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Bundaleer Re-opening and Work Party 20-Mar-2007 At 12:46:39 PM Dom

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I’m not out to needlessly criticise anyone in particular chalk. I am concerned about the view that you’re espousing because, it seems to me, that view seeks to delegate the responsibility for personal vigilance to the VCC. There is a divergence of opinion here on the crux of the argument: Should a central body be responsible for safety of fixed protection?

“an organisation like the VCC who seem to be having the role of Rock Police, need to ensure that Little Tomy and his mates who have been dropped off by mum and dad at the carpark, have the brains to accurately risk asses what has happened to the area and make a safe decision”
- Richard Melder 19/03/07

I wonder why anyone would think it is the VCC’s responsibility to ensure that fixed pro is trustworthy, in any area. Think of the legal ramifications; what if Tracey, on behalf of the VCC, was to announce that, after through inspection, all of the bolts in the southern Grampians were safe. Then, little Tommy (two m’s gentlemen), pulls a bolt and injures himself. The VCC would be bankrupted because of Tracey’s negligent misstatement.

EVEN IF Tracey was to indemnify herself against all legal action by way of a disclaimer after she makes the announcement for Grampian bolt safety (assuming it would stand up in court which, in all likelihood, it wouldn’t) would you really want to take Tracey’s word for it??

If you reasonably believe that there is a risk of gear failure wouldn’t you take steps to minimise or eliminate the risk yourself? I don't know Tracey, doubt i ever will... I'm sure she's a lovely person but when it comes to my gear\life I wouldn't trust her as far as I could kick her or anyone else in the VCC for that matter.

Now its important to understand that I’m not saying the VCC is bunch of incompetents. I’m sure they are safe climbers; what I’m saying is I take the responsibility for MY gear MYself and I wouldn’t want to delegate it even if I could.

I’d be interested to hear back from you both. Tell me what it is, exactly, that the VCC can do for you (or any climber) in this situation that you can’t do for yourselves?