful to Jane Kennedy for her understanding of the situation.

We only ever set out to ensure that adventure activity providers could continue their activities unhindered and I believe that the proposal to except us from specific elements of the Regulations is an excellent outcome. We can now return to the business of developing good practice and enjoying our sports (there’s still a little ice left here in Snowdonia).

Thank you all for your contributions to this cause: three hundred and fifty two responses to the HSE’s consultation a year ago, one hundred parliamentary signatories to the Early Day Motion, innumerable media features, the support of forty major outdoor organisations and countless hours and days of work by Tom Redfern (BCA), Brian Lamb(IOL), Simon Waring (OB Trust), Charlotte Edward (CCPR), Ian Hey (BMC) and Doug Jones (MLTUK) have paid off"

OutCut#1: Free Extreme Sports DVD

The RNLI has produced a DVD about safety issues in Extreme ‘Offshore’ Sports (including kitesurfing, windsurfing and surf kayaking). The material is suitable for all ages.
Available free from the RNLI - just phone 0800 328 0600
Logged 1st March 2005

Remember – send information for circulation to roam@psoutdoors.co.uk

Thanks