Inspections

What is an Inaugural Inspection?

When a new ropes course or adventure park is built, and before it is used, an inaugural inspection is recommended to be done by a completely independent inspection body (Type A) with no commercial interest in the ropes course or other conflict of interest (EN 155567:2015). They must also have their own public liability insurance for such work and, crucially, operators should make sure an inspector is competent.

The inaugural inspection is carried out in accordance with ISO/IEC17020 - and all processes prior to and after the inspection are managed by Capstone's Operations Manager. They will ensure that the full report is completed and the client receives its Inaugural Certification (EN:15567).

All inspections are video at no extra cost.

To find out more, enquire or book your inaugural inspection and receive details of the full inspection process, please contact ops@capstone-inspections.com.

• Zip wires
• Traditional ropes courses
• Aerial adventure sites
• Net parks
• Climbing walls
• Low ropes

• Load bearing structure
• Visual Inspections carried out at height
• Equipment (In accordance with manufacturers/suppliers)
• Functional Inspections carried out at height
• Verification that the course has been constructed in accordance with the design drawings (e.g. guy angles)
• Checking that design calculation and/or tree strength assessment exist; check the current arboreal assessment to ensure that all trees used as a support system have been judged safe to use
  
• Component compatibility Check
• Construction documentation (builder manual and maintenance manual)

• Video over inspection
• Conduct an audit of the operational documentation in accordance with EN15567-2
• Consider all the aspects of the course with regards to the LOLER regulations
• Consider the future maintenance aspects that will require a budget or plan
• Hold a database of your safety system to alert you if there are any issues found within our industry 
• Provide a comprehensive report and certificate in accordance with EN15567-1, ISO EN 17020-2012, and the LOLER Regulations
  
• Use the checklist supplied by the manufacture from the installed items Quick Flight, Zip Stop, Perfect Decent etc.
• Use an app based reporting system which promotes speed and efficiency and a paperless system

What is a Periodical Inspection?

A periodical inspection, more commonly known in the industry as the annual inspection, should be carried out by an inspection body at least each calendar year, with a maximum interval of 15 months to inspect the overall safety of the site.

Some operators like to have a periodical inspection every six months - if this is required, it is available through Capstone.

Capstone provide this as an impartial service and can offer ‘independent advice’ on having the maintenance completed.

All inspections are video at no extra cost.

• Zip wires
• Traditional ropes courses
• Aerial adventure sites
• Net parks
• Climbing walls
• Low ropes
• Playgrounds

• Verify that all manufacturer’s/supplier’s instructions for maintenance and servicing have been carried out
  
• Check that the routine visual check are being completed
• Check that the operational inspections are being completed
• Trublues, Powerfans, Zip Stops, nets etc. are in date
• Functional test carried out at height by an inspector
• An assessment of worn components and requirements for their replacement
• Verify that any plastic covered wire ropes have been tested in accordance with 4.2.4
• Check the current arboreal assessment to ensure that all trees used as a support system have been judged safe to use
• Verify that a PPE inspection report exists

• Video over inspection
• Conduct an audit of the operational documentation in accordance with EN15567-2
• Consider all the aspects of the course with regards to the LOLER regulations
• Consider the future maintenance aspects that will require a budget or plan
• Hold a database of your safety system to alert you if there are any issues found within our industry 
• Provide a comprehensive report and certificate in accordance with EN15567-1, ISO EN 17020-2012, and the LOLER Regulations
  
• Use the checklist supplied by the manufacture from the installed items Quick Flight, Zip Stop, Perfect Decent etc.
• Use an app based reporting system which promotes speed and efficiency and a paperless system

Your periodical inspection is carried out in accordance with EN ISO/IEC17020 and all processes prior to and after the inspection are managed by Capstone's Operations Manager. They will ensure that the full report is completed and the client receives it's Inaugural Certification (EN:15567).

To find out more, enquire or book your periodical inspection and receive details of the full inspection process, please contact ops@capstone-inspections.com.

What is an Operational Inspection?

The EN: 15567 says that an operational inspection will be carried out by the operator every 1 to 3 months, or as directed by the constructor.

As stated in the UK Ropes Course Guide...

Generally speaking the constructor’s recommendations should be considered a minimum; however, operators may consider more frequent inspections are required – based on their empirical evidence. Examples of visual and operational inspection are:

• Functionality
• Cleanliness
• Condition of ground surface
• Sharp edges
• Missing components
• An assessment of worn components and requirements for their replacement
• Structural integrity of the safety system (e.g. condition of cables, brackets etc.)
• Monitors any component if guided by the annual inspection report
• Carries out maintenance within their competence level

An Operational Inspections shall be carried out by a competent person. The inspection needs to be as comprehensive and thorough as a Periodic Inspection, the only difference being the latter has a greater degree of independence. This requires inspectors to be as competent and knowledgeable as they need to be for a Periodic Inspection or have within their network the ability to seek a professional opinion.

Capstone Inspections offers a comprehensive training course called the "Operational Inspections & Maintenance Course" for you and your staff so that you can carry out these type of inspections on your own course, should you wish to do so, including ongoing advice and guidance and a network of peers in a closed online group. Alternatively, if you would still prefer an independent inspection body to carry out your operational inspections please get in touch.

To find out more, enquire or book your operational inspection and receive details of the full inspection process, please contact ops@capstone-inspections.com.

All Capstone Inspectors are qualified and competent PPE Inspectors

All Capstone PPE inspectors are qualified and competent having attended the industry leading training course delivered by Lyon Equipment called the "Competent Person Certificate for the Adventure Activities Sector".

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a crucial element of any ropes course and it requires a systematic process to ensure it is stored, maintained and inspected correctly.

A PPE Inspection should be carried out by a competent person (qualified PPE Inspector) every six months, in accordance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998).

• Identification
• Storage of equipment
• Formal, thorough examinations of equipment
• Disposal /Quarantined (Critical Faults)
• Record Keeping

• Identification
• Storage of equipment
• Formal, thorough examinations of equipment
• Disposal /Quarantined (Critical Faults)
• Full service record
• Record Keeping
• Documentation & Processes Auditing
• Advice and Guidance

Some of the types of equipment we can inspect: ISC - ALF: ( Capstone is the only inspection body that is permitted by ISC to inspect your ALF on site) - this can be carried out as part of your periodical inspection. CliC-iT,  Saferoller,  Rope Roller,  Zarzar,  Vert Voltage,  Coudou Pro,  Niko,  Head Rush,  DropZone,  Power Fan,  Koala,  Tractel,  Protector (Cab lock),  Sala (Ladsaf)

To find out more, enquire or book your PPE inspection and receive details of the full inspection process, please contact ops@capstone-inspections.com.

Wooden Poles play a key role within the ropes course industry

When operating a ropes course, it is essential that a comprehensive and rigorous inspection regime is implemented, to ensure that the course is fit for purpose and safe for all users.

Wooden Poles play a vital role within the construction of many courses and due to their limited lifespan and exposure to external elements, they require a more detail, specific inspection.

• Sound Inspections
• Visual Inspections
• Wooden Pole Inspection (IML- RESI R400 Drill)

Capstone provide inspections of wooden poles using a state-of-the-art IML-RESI R400 Drill. A 3mm drilling needle is inserted into the wood under constant drive and this evaluates the quality of the internal state of the wood by measuring the resistance in the timber; determining whether the pole is fit for purpose, in need of repair or complete replacement.

The quantitative data is recorded electronically and transferred to a Capstone report where it is processed, analysed and sent to the client.

Good asset management and maintenance of your course will help prevent damage and disrepair enabling you to get the full life-span out of your course.

To find out more, enquire or book your wooden poles inspection and receive details of the full inspection process, please contact ops@capstone-inspections.com.

Drone Inspections

More to follow.

To find out more, enquire or book your drone inspection and receive details of the full inspection process, please contact ops@capstone-inspections.com.