Chockstone Forum

      Sponsored By
      ROCK
   HARDWARE

Chockstone Photography

Australian Landscape Prints

Chockstone Forum - Accidents & Injuries

Report Accidents and Injuries

Topic Date User

St Peters Gym accident 25-Sep-2016 At 4:43:02 PM Happywanderer

Message

Although possibly straying off-topic, this appears to be a 'balanced' view of the auto-belay industry (and manufacturers):
Link: http://www.athleticbusiness.com/fitness-training/massive-product-recall-rocks-auto-belay-industry.html
The True Blue auto-belay is interesting because it harnesses magnetic force - and hence is not solely dependent on wearing parts. The 'Red Point' device (MSA) was not engineered to rely on magnetic force.

As stated, auto-belays may conflict with what attracts some people to climbing - that is, risk taking is an integral reason why they choose to climb. Risk taking in this instance does not mean 'recklessness'... it is carefully considered and there is a degree of preparedness. For example, if climbing to the summit of K2 was 100% risk-free, it would not be such a prized goal. For some, risk = reward.
Of course, a ceiling mounted auto-belay unit is not suited for lead climbing applications.

This presents problems for proprietors of indoor climbing gyms - who must comply with WHS legislation (because it is a 'workplace'). There is no such thing as a 100% risk free workplace. Although, the view of legislators is that workplaces should be injury free. Being risk free and injury free are two different matters.

As stated, lead climbers are totally dependent on their belay person for ultimate safety. Sort of like passengers in an aircraft are totally at the mercy of the pilot. The difference being - if a pilot screws up - he/she goes down with the aircraft. If a belay person screws up, usually only the lead climber goes down - leaving the belay person to ponder the consequences.