THIS POST IS NOW OUT OF DATE – JUNE 2015
NEW EN 15567 PART 1 and PART 2 UPDATED 01.06.15
EN 15567 is a European Standard created in 2007 it governs the safe construction and use of high ropes courses within 30 European countries, including the UK.
The regulations were created by the “Sports, playground and other recreational equipment” technical committee CEN/TC 136.
The Standards are split into 2 sections, Section 1 governs the construction and safety requirements of high ropes courses constructed post 2007.
Section 2 governs the operational requirements for running high ropes courses.
Technically EN numbers are not a legal requirement but they are seen in most courts of law as good practice. If something were to go wrong with a piece of equipment that does not hold an EN number, it is likely the question will be asked “why were these standards not met?”
Would you buy a rope for climbing that had not met the necessary EN testing standard for that item? The manufacturer may have their own testing protocols that are equal to the EN test standards, but without going through all the product information how do you know this?
Part 1 of EN 15567 looks at safety standards covered during the construction process. For example:
- Wire rope dimensions.
- Structural materials
- Specific PPE
- Safety systems
- And where trees are to be used, EN 15567 would typically ask for a tree survey.
A type A ERCA inspector can assess whether these standards have been met. Typically a certificate of conformity is created following an inspection of the course and a review of all the relevant documentation, including structural designs.
Part 2 of EN 15567 is based around the practices and policies set in place by the user of the course.
As with most outdoor activities a risk assessment and set of operating procedures are part of the standards, as are regular inspections of the facilities, by the users on a daily basis and a type C ERCA inspector once every 12 months.
In addition part 2 looks at staff training for both instructing and rescues.
All these policies will also be checked in the initial inspection by the type A inspector.
As with most policies these will also need regularly updating as your facility ages and you experience new situations at your location. You will also need to set up systems to ensure you are following the regulations and are keeping up to date with policies.