To compliment my Risk Planning workshop at the Climbing Wall Association Summit, find below a table of contents for a climbing gym Risk Management Plan. The specific content of a plan depends on who the intended reader is, so realistically one might produce a shorter version for staff training/reference and a more comprehensive one capturing management functions.
You can download a Word version here.
The slides to accompany this workshop can be downloaded here.
Climbing Gym Risk Management Plan
This is How We Manage Risk within our Operation:
1. Oversight
1.1. Decision making authority
1.2. RM and safety goals
1.3. Risk tolerance/acceptable exposure
limits
1.4. RM plan intended uses/reader
2. Client Information Map
2.1. Marketing material
2.1.1. Consistent between digital and print
2.1.2. Safety messaging/Assumption of risk
2.2. Contract details: deposit, payment
etc.
2.2.1. Refund criteria: refusal to sign
waiver; other criteria? Injuries?
2.3. Release/waiver process
2.3.1. Advance notice/available on website
2.3.2. Execution procedure
2.3.2.1.
Verification
(witness) of digital waivers
2.3.3. Filing and retrieval (digital vs.
print)
2.4. Information exchange:
2.4.1. Info needed from visitor, procedure
for collection
2.4.1.1.
Payment
info
2.4.1.2.
Emergency
contact info
2.4.1.3.
Other
info relevant for participation and gym fulfilling duty of care
2.4.1.3.1.
Pre-existing
medical conditions, life saving medications
2.4.2. Privacy policy and data management
2.4.3. Visitor info needs from gym (i.e.
gear list, schedule, program rates)
2.4.4. Gym rules/climbing policy
2.4.4.1.
Youth
supervision policy
2.4.4.2.
Alcohol/cannabis
policy
2.4.5. Signage strategy – content and
placement on ‘need to know’ basis
2.4.5.1.
Exterior,
entry area, climbing signage
2.4.5.2.
Accuracy,
consistency, updating procedure
2.5. Safety orientation process
2.5.1. Documentation and retrieval process
2.6. Belay/auto belay/spotting competency
process
2.6.1. Documentation and retrieval process
2.7. Client feedback or complaint
resolution process
2.7.1. Accountability and follow up
procedure
3. Gym/Facility management
3.1. Access to building/site security
3.1.1. Daily access
3.1.2. Fire exit/alarm
3.1.2.1.
Fire
Marshall inspections
3.2. Opening/closing procedures
3.2.1. Computer log in
3.2.2. Cash control
3.2.3. Facility preparedness
3.2.4. Climbing area open/close
3.3. Inspection protocol
3.3.1. Climbing/bouldering:
3.3.1.1.
Climbing
wall, holds
3.3.1.2.
Matts,
seams, flooring
3.3.1.3.
Anchor,
belay/auto belay
3.3.1.4.
Rope
3.3.2. Facility
3.3.2.1.
Entry
and traffic areas
3.3.2.2.
Washroom/change
room
3.3.2.3.
Exterior
and parking
3.3.3. Documentation and oversight of
Inspection
3.3.4. Procedure to action identified issues
3.4. Structural inspections
3.4.1. Interval
3.4.2. Authority
3.4.3. Documentation and oversight
3.5. Equipment control
3.5.1. Climbing systems
3.5.2. Rental gear
3.5.3. Facility and maintenance equipment
4. Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
4.1. Definition of crisis, when to use ERP
4.2. Roles and responsibilities
4.3. Communication plan
4.3.1. Who needs to know what in what order
4.4. Injury plan
4.5. Evacuation plan
4.6. Critical violence plan
4.6.1. Hold and secure
4.6.2. Lockdown
4.7. Public information plan
4.7.1. Who, how, access to client database,
social media sites etc.
4.7.2. Media relations – who, proactive vs.
reactive
4.8. Continuity
4.8.1. Re-open criteria
4.8.2. Investigation/documentation/follow up
5. Human Resources System
5.1. Compliance items re. employment law
5.2. Work requirements and job description
per position type
5.3. Orientation, competency proof
5.3.1. Documentation
5.4. Training plan
5.4.1. Documentation
5.5. Sexual Harassment/Violence policy
5.6. Working with minors policy