What Happens during the Inspection?
During the inspection we welcome and encourage either the course manager, or another representative from the facility, to accompany us. This is by no means required, as we understand that there is not always the available time, but if possible it does provide for the opportunity to readily explain any potential issues with the course, as well as the answering of any questions.
After a review of the last inspection report, we will generally start the inspection with a walk-through of the course. If we have never been to the course before we do prefer having someone accompany us on at least this phase of the inspection so that we can be assured of all the element locations, and have any of our questions about the course answered.
After the walk-through has been completed, we will then begin the inspection of the elements. Each element is given and thorough visual and tactile inspection. The following list is an example of some of what we check and look for during an inspection.:
* Cable clamps are checked for proper torque (as well as
rusting and wear),
* ferrules are checked for proper swaging and type (as well as
any signs of wear),
* cable is checked for signs of rust, wear and appropriate
drape,
* bolts are checked for proper alignment and signs of wear (on
pole courses for tightness as well),
* all belay hardware is checked for wear and conformity to
current standards,
* platforms are checked for stability and any signs of wear in
the wood
Throughout this phase of the inspection detailed notes are made of the condition of each element, and digital photos are taken if there does happen to be a problem with the element.
After the element portion of the inspection is complete we then do a thorough inspection of all challenge course related equipment and a review of all logs. Once again, detailed notes are taken as to the condition of each piece of equipment. Specifically with regards to items such as rope, there is an expectation (and in some states a requirement), that logs are kept which detail the history of the rope. There are three factors that must be taken into account in order to determine whether or not the rope can pass inspection, they are:
1. The condition of the rope
2. The age of the rope
3. The amount of participant usage
With the inspection of harnesses it is the condition and age that factor into the inspection. With items such as carabiners and belay devices, condition is the only factor.
Upon completion of the inspection, the course manager (or the appropriate contact person), will be immediately notified if there are any issues with the course that would preclude the use of any of the elements or pieces of equipment for reasons of safety. If