Climbing Walls

Safety Rules and Guidelines

• All climbing will be done under the supervision of trained and qualified climbing wall staff employed by the St. Mary's University. A complete first aid kit, and staff person certified in standard first aid and CPR, will be in the building during climbing activities.
• All climbers must successfully complete the "Introduction to Indoor Climbing Class" or a "Climbing Wall Skills Check" prior to using the climbing wall facilities. Climbing wall check-off procedures will address top roped climbing and bouldering safety and acceptable practices. Additional classes or skill demonstrations and check-offs are required to lead climb or to belay a lead climber.
• In addition to having successfully completed an instructional session or skills check off, all climbers may be required to present a Rattler ID card, and have a signed release of liability/assumption of risk waiver on file. All climbers are expected to carefully and thoroughly read this document.
• Climbers must check in with a climbing wall staff person prior to each and every use of the climbing wall.
• The Climbing Wall Coordinator, or his or her designee must approve any visitors to the climbing wall. Visitors and observers (i.e., other University students, faculty, or staff who are using the fitness facilities) must remain outside the designated climbing wall activity area. Permission to enter the climbing wall’s activity area must be approved by the climbing wall staff person(s) on hand
• Climbers and boulderers should engage in some warm-up and stretching activities prior to using the climbing wall. Climbers may be encouraged by staff to begin climbing on easier routes within their range of abilities prior to progressing to more difficult routes. Climbers should be aware of the dangers of insufficient warm-up and over-exertion which may lead to injuries.
• Bouldering may occur under the following conditions: Bouldering must occur below the designated eight-foot height and must not interfere with roped climbers or belayers (e.g., no bouldering under climbers).
  
  Climbers will tie directly into their harness with a figure-eight follow-through knot backed up with a double-fisherman’s safety knot. Before each climb, the climber and belayer will double check each other to ensure that the climber’s knot is tied correctly, and that the climber’s and belayer’s harnesses are correctly fastened (assumes the belayer will be belaying off their harness).
• Climber and belayer will double check to assure that all components in the belay system (e.g., tie-in knots, harness buckles & closures, belay device set-up, belayer positioning, and anchors) are correctly in place prior to climbing.
• Use of fixed anchors is recommended when the climber weighs significantly more than the belayer.
• Climbers will not climb at a speed faster than their belayer can safely maintain the rope with minimum slack.
• Climbers may down climb or be lowered from a route, and should maintain a downward speed that does not pose a threat to climber or belayer.
• No part of the climber’s body may come in contact with belay bars, walls, windows, or other surfaces not affixed to the climbing wall and intended for use as hand or foot holds.
• Climbers and belayers will use UIAA approved harnesses, locking carabiners, and belay devices provided and maintained by the Climbing Wall. Only UIAA approved personal harnesses, belay devices, and carabiners used to affix the belay device to the harness may be used if climbers have signed a waiver and release form. Figure-eight belay devices are not to be used at the climbing wall.
• Only climbing shoes or clean athletic shoes may be used on the climbing wall. Hard-soled shoes or boots, and bare feet, are not permitted on the climbing wall surfaces. Shirts and shoes must be worn by climbers and belayers at all times. Climbing shoes are available for use.
  
  No powdered or block chalk allowed on the wall. Only chalk balls are allowed. Chalk bags are available for rental.
• Any and all jewelry, objects in one’s pockets or affixed to their body, that may either interfere with climbing, or potentially pose a threat to climber or belayer, must be removed prior to climbing. This includes, but is not limited to, scarves, rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, keys in one’s pocket, or knives.
• Backpacks, book bags, and other personal items, including food, are not allowed at the climbing wall. Climbers are permitted to have a water bottle and towel on hand, but are to keep these items off the climbing wall floor mats and out of the way of other gymnasium activities or patrons.
• Climbing is not permitted while under the influence of intoxicating substances. Violations of this rule will lead to a loss of climbing wall privileges with no revocation of access or use fees.
• Climbers and belayers are required to immediately report any accidents or conditions that may pose a risk to the physical or psychological well-being of others to staff (e.g., cuts or other injuries, loose holds, behavior detrimental to the well-being of self or others, improper belay techniques in use by others, equipment malfunctions).
• Lessons or staff-led instructional activities have priority on routes. If an instructor needs the route you are on, you may be asked to move to another route. Please finish the climb and allow the lesson to continue.
• An adult must accompany and supervise children under the age of 18. Parents, or legal guardians, must sign the waiver for anyone under the age of 18 years. Children under the age of 13 must wear a full-body harness and when belaying must have an adult back them up.
• The Introduction to Indoor Climbing Class or the Climbing Skills Check are good for one year and must be retaken every twelve months.
• All climbers will comply with the judgments of staff on duty at the climbing wall.
• Staff will follow daily equipment and site inspections before any climbing activity takes place.
• Any infractions of the above policies, or other behavior deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or threatening to the well being of self or others, may lead to loss of climbing privileges.