RULES AND HEALTH & SAFETY

PRELIMINARY

Walks attract people with a wide range of ability and experience. Those who are unfit and inexperienced in meeting the hazards which mountain terrain and weather present are at greater risk of personal harm. We know only too well, however, that anyone participating in a fell walk may suffer an accident, the consequences of which may be extremely serious.

The walk organiser takes overall responsibility for the event. This includes responsibility for ensuring that the walk is organised in accordance with the HS Rules and Safety Requirements, and that appropriately experienced marshals and other officials are used to monitor and control the walk.

The general rule is that the entrant should take primary responsibility for his/her own safety on the fells. The organiser has the responsibility for making sure the walk is as safe as it can possibly be by ensuring that the nature of the walk, and rules relating to safety, have been drawn up and formally communicated to each individual walker, and that the event organiser is geared to monitor and control the walk so that, if an incident occurs, help is directed to the needful party without delay.  It is imperative, therefore, that all walkers read and comply with these rules

SIZE OF FIELD

This will be limited to the maximum numbers that the walk organisers can completely monitor and control; that will not cause environmental damage; and that will not create a risk of accidents to walkers because of overcrowding.

ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Should weather conditions on the hills be of such severity as to endanger walkers, or prevent marshals carrying out walk checking procedures efficiently, the walk will either be abandoned or a bad weather alternative route used. The main factor in making such a judgement will be the safety of competitors, and the walk organisers will take firm decisions, which may prove unpopular! Consultation with experienced marshals, mountain rescue personnel and consideration of an up to date weather forecast will help the walk organisers to arrive at a decision in marginal cases. The walk organiser's decision is final and all walkers must comply.

EVENT INFORMATION

We have set out in all promotional material the nature of the event, its severity, type of terrain and suitability, or otherwise for novices and experienced walkers. Specific information concerning walk rules, walk route, retirement procedures, equipment to be carried and


check point closing times will be available to walkers prior to the walk day, and will be prominently displayed at the point of registration. Walkers will be provided with an up to date weather forecast on the day of the walk.

EQUIPMENT

Walkers must arrive at the walk fully prepared and are recommended to carry any or all of the following equipment:

a)     Windproof whole body cover

b)     Other body cover appropriate for the weather conditions

c)     Map and compass suitable for navigating the course

d)   Whistle                                                   

e)     Emergency food (long walk)

The walk organisers are aware of the dangers of hypothermia to walkers who are compelled to stop through injury. Body heat is lost quickly and in cold, wet or windy weather.  The onset of hypothermia can be very rapid unless sufficient warm clothing is carried. This factor is material in stipulating the equipment walkers are required to carry in poor or unsettled weather conditions. If necessary the fact that the weather creates a high risk of hypothermia will be stressed to walkers at the start.

RETIREMENT PROCEDURES

In the event of retirement by the competitor, Walk Control MUST be informed of the decision as quickly as possible. This MUST be done by either:-

a) Reporting to a checkpoint and then returning directly to the finish to report to Walk Control.

 

b) Reporting directly to Walk Control if retiring between checkpoints.

 

c)   Telephoning the Walk emergency number (available at registration) or the Police. (This may be necessary when getting completely lost).

WALK MARSHALS

Walk marshals will be experienced fell walkers who are dressed and equipped to withstand severe weather conditions over a long period. They will carry first aid and sustenance, as appropriate, depending on such factors as the length, severity and remoteness of the event, to help walkers in an emergency. They will have a thorough knowledge of the walk organisers monitoring procedure. Strategic checkpoint marshals will be in contact with Walk Control.