Safety

Climbing as an activity carries with it potential risks. Managing these risks is the responsibility of both the centre and of the centre's users. Beacon Climbing Centre is committed to providing safe facilities, equipment and instruction to allow all of our customers to enjoy their climbing.

Serious injuries in a climbing wall are rare, but possible, and risks are minimised with proper care. Although the centre is an artificial environment the risks involved are no less serious than when climbing outside, and bolt-on holds may spin. Other climbers are also using the centre, and should be treated with respect.

Here are some of the ways we try to ensure the safety of our staff and customers:

Constant monitoring of the climbing areas in use by customers.
Regularly reviewed risk assessments and procedures on all aspects of the Centre's operations.
Regular equipment checks carried out by qualified staff.
Using qualified and experienced instructors.
Comprehensive staff and instructor training.
Anchor and protection points tested to BS12572.
Walls designed by structural engineers for conformity with BS12572.

In return it is our customers' responsibility to ensure they use the centre in a way that will minimise the risks to themselves and others. You can do this by:

Checking-in with Beacon Reception before climbing.
Exercising common sense when using the climbing areas.
Being honest about your capabilities and knowledge as climbers.
Ensuring you are using Beacon under the appropriate conditions (eg with qualified instructors).
Only using personal equipment that is suitable and in good condition.
Fully supervising any novices and children you have signed in.
Accepting the advice and caution of Beacon staff when offered.

If you are a visiting group or school you can view copies of our current risk assessment, insurance and AALS licence here.

Trade Associations and Accreditations

Adventurous Activities License (AALA)
AALA was set up to regulate providers of adventurous activities for young people. Centres holding the AALA license have undergone an inspection of their risk assessments, procedures, staff qualifications and much more. To view a copy of our current AALA licence click here.
www.aala.org

Wales Tourist Board Accreditation
The Wales Tourist Board was the first tourist board to run any kind of accreditation scheme for activity providers. Their accreditation scheme involves a rigorous annual inspection where aspects such as the qualifications of staff, insurance and operating procedures are all thoroughly checked.
www.wtbonline.gov.uk

Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI)
AMI is the association for instructors holding the Mountain Instructor Award or Mountain Instructor Certificate, the highest UK qualifications for climbing instructors. A number of the staff at Beacon Climbing Centre hold these qualifications, meaning we are well placed to provide the instructor and staff training required in such a busy climbing centre.
www.ami.org.uk

Association of British Climbing Walls (ABC)
The ABC was formed in 1994 and is the representative body of climbing centre managers and owners. Its primary aim is the development and benchmarking of safe practice and quality management processes for operating climbing centres.
www.abcclimbingwalls.co.uk