Abseiling (Artificial Surfaces)

Includes

  • Climbing
  • Prussicking
  • Towers, Water tanks and buildings

Description

Abseiling or rappelling is the basic method of descending a variety of artificial surfaces including using rope and a friction device.  Anchors can be man-made and maybe an absolute anchor.  Abseiling can take place on one level (from top to bottom – single pitch) or multiple levels (changing ropes during abseiling – multi pitch).

Who Can Participate

  • Open to all.
  • Some Activity Providers may have additional age or height restrictions.
  • Smaller participants may require a full body harness depending on size and equipment of provider.

Safety Rules

Download Abseiling and Climbing GPG

  • The minimum dress requirements are: T-shirt, and mid-thigh length shorts, sturdy lace-up jogger style shoes with good grip. Shirts must be tucked in. Long hair should be up and tuck-up in the helmet. Jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets, long earrings, rings and watches must be removed.
  • All participants and activity leaders/instructors must wear a helmet bearing the stamp of standards of Australia, when in the designated activity area.
  • In special circumstances, eg special needs members, it may be possible for individuals to participate in abseiling activities in carefully controlled situations at the discretion of the Activity Leader/Instructor.

Supervision Requirements

Refer to Girl Guides Australia Ratios at a Glance

Leader in Charge

  • The LiC must ensure that all participants are informed of appropriate clothing and/or personal equipment prior to the activity.
  • The LiC must organise and collect the ADM.27 from youth members and ADM.28 from adults. The LiC must inform the Activity Instructor of any health conditions or behaviour issues with participants.
  • The LiC must have an appropriate first aid kit suitable for the activity present at the activity venue.
  • The LiC must ensure participants have water and food appropriate to the activity.
  • The LiC is responsible for all participants when they are not participating in the activity.

Activity Instructor

Many outdoor activity centres will use in-house instructor qualifications. If you are unsure if they are accepted or alternative qualifications are held, contact your State Outdoor Activities Manager to ensure the instructor’s qualification is suitable.

                                                                   OR

An instructor holding an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification with a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation. Permission to use instructors with these qualifications for Guiding activities must be obtained from the relevant State Girl Guide Organisation

 

Questions to be asked when looking for an Activity Provider

 

  • The Activity Leader/Instructor is to brief all participants on safety and the care of equipment prior to the activity.
  • It is suggested that the Activity Leader / Instructor provide ground training prior to the commencement of the activity if relevant.
  • Obtain permission from relevant authorities for access and use of land. Examples are: National Parks, State forests and private landowners.
  • The ratified Activity Leader/ Instructor must have knowledge of the locality, facilities, and terrain and weather conditions of the area that the activity will be taking place.
  • Should there be inclement weather the LiC and ratified instructor will need to negotiate whether the activity should proceed or be postponed.
  • Activity Leaders/ Instructors must have a first aid kit and appropriate rescue equipment readily accessible to all participants.

 

Notification Forms Required

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ALL FORMS

For Approval – Prior to the Activity
• OUT.01 Camp/Adventure-based/Event: Notification /Application
• ADM.56B Risk Assessment Plan for Outdoor Activities, Events & Camps
• The Activity Provider’s Risk Management Plan

At the Activity
• Participants are required to have completed: ADM.27 for Youth Members or ADM.28 for Adults
• Girl Guide Incident Report

After the Activity
• OUT.03 Camp/Adventure-based/Event Report

Last Modified: 09/09/22 at 10:50 PM