In July 2006, BWOC adopted the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc. Risk Management Framework November 2004 - Guidelines for Leading Bushwalking Trips. These Guidelines also are the basis for Guidelines for leading Abseiling, Canyoning and Skiing Trips. In addition, Bushwalker Leader & Leaders in Training Guidelines were adopted.

For each activity undertaken by BWOC an Indemnity Form must be signed by the participants with activity specific Indemnity Forms for Abseiling/Canyoning and Cross Country Skiing.

If you have an "incident" on your activity, an Incident Report Form should be completed by you as Leader and forwarded immediately by email to the Club Secretary and you should notify by telephone either the Secretary or President. An incident is any serious injury (i.e. any injury requiring medical attention, either on the day or following the activity), death, damage to third party property or loss of possessions. Upon receipt of the Incident Report Form, the leader and the injured person will be contacted by an independent third party and debriefed.

In Septmeber 2006, BWOC adopted the Confederation Guidelines (November 2005) for Abseiling and Skiing (amended) as follows:

            Abseiling & Canyoning Leaders Guidelines - Overview
            Guidelines - Leading Abseiling/Canyon Trip
            Guidelines for the Care of Ropes & Equipment
            Climbers' Belaying Guidelines
            Canyon Leaders' Guidelines
            Leader Guidelines - Cross Country Ski Trip
           

Confederation of Bushwalkers (NSW) Bushwalkers' have a Code for Minimal Impact Bushwalking and each leader should be aware of these guidelines.

The Bushwalkers Wilderness Resque Squad Inc. (BWRS) Website has a number of guidelines for managing risk in wilderness areas. In addition, the BWOC Committee has made suggestions of what your family should do if you're "missing in action".

MS Access Database of Walks, can only be viewed if you have MS Access 2000 or newer version on your computer. This file is password protected, BWOC Leaders should contact the Programme Co-ordinator to obtain the password.

EXPLANATION OF BWOC GRADES

Each activity in the BWOC Calendar is graded to guide walkers in the type of experience to expect, e.g. SM600 = Distance Under 12km per day Medium (some scrub, rough track) terrain and 600m height gain.

Height gain is the sum (in metres) of all “up hill” ascents during the course of the activity.

Snow on the Bogong High Plains - Easter 2006

Explanation of Distance Codes used:

Explanation of Terrain Codes used:

S = Short (under 12k per day)
M = Medium (12 – 20 k per day)
L = Long (over 20 k per day)

E = Easy (Fire trail, tracks, open bushland)
M = Medium (some scub, rough track)
R = Rough (what track?, very scrubby, some climbing)
W = Wet (Canyoning, river crossing, cold)

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BUSHWALKING LEADER & LEADER IN TRAINING GUIDELINES
Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc. Risk Management Framework November 2004 - Guidelines for Bushwalker Leader Training adopted by BWOC Committee on 19th July 2006

• An experienced leader or club member will act as mentor to new or inexperienced leaders
• Map reading skills appropriate for the style of walk being led will be held by leaders and leaders in training. This could range from the ability to follow a simple sketch map or street directory for short well sign posted walks to the ability to navigate with topographic map and compass in more remote areas
• Leaders and Leaders in Training will have either a current first aid certificate or basic first aid knowledge
• Leaders and Leaders in Training will have the ability to manage people, group, time & incidents & adaptability in changing plans when unexpected circumstances occur
• Leaders and Leaders in Training will have knowledge of Confederation's Bushwalkers' Code (revised February 2004) for minimal impact bushwalking guidelines
• BWOC will maintain a register of leaders.

ABSEILING & CANYONING LEADERS GUIDELINES

Leaders are to demonstrate an understanding of risk management and confirm their desire to ensure the safety of the group. Leaders are to ensure that all participants have the basic skills for the activity by asking the participants before the commencement of the activity what their experience is. If a participant misrepresents his/her level of experience then the leader is entitled to rely on that representation in the event of an accident. Beginners who are not sufficiently experienced in those activities are not permitted to attend unless the activity is a designated training course. Leaders are required to explain fully to the participants of the activity the known risks PRIOR to the activity and to confirm the participants have signed a Risk Waiver.

RISK WAIVER FORMS
It is a requirement that a Risk Waiver be signed prior to each abseiling and cross country skiing activity.

INCIDENT REPORT FORM
In the event of an incident/accident occurring on a club activity, the Incident Report Form should be completed by the leader and forwarded to the club's executive committee for attention as soon as practicable after the incident/accident. This is to ensure that the timelines as set out in the Confederation's insurance policies are complied with by the member club. An incident is one where an event takes place which may result in a claim being made. An accident is one where a person is injured. A serious injury is one requiring medical attention. A Standard Incident Report form is attached.                                                                                 Back to Top

LEADING GUIDELINES - ABSEILING/ CANYON TRIP as per Basic Rope Sports Guidelines (climbing, abseiling, canyoning, caving)
In addition to the Guidelines for Leading Bushwalking Trips it is recommended that you:

1. Decide minimum group equipment requirements (including emergency equipment). Consider if you have sufficient equipment available for the trip or if the scope of the trip needs to be revised.
2. Carry additional prussik loops, carabinas, rope etc to facilitate an effective rescue.
3. Carry spare slings to replace suspect slings.
4. Each member of the party should have their own personal equipment - sharing is unacceptable.
5. Advise participants to wear suitable protective clothing.
6. Carry a knife for use in emergencies.
7. Know, as a minimum, how to tie and the correct use for a tape knot, bowline, double fisherman's knot, prussik knot and figure eight knot.
8. Be competent at choosing and setting up anchors and belays.
9. Attempt to load all anchors equally.
10. If possible arrange the belay point so that should an anchor fail that the other anchor is not shock loaded.
11. When abseiling using two ropes, make absolutely sure that the end to be pulled to retrieve the ropes is clearly marked and remembered, (eg by putting a distinctive knot in it.)
12. Know rope rescue procedures.
13. Ensure all participants know the call "ROCK!"
14. Where appropriate ropes should have a knot tied in the end to prevent accidentally abseiling off the end.
15. Instruct inexperienced participants on the dangers of a fall whilst getting onto or off a rope.
16. Instruct participants in the use of clear and agreed communication signals.
17. Where appropriate set temporary belays at the top of pitches to aid in getting onto the main rope.
18. Double check each other's harness, buckles and knot before climbing or before committing to the rope.
19. Ensure the first and last person to abseil has the equipment and the ability to prussik.
20. Ensure that long hair, loose clothing, straps etc are tied back whilst abseiling.
21. Bottom belay abseilers where this is possible and where the belayer is safe from rock falls.

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GUIDELINES FOR THE CARE OF ROPES & EQUIPMENT

1. Before using a rope, run your hands along the entire length to check that the inner part of the rope is intact and free of soft spots or other defects.
2. Instruct participants to avoid treading on a rope.
3. Beware of sharp or jagged rock edges and other sources of rope damage. Use a rope protector if appropriate.
4. Check metalwork, prussik loops, tapes etc for signs of damage.
5. After use, re-check the rope for wear, wash if necessary, dry in the shade and coil neatly before returning them to the gear keeper.
6. Destroy any gear that may have had its strength compromised.

CLIMBERS' BELAYING GUIDELINES

1. The climber must be kept on a reasonably tight belay at all times.
2. Inexperienced participants should not belay inexperienced participants.
3. Never take your brake hand off the rope.
4. Belay in line with the anticipated direction of pull.
5. Tie into an anchor.
6. Stay alert and focused on the climber.                                                                   Back to Top

CANYON LEADERS' GUIDELINES

1. Take account of the likely weather conditions (ie potential for flash flooding) before commencing.
2. In canyons where swimming may be necessary advise participants that they should be strong swimmers.
3. Instruct participants in the dangers of aerated water at the base of a falls - where a swimmer can more readily sink.
4. It is advisable to do a test pull of the rope to ensure you can get it down before the last person descends.

LEADER GUIDELINES - CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRIP
In addition to the Guidelines for Leading Bushwalking Trips it is recommended that you: ·

1. Ensure all cars carry and can fit snow chains
2. Ensure all participants have dry warm clothes such as thermals
3. Ensure that you can navigate the trip and carry a compass
4. For day trips away from the trails/resorts carry a piece of closed cell foam/extra warm clothing/shelter such as a down jacket/bivvy bag/space blanket
5. Have a thorough knowledge of map and compass procedures (for navigation during a white-out)
6. Do not rely on huts for shelter - take sufficient tentage for overnight trips
7. Know how to construct emergency snow shelters
8. Know how to avoid the dangers of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide poisoning arising from the use of stoves in enclosed spaces
9. If building a snow cave know how to construct a sound structure, in a safe location and how to properly ventilate the space.
10. Make enquiries of the anticipated weather and conditions and cancel/postpone the trip if necessary.

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