Design and Construction
Construction
Phasing of Works
Our primary objectives at the beginning of all contracts are as follows:
- Establish working boundaries using temporary fencing or warning tape.
- Check delivery routes and drop areas are clear and remain clear.
- Familiarize the construction team with your site procedures and facilities including emergency protocol, first aid facilities, site security and ablutions.
- Take delivery of plant machinery if required and materials.
- Mark the course footprint on the ground or in trees and check you are happy with its location. Once satisfied the location is correct, we will Cat Scan the areas to be excavated to reduce the risk of damaging underground services.
- If required we will level the ground.
Generally, the first quarter of contracts on High or Low Pole based courses, proves to be the busiest period in terms of deliveries and machinery movement. You could refer to it as the 'first fix'. The ground is levelled, and pole, steel and timber deliveries are unloaded and poles installed using an excavator and telescopic handler.
Ground covering and surrounds are then laid, followed by the installation of any timber braces, steel beams or guy wires, required to keep the course rigid. This is largely achieved using cranes or chain hoists for lifting and mobile access platforms for working from.
The remainder of the construction phase or the ?second fix? includes the fitting of elements, platforms, belay systems, safe means of access, climbing walls and roofs.
Ground Covering
The height of elements on Low Ropes Courses rarely exceeds one metre, the height where ground covering as a safety surface becomes a legal requirement under BS EN 1176. Because participants on High Ropes are attached to a rope, ground covering on both high and low ropes courses tends to be a working surface, preventing the ground becoming eroded and muddy.
We recommend pea gravel because it has good drainage, does not stick to ropes and does not mulch down and require maintenance like bark and wood chips. Wood chips however are aesthetically pleasing and appropriate in a woodland environment.
The covering is 100mm ? 150mm deep, laid on Geo textile Matting to prevent foliage growing through and enclosed in a treated timber surround. Different finishes for the surrounds are available.
