Safety Policies & Procedures
Who Can Use It
The Ohio State University and Department of Recreational Sports Climbing Center is open to members or guests who have a completed OAC Climbing Center Release Waiver on file, and who have completed the necessary orientation and test requirements. Each climber must check-in at the OAC Climbing Center Desk and swipe their BuckID.
In order to climb a participant must:
1. Be a recreational sports member or purchase a guest pass
2. Complete the OAC Climbing Center Release Waiver
(climbers under 18 years old must have this form signed by a parent or guardian)
3. Be 16 years of age or older or have parent/guardian present
Minors
All children under the age of 18 need to have a parental/guardian sign the Risk Waiver Form. It is preferable, although not currently mandatory, to have both parents/guardians sign the waiver. Children under age 16 must have a parent/guardian present in order to climb.
Any climber 13 years or older may qualify to become a belayer after the appropriate lessons. Children under 13 are designated "Climber Only" in our computer database and must be accompanied by a belay certified parent/guardian.
Contraindications for Participation
Before the first time participants use the OAC Climbing Center, they will be asked whether they have any of the following conditions. Physical approval is required for participation for participants with any of these conditions
1. High blood pressure (>145/90)
2. Unstable cardiovascular or respiratory conditions
3. Active back or joint problems (recent or recurring injuries)
4. Post-partum (<6 weeks since giving birth)
5. Uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy, or seizures
Staff and participants should be aware that preliminary research indicates that psychological fear (i.e. fear of height) can accelerate an individual's heart rate as high as 180 beats per minute. This could strain a weak heart.
Equipment Requirements
Please take care of the equipment. Do not step on, drag, or rub liquids into any equipment. Inspect for thin, flat or soft spots, excessive wear, nicks or burrs. Report any excessive damage. Protect from abrasion points, sunlight, heat, and petroleum-based or nylon-damaging substances. Use all equipment lightly.
Harness
Participants will use a provided harness, or a harness that has been examined by the Climbing Center staff to determine its suitability. If using a harness with two loops for tying into, it is imperative that the climbing rope be tied into both loops. Never tie directly into a belay loop. Personal harnesses must have leg loops, be tied according to manufacturer's directions and have no frayed or broken stitching.
Participants are required to use a mechanical belay device provided by the OAC.
Footwear
Climbing shoes, sneakers, or light hiking boots are all appropriate footwear. Shoes that are dirty or that leave tread prints on the rock can be banned from use. Barefoot climbing is not allowed. Open-toed sandals, heavy mountaineering boots, and other hard soled shoes are not allowed.
Other Useful Information
Helmets are not required, but are suggested, and can be provided at no charge.
Closed chalk balls are the only acceptable chalk allowed. Participants can bring their own chalk bags but these must be free of loose chalk. This is to keep the OAC Climbing Center clean and to keep loose dust from the air, which can adversely affect other users of the facility.
Meeting Our Standards
Any climbers found to be climbing/belaying in a hazardous manner will be told why their activity was deemed dangerous. They will be educated as to the proper climbing procedures and then may be asked to either stop climbing for a period of time or to re-test their belay skills, depending on their understanding of the problem and/or hazard created. Habitual or otherwise serious offenses will result in the loss of climbing privileges. Climbing/belaying under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol will not be tolerated.
