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Crag & Route Beta

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Topic Date User

Climbing banned Centennial Trev Blue Mtns - NPWS 5-May-2015 At 5:48:15 PM Climboholic

Message

On 4/05/2015 Snacks wrote:
>The best way to remove these particular bolts (on the arch) would be using
>a scaffold platform. And it would probably end up being a lot cheaper (compared
>to fully insured rope access workers).
>
>Damage to the site using a scaffold setup would only be temporary.
>
>Other areas that can be more easily accessed via abseil should be done
>by an industrial rope access company. They might cost around $2-3k?? for
>a couple of climbs that can be removed in a day (long day including travel
>time). And this wouldn't include any kind of patch work.
>
>Any official shortcuts should be investigated by WorkCover in my opinion
>as I don't believe amateur bolters should be encouraged to carry out this
>'work' and the risks go far beyond those accepted by typical Track or Bush
>care volunteers. It might be a good time for NPWS to begin setting up a
>framework to handle these issues sensibly and within safe work practices.
>
>Further to this, since the arch's structural stability has been called
>into question it would be very inappropriate to expect work to be done
>to the underside of the arch if they have some advice that suggests it
>is unstable?
>
>
>As a disclaimer; I am a rope access diagnostics engineer and am looking
>at this predominantly from a liability point of view.

*Post modified after personal request from snacks*

I understand your desire to have a structured framework around ropes access. From what I observed of your judgement several years ago, you do not have the aptitude to operate safely without it. This opinion is based on:
- In Thailand in 2013 you had been exclusively using the shiny stainless steel bolts that the guidbook specifically said were dangerous for a week until I pointed out that you're meant to use the dull Titanium ones.
- You took a 10-15m fall after pulling through a lot of slack. I'm sure of this because I was feeding out rope and starting to get concerned when you fell. At no point was the rope out of control.
- You attempted climbs beyond your ability at the time and exposed yourself to ground falls.

My opinion of your judgement was further reinforced when you burnt down Schlinks hut by throwing shellite on glowing embers in the fireplace.

Regulating climbing so those without aptitude can do it safely detracts from the experience of the competent and safe majority of climbers. I raise this point because you are spouting a lot of opinions that run contrary to the prevailing opinion amongst the climbing community.

If at first you don't suceed, maybe you should try something else. Don't try to change climbing.