What are the Fundamentals of Indoor Climbing Gym Risk Management?

Indoor climbing gyms are a fun way to practice climbing in a controlled environment. An owner or manager of a climbing wall has many responsibilities to ensure that it is a safe environment for its users. There are certain fundamentals of indoor climbing gym risk management.

Rock Wall Installation and Maintenance

1. Setting up routes. When first setting up the routes, modular holds, and ropes, be sure to follow the manufacturer guidelines for all installations.
2. Routine inspections. Routinely inspect the wall, holds, ropes and anchors for wear or displacement. If possible, it is best to have the manufacturer also routinely inspect the wall.
3. Changing routes. Before installing a new route, wash all modular holds and the climbing wall.
4. Routine maintenance. Each day prior to use, the facility should be inspected for cleanliness and for safety.

Rock Wall Equipment

1. Inspect climbing gear. Regular inspection of all climbing gear is also important. Any equipment rented or provided to climbers should be visually inspected before any equipment is given to any climber. Equipment should also be re-inspected after it is returned to ensure that it is not worn or unsafe for future use. This double inspection should help prevent incidents that may otherwise arise should the equipment be faulty.
2. Replace older climbing gear. It is prudent to periodically replace gear even before signs of wear are noticeable. Keep records of all inspections of the facility and equipment as well as maintenance and replacement records.

Providing a safe facility and safe equipment are essential first steps to offering a good rock climbing experience. However, you also need to ensure that your participants can safely use the facility and equipment.

Climber Readiness and Safety

1. Participant waivers. All participants should sign a waiver and release of liability that was drafted by a licensed attorney. This waiver may need periodically updated, so have the document reviewed by an attorney every one to two years.
   
2. Participant training. Ensure that all climbers are properly trained on how to use the equipment. Participants who have not successfully proven their climbing competency should not be permitted to use the ropes or the wall without assistance.
3. Participant injuries. Should someone become injured, it is important to try to assess their injury. You should have a plan in place for how to respond in the event of an injury. After your injured participant has received proper care, you should document the incident and, if appropriate, remedy the circumstances that caused the incident.

​Hopefully, by implementing these few strategies, an indoor climbing gym can be a safe and fun place for all. At a minimum, follow the best practices of other climbing facilities to reduce the risk of an incident occurring on your premises.