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Topic Date User

Climbing banned Centennial Trev Blue Mtns - NPWS 5-May-2015 At 10:28:47 AM Snacks

Message

On 5/05/2015 Macciza wrote:
>I must admit I find the 'shortcuts should be investigated by WorkCover'
>bit a bit bizarre .... What about the original 'works at height' done installing
>them, should that be investigated? That whole approach could cause some
>serious problems down the line- like where do you stop? Most rings being
>put in are in no way certified as fit for use, or tested and tagged, let
>alone put in by qualified HA workers. And if 'amateur' bolters should not
>do the clean up work, maybe they shouldn't be putting them in either!
>And scaffolding?? Seems like a bit of overkill to me, is that what you
>would use to install bolts there?
>I'm not aware of any issue of structural issue with the arch but will
>check that one out tmw.
>
>And I would suggest that those of you who have not ever looked at the
>POM should do so, as it may answer a lot of your questions and dispel some
>of the arguments raised ....

'Amateur' bolters just simply refers to people not covered by their own insurances. It's not a question of skill, but of liability which I may not have stressed enough for you to be so confuddled...

NPWS staff can highlight areas that are banned but getting people to remove bolts is very different. If this was to be an ongoing issue (which it is) where other areas get looked at down the track then these issues become a lot more relevant.

You only have to talk to Mikl to hear how often one of the most experienced bolters seems to almost kill himself on a regular basis... Would his family be able to claim under NPWS insurances if he volunteered officially to remove them or would they be forced to sue for compensation or just accept fate so to speak? Would the organisation have even know they were at risk because a staff member, representing the organisation, requested or suggested something outside their insurance policy? ... (Rhetorical questions)

Scaffolding? ... It's a low arch. The costs would be similar for removing the bolts with the added benefits of a safe, stable work platform that the workers can more thoroughly and cleanly remove bolts and repair any damage... All things NPWS would (or should) be interested in. Working above your shoulders for extended periods of time is hard work.

One of the reasons bolting gets officially blanket 'banned' is that it removes most, if not all, liability for the land owner. Seems a bit odd to condone or encourage something just as dangerous? ...

Use scaffold to install bolts there? Not relevant... but if it was considered stable you (a company with workers that would most likely be climbers on the side) could *possibly* get away with lead bolting it as per IRATA guidelines if it was approved and requested by NPWS.

Generally speaking, "amateur" de-bolters and bolters are free to take on their own legal/safety risks in their own time as they always do without affecting anyone else.