This document provides safety guidelines for land-based adventure activities in Maharashtra, India. It was prepared by an expert committee for the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM), the apex body for mountaineering clubs in Maharashtra, in response to a court order to regulate unregistered adventure organizations. The document defines various adventure activities and outlines its scope and applicability. It is applicable to organizations conducting activities like trekking, rock climbing, rappelling camps in Maharashtra and the Himalayas. It excludes activities like caving and motor sports. The guidelines are mandatory for unregistered commercial/non-commercial organizations as well as registered profit/non-profit organizations conducting public adventure

1. Safety Guidelines
Land Based Adventure Activities
Prepared By
Expert Committee
Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh

2. Safety Guidelines
Section 00
Index
Section Number
Title
Revision Status
17. 11. 2013
00
Index
1
Introduction
16. 11. 2013
2
Definitions
17. 11. 2013
3
Scope - Applicability and Exclusions
17. 11. 2013
4
Registration
17. 11. 2013
5
Management Responsibility
17. 11. 2013
6a
Skills and Competencies
17. 11. 2013
6b
Capability Enhancement
17. 11. 2013
7
Communication
17. 11. 2013
8
Equipment
16. 11. 2013
9
Service Providers
16. 11. 2013
10.1
Field Guidelines for Trekking
16. 11. 2013
10.2
Field Guidelines for Camps and Courses
16. 11. 2013
10.3
Field Guidelines for Rappelling and Valley crossing
16. 11. 2013
11
Leave No Trace (LNT)
16. 11. 2013
12
Risk Management
17. 11. 2013
13
Critical Incidents and Complaints Redressal
17. 11. 2013
14
Document Revision Mechanism
16. 11. 2013
15
Closing Comments
16. 11. 2013
16
Reference Documents and Templates
17.11.2013
17
References
16. 11. 2013
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3. Safety Guidelines
Section 1
Introduction and Preface
1.0
Preface
Today, an increasing number of people are venturing into outdoor adventure activities. This is
especially true in the state of Maharashtra with its varied natural resources and a considerable
number of adventure enthusiasts. By definition, adventure is an activity which has inherent risk,
resulting in an uncertain outcome. Whether an adventure activity has a perceived risk or a real risk, it
has an appeal that draws people. Besides the thrill that adventurers seek in facing and overcoming
danger, there are other benefits that adventure is seen to have in aspects like educational and
therapeutic value. Under the circumstances safety becomes an issue in its own right, and it is
important that adventure activities are conducted in a way which minimises risks and yet provides
the undeniable benefits of participation.
2.0
Background
The genesis of this process of evolving comprehensive safety guidelines applicable to organizers of
adventure activities from the state of Maharashtra lies in a Public Interest Litigation (No 184/2007) in
the Honourable High Court of Judicature at Bombay by the parents of a 15 year old boy who lost his
life due to high altitude sickness in the Himalaya. The parents of the child claimed that the organizers
had not made adequate arrangements for the safety of the trekking group. The Honorable High
Court vide its order, dated 12th July, 2013 in the matter directed the Maharashtra Government to
formulate comprehensive policy, guidelines or regulations to regulate the activity of unregistered
organizations. The Honourable High Court has expected that the State Government shall ensure the
safety of the participants who will be taking part in mountaineering activities, camps and trekking
expeditions.
Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (hereinafter referred to as “AMGM”), as an apex body of
Mountaineering Clubs in the State of Maharashtra, filed an application for intervention in the above
referred PIL which was allowed by the Honourable Division Bench of Bombay High Court. While
making the application for intervention, the sole object of AMGM was to assist the Honourable Court
in formulating safety guidelines so as to ensure that proper precautions are taken while conducting
various activities in the field of trekking, rock climbing and mountaineering.
01 Introduction r 4
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4. Safety Guidelines
3.0
Introduction
In Maharashtra, many adventure organizations follow their own safety guidelines and procedures in
order to function safely and effectively. Such safety guidelines have been derived after study of
similar systems and procedures propounded by organizations like the Indian Mountaineering
Foundation (IMF), Union Internationale Des Associations D’Alpinisme (UIAA), National Outdoor
Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound International (OB). In compliance with the order of
the Honourable High Court, it is now imperative that a comprehensive document of safety guidelines
for outdoor adventure activities is prepared, to appropriately guide organizations and individuals in
their planning and operations during such activities.
While devising any policy towards regulating adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing and
mountaineering in Maharashtra, it is necessary to comprehend the nature and scope of the activity
being conducted. Maharashtra is blessed with two major mountain ranges, the Sahyadri and
Satpuda, in addition to a long coastline. Almost throughout the year adventure activities, especially
land-based adventure activities are conducted by hundreds of organization catering to thousands
of participants across age groups. These programmes are of varied nature, addressing different goals
related to leisure, education including personal development and therapy. Also, trekking and
mountaineering in the Himalaya evolves naturally for adventurers in Maharashtra. Many
organizations in Maharashtra arrange Himalaya-based programmes independently as well as with
the help of local operators.
4.0
Purpose of this Document
Broadly:
This Document aims at contributing to continuous enhancement of safety in land-based outdoor
adventure activities by bringing in clarity about mandatory requirements and stating guidelines
which will help organizations, and individuals as stakeholders in an adventure event, operate safely
and in comfort in the outdoors.
Specifically:
This Document
•
Aims at contributing to capability enhancement of organizations and individuals. It strives to
create an adequate level of conceptual clarity behind recommendations included in
guidelines. Such clarity not only fosters uniformity in operations – especially in risk mitigation – but
also empowers individuals in responsible roles to take safe decisions, which is significant given
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5. Safety Guidelines
the nature of ‘adventure’ along with its direct interaction with the natural elements, inherent risk
and uncertainty in outcome.
•
Believes that such guidance contributes to having robust foundation for operations and
enables organizations and individuals to take on bigger challenges in a manner which is
responsible toward safety of people and various environments.
•
Will contribute to enhancing the self-awareness of organizations and individuals, and facilitate
aspirations for enhanced risk management in all operations, with a focus not only on ‘safety’
but also ‘comfort’.
•
Aims at contributing to ‘educating’ members of the public in order to help them take informed
decisions about participation in various adventure based programmes.
•
Aims at inspiring willingness to follow these guidelines through conceptual understanding.
This Document believes that its guidelines and recommendations do not
•
Intend to hamper any adventure activity, nor does it intend to curb the participation of outdoor
enthusiasts either in extent or in numbers.
•
Curb the freedom or the capacity of individuals – especially those in responsible roles – to
exercise judgment or take decisions. On the contrary, this Document will help in enhancing
judgment of such individuals thereby empowering them for safer and more effective decisionmaking.
On the whole, this Document strives to strike the crucial balance between helping minimizing risk in
adventure operations and empowering organizations and individuals to undertake varied kinds of
programmes as well as aspire for bigger challenges in a responsible manner.
Disclaimer: the Experts Committee (EC) and the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh
(AMGM) have developed this Document. The aim is to assist Organisations and individuals from
Maharashtra in the prevention and reduction of injury in land based adventure activities in
order to make them safer and more enjoyable. The EC and the AMGM cannot and do not
warrant the accuracy or the completeness of this guide and content and, as a result, they will
not be liable to any person or Organisation for any loss or damage of any nature, whether
arising out of negligence or otherwise, which may be occasioned as a result of the use of this
set of safety guidelines and recommendations.
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6. Safety Guidelines
Section 2
Definitions
•
Adventure activity: an activity that involves greater than normal risk which may include a)
travel into a relatively undeveloped area of the country in which vehicle contact is difficult
and/or uncertain or b) confrontation with natural environmental challenges requiring greater
reliance upon personal resources than would normally be required in day-to-day life.
•
Land based adventure activity: An adventure activity which is primarily conducted at the
various geological features like hills, mountains, rock faces, pinnacles, valleys etc. on the
earth’s surface
•
Service Provider: An individual or organization which provides service/s to the adventure
program of a contracting organization which service/s it wishes to outsource.
•
Service: Service could be in the form of an activity associated with the adventure part of the
program or an activity which complements the adventure part (e.g., transport to the
adventure site, boarding and lodging, etc.).
•
Scrambling: strenuous walks, right up to easy (but sometimes exposed) climbs that don't
necessarily need ropes. Another way to describe it is a gradual introduction to outdoor rock
climbing, and usually less intimidating than actual climbing.
•
Trekking (short treks) – walking on different terrain for short period of time, i.e. one (1) hour to
one (1) day;
•
Hiking /Backpacking (Multi-day treks) - walking on mountain and wilderness trails over an
extended period of time, i.e. two (2) or more days;
•
Rock climbing: process of ascending a rock face requiring the use of naturally formed
handholds and footholds and uses specialized equipment as a backup safety system.
•
Lead climbing: Lead climbing involves a climber ascending a rock face, safeguarded by the
ongoing placement of protection while belayed from below.
•
Bouldering: Bouldering is an activity in its own right requiring the same techniques found in rock
climbing; however, these techniques are usually applied no higher than two meters off the
ground.
•
Rappelling (sometimes referred as Abseiling) is an activity in which a person descends a rope
in a controlled manner with the use of a friction device or descender. Abseiling may be used
to descend a cliff face as part of a rock-climbing program or it may be practiced as a
separate activity.
•
Rappelling (Abseiling) Camps and or Events including Waterfall Rappelling Camps and or
Events: Camps or Events which include rappelling from a rock surface or a waterfall as the
focused activity and also may introduce participants to the basic skills and techniques used in
the activity.
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7. Safety Guidelines
•
Adventure Camps for Kids and or Adults: Camp includes any day camp, family camp, resident
camp, trek camp, specialty-adventure camp, high-adventure camp, rope course, climbing,
rappelling and orienteering etc. program introducing participants to skills and techniques in
the outdoors.
•
Rock Climbing Courses: Rock climbing course (camps) are single or multiday courses teaching
techniques and skills of rock climbing and allied activity like bouldering, sport climbing,
traditional climbing, rappelling and risk management.
•
Rock Climbing Expeditions: This involves rock climbing in the outdoors over a period of days.
•
Valley Crossing Expeditions / camps: This is the technique used to cross a void using the
method of Tyrolean Traverse, which involves a person slung on a rope tied across the void.
•
Experiential Learning based Programme: This is a programme designed using the methodology
of experiential learning which uses a series of activities each one of which is followed by a
review session where participants derive learnings through reflection in their experiences.
•
High altitude Adventure Camps for adults / kids: Camp includes any day camp, family camp,
resident camp, trek camp, specialty-adventure camp, high-adventure camp, rope course,
climbing, rappelling and orienteering etc. program introducing participants to skills and
techniques in the Himalaya.
•
High Altitude Trek: shall mean walking on mountain and wilderness trails over an extended
period of time, i.e. two (2) or more days at higher elevations.
•
Mountaineering Expeditions: A multi-day activity for climbing peaks in the Himalaya.
•
Exploratory Treks / Expeditions: shall mean walking on unexplored mountain and wilderness
trails over an extended period of time, i.e. two (2) or more days at higher elevations.
•
Desert Trekking: walking in a desert.
•
Coastal Trekking: walking along the coasts.
•
Social Environment: That part of the environment that comprises of local populations and their
cultures.
•
Historical: the component of the adventurer’s environment that comprises of archaeological
structures.
•
Ecological: the natural environment of an adventurer
•
Organisation: individual or group of individuals, commercial or non-commercial entities
organising any adventure activity
•
Management: The top management in any Organisation, responsible for policy-making, and
direction to the rest of the organisation
•
Hazard: is something that can potentially cause harm; objective hazards are largely natural
phenomena, and subjective hazards are largely related to human factors.
•
Risk Potential: arises when subjective a hazard comes into contact with an objective hazard
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8. Safety Guidelines
•
Critical Incident: Any significant incident that demands medication and/or first aid and/or
extended care and/or conflict management and/or evacuation of person
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9. Safety Guidelines
Section 3
Scope, Applicability and Exclusions
1.0
The ‘Safety Guidelines’ are applicable to the ‘Land based Adventure Activities’ listed in the section
and therefore the Organizations conducting the same.
2.0
The list of activities for which the ‘Safety Guidelines’ are applicable.
2.1
Sahyadri and other areas except Himalaya:
•
•
Short treks
•
Multi-day Treks
•
Adventure Camps for Kids / Adults
•
Rock Climbing Courses
•
Rock Climbing Expeditions
•
Valley Crossing Expeditions / Camps
•
Rappelling (Abseiling) Camps / Events
•
Waterfall Rappelling Camps / Events
•
2.2
Scrambling
Experiential Learning Programs
Himalaya:
•
•
High Altitude Treks
•
Peak Climbing (Mountaineering) Expeditions
•
2.3
Adventure Camps for adults / kids
Exploratory Treks / Expeditions
Other Geographical Areas: (Eg. Deserts, Sea Coasts, Rock faces)
•
•
2.4
Desert Trekking
Coastal Trekking
Exclusions - The following ‘Land based Adventure Activities’ are excluded from ‘Safety Guidelines’
do not include.
•
Caving
•
Mountain Biking
•
Motor Sports
•
Water and air based activities
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10. Safety Guidelines
3.0
Type of Organizations conducting the above Adventure activities, to whom the ‘Safety Guidelines’
are applicable.
Sr No
1
Un-Registered
Type of Organization
commercial
/
non-commercial
Applicability
Mandatory.
organizations organizing adventure activities for general
public.
2
Un-Registered Individuals organizing adventure activities
Mandatory.
of commercial / non-commercial nature for general
public.
3
Registered Profit Making / Commercial Organizations
Mandatory.
organizing adventure activities for their clients,
4
Registered Non-Profit Making / Voluntary Organizations
Mandatory.
organizing adventure activities for their members and
general public
5
School, Colleges or other type of Institutions which
Mandatory.
organize adventure activities for their students, etc.
6
Organizations imparting Experiential Learning.
Mandatory.
7
Individual adventure lovers enjoying adventure activities
Not mandatory. Refer this
on their own
Document’s guidelines for safer
and more enjoyable experience
8
Families / Family members enjoying adventure activities
Not mandatory. Refer this
on their own,
Document’s guidelines for safer
and more enjoyable experience
9
Group of Friends enjoying adventure activities on their
Not mandatory. Refer this
own,
Document’s guidelines for safer
and more enjoyable experience
10
People working in hilly areas in fields like medical aid
Not Applicable
and education
11
Pilgrims going to e.g., hilltop temples and other religious
Not Applicable
locations
12
People engaged in Surveys in mountainous regions
Not Applicable
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11. Safety Guidelines
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12. Safety Guidelines
Section 4
Types of Organizations and Registration
1.0
The Management shall ensure that the Organization is registered as applicable, and its membership
valid throughout the time period of its operation.
The Management shall ensure that the Organization is registered with the Apex Body from the field of
hiking & mountaineering in Maharashtra State)
2.0
Guidelines
2.1
Types of Organizations and their mandatory registrations with the Government bodies is as follows
Entity
Document
Statutory Registration
Legal Entity
Adventure
Registration
Proprietorship
Not Required
No
Apex Body
Partner
Partnership Deed
Not Required
(Notarization)
No
Apex Body
Private Ltd Co.
MOA
Companies Act
Yes
Apex Body
Public Ltd. Co.
AOA
Companies Act, SEBI
Yes
Apex Body
Society
Society charter
Charity Commissioner
Yes
Apex Body
Public Trust
2.2
None required
Trust Deed
Charity Commissioner
Yes
Apex Body
Advantages of Registration
•
To ensure that the field of adventure activities is regulated appropriately.
•
To ensure competence of operators and other service providers.
•
To ensure safety of all participants as the primary concern.
•
To take practices in the field of outdoors to the highest professional level through regulation and
guidance, equal to the best in the world.
•
To ensure that better and more consistent information on the adventure tourism sector is
regularly collected, collated and disseminated to all stakeholders.
2.3 Registration of the Organization with APEX BODY
The process of registration of the Organization with apex body is as follows
•
Organization shall furnish required information in the prescribed format to apex body along with
Management’s commitment on implementation of Safety Guidelines in the Organization.
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13. Safety Guidelines
•
Apex Body shall review the furnished information and their commitment and register the
Organization as ‘Member’.
The registration is valid initially for one year and then valid for three years.
Apex Body shall reject the application in case the furnished information and commitment are
found to be inadequate.
•
During the period of registration, the organization shall furnish details on annual basis on ‘High
Risk’ activities carried out along with assurance from the Management on implementation of
Safety Guidelines. In case the information provided is not adequate, Apex Body shall request the
Organization for required information to substantiate their claim for implementation of Safety
Guidelines in the Organization.
•
Apex Body shall cancel the registration in case Organization fails to substantiate their claim
regarding implementation of Safety Guidelines in the Organization.
3.0
Verification
•
Evidence of
o
Statutory Registration
o
Adventure Registration
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14. Safety Guidelines
Section 5
Management Responsibility
1.0
The Organization shall drive implementation of safety guidelines for adventure activities by
Implementing recommendations stated in this document, in order to minimize the risk associated with
the activity
The organization shall demonstrate its intent for environmental impact through appropriate practices
derived from ‘Leave No Trace’ principles as well as its intent for enhancing capabilities.
1.1
Management shall ensure
Implementation of review mechanism for review and develop a healthy culture of review-learnimplement-show. The Organization shall ensure feedback / complaints from the Participants as well
as Leaders and Instructors with respect to Safety and analyze the same. The Organization shall take
appropriate actions in order to prevent recurrence of the same.
1.2
Organization shall implement mechanism for Complaint Handling in order to ensure effective
redressal.
1.3
Management shall ensure
The review shall include analysis of accidents, incidents in order to determine root cause and take
actions to prevent the same. The organization shall communicate the details of analysis to EC AMGM
for circulation of information to all concerned in the field.
1.4
Management shall ensure that
Internal audits are conducted to ensure that the ‘Safety Norms’ are implemented effectively in the
Organization and corrective actions are initiated on the ‘Review Findings’ if any.
•
The management shall nominate a person or group persons to conduct internal review in order
to ensure implementation of Safety Guidelines in the activities conducted. The review activity
shall be done on sample basis and shall include review of records as well as discussions with the
concerned persons.
•
The Reviewer shall record the discrepancies, if observed, as findings and shall report the same to
the Management.
•
The Management shall ensure root analysis and initiate actions so the same discrepancies do not
recur in future.
•
The Organization shall conduct internal reviews at least once in six months.
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15. Safety Guidelines
1.6
The Management of the Organization shall demonstrate its commitment to adopt and implement
best and safest practices in all its working by
•
declaring aims and objectives
•
ensuring compliance with statutory and legal requirements
•
adopting operating procedures which consistently minimize risk to people, environment and
equipment
•
interacting in a safe and healthy way with the cultural and social environments, in all of its areas of
operations
•
ensuring deployment of appropriately trained staff in sufficient numbers whenever adventure
programmes are carried out
•
using appropriate equipment which has been maintained and logged for use
•
adopting risk management practices appropriately: preparing for regularly encountered risks
through equipping staff/members with knowledge, training and equipment
•
empowering staff/members for being effective in risk management for minimizing unforeseen risks
•
providing appropriate training to staff/members in routine work in order to deliver program
expectations while minimizing risks
•
providing appropriate training to staff/members to handle emergencies
•
establishing effective emergency response procedure and deploying resources in anticipation
•
providing support and back-up to staff/member handling emergencies
•
having robust review and feedback processes, complaint handling process, and critical incident
review process
•
conducting periodic Organizational reviews
•
setting up effective communication processes within the Organization, with other Organizations for
networking and with program participants to fulfil objectives while minimizing risk
3.0 Records for Verification:
•
Periodic review and feedback records, reports of Internal audits
•
Demonstrate action taken on review and feedback points
•
Continuous improvement manifesting in measurable performance criteria and feedback received
from staff/members as well as program participants
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16. Safety Guidelines
Section 6 a
Skills and Competencies
1.0
The Organization shall have clearly defined skill sets and competencies which will facilitate smooth
and effective functioning to deliver program expectations while consistently minimizing risk in all its
operations
2.0
Guidelines
2.1
It is to be noted that the different competencies mentioned here will primarily serve to
2.1.1 Create awareness of the comprehensive skills required to execute the several roles that bear
responsibility towards maximizing the effectiveness of healthy and safe practices while retaining the
charm and benefits of adventure activities, and
2.1.2 Help Organizations and individuals to decide on directions of growth that will point at requisite
training inputs required, given the continuous thrust towards maximizing safety
Skills required can be classified into two broad categories
Technical skills
People skills
2.1.3 The areas of responsibilities which will require this set of multiple skills can be listed as follows:
Programme design (based on, say, terrain difficulty, participant profile, programmegoals, concepts like outdoor education, etc.)
Risk Management – across functional areas
Group leadership -- with clarity in roles like escorts, instructors and leaders
Equipment purchase -- maintenance and repair-discarding
Logistics – especially for organised programmes in remote areas
Communication – within Organisation, with programme participants & public, and
during critical incidents
Management & Administration -- including finance and legal aspects
Note:
1.
The following list of skills and competencies is adapted from the UIAA Model Training Standards
for Voluntary Leaders and Instructors – please note that this list is to be used only as a reference
list, ‘indicative’ of what is desirable and recommended.
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17. Safety Guidelines
2.
The following list of skills and competencies also take cognizance of three criteria that would be
relevant to forming a specific skill-set for a particular role:
i)
ii)
Experience
iii)
2.2
Qualification
Training
SKILLS
A.
Specific Activity Expertise
a.
Courses undertaken and evaluations from same (e.g. rock climbing, basic & advance
mountaineering, search-and-rescue, etc.)
b.
c.
Experience, primarily of personal trips and expeditions
d.
B.
Knowledge & Technique, including of equipment
Any noteworthy achievement or experience (e.g. awards, published material)
Mountain Environment
a
b.
Experience in practices in conservation and protection: socio-cultural-ecological
c.
C
Knowledge about geography and geology of Sahyadri, Himalaya, etc.
Experience in application of Leave No Trace Principles through appropriate practices
Weather
a.
b.
Comprehension of consequences of weather factors on various groups
c.
D
Basic understanding of weather in the Sahyadri, Himalaya, etc.
Ability of interpreting signs of changes in weather which might be of concern to group
Orientation & Navigation
a.
Familiarity with the Sahyadri, Himalaya, etc. terrain – ability to navigate in all kinds of
conditions, ability to estimate distances, ability to do micro-route-finding
b.
Familiarity with navigation techniques and equipment
Map reading and use of maps
Use of compass for route finding with the help of maps
Use of compass for organizing games relevant to diverse age groups and program
requirements
Use of map and compass for planning, preparation and realization of routes in Sahyadri
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18. Safety Guidelines
E
Risk Management in mountains
a.
Comprehensive grasp and approach to risk management practices; ability to execute
role as stated in Organization’s emergency response mechanism
b.
Ability to relate organization’s accepted field practices to organization’s core values as
well as program designs
c.
Knowledge and techniques needed to safeguard groups in camps and terrain outside
camps, taking into consideration objective hazards
F
Search & Rescue
a.
Knowledge of appropriate rescue equipment and other needs for proposed activity or
program
b.
Ability to independently take charge of emergency situations, deploy resources and
manage others
c.
Ability to administer first aid
d.
Ability to effectively use communication systems set up by one’s organisation for handling
emergency situations
G
Leadership
a.
Courses undertaken (leadership workshops, outdoor leadership)
b.
Has demonstrated high self awareness
c.
Ability and experience in leading teams and groups
d.
Flexibility of leadership styles
e.
Presentation skills, especially in the context of briefing for activities and programmes
f.
Organization and control of group
g.
Ability to adapt a program to suit different group profiles
h.
Grasp of and ability to balance diverse needs that can arise during operations
i.
Personal
traits
like
resilience,
resourcefulness,
assertiveness,
communication,
approachability
H
Teaching/instructing
a.
Courses undertaken (e.g. instructor training, teaching skills, coaching-mentoring)
b.
Knowledge of subject matter
c.
Knowledge and skill of teaching techniques
d.
Knowledge about and experience in having worked with different groups; this is especially
important for groups of children
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19. Safety Guidelines
e.
Ability to assess effectiveness of knowledge/skill being transmitted, and to be flexible in
one’s role to enhance effectiveness if necessary
f.
I
Knowledge and skill of evaluation for various purposes
Anatomy and physiology
a.
b.
Physical preparation required for an activity or program
c.
Diet considerations
d.
Physical fitness for an activity or program
e.
Tiredness and recuperation in the mountains
f.
Effects of weather
g.
J
Characteristics of proposed activity/program
Ability to prevent emergencies and to administer first aid when necessary
First Aid
a.
Status of first aid certification: whether it is a ‘wilderness first aid’ certificate and whether it
is current
b.
K.
Experience of having administered first aid in remote situations
Organizational and Managerial Skills
a.
Ability to plan, organize and implement things that go beyond the immediate task-level
demands
b.
c.
Ability to streamline individual efforts within teams
d.
L
Initiative in taking lead in organizing events
Alignment with organizational values, goals and culture
Legal Matters
a.
b.
Knowledge of rights of operations
c.
Knowledge of issues related to insurance
d.
2.3
Knowledge of responsibilities and legislations relevant to undertaken activity/project
Knowledge of legalities related to rescue operations
The following table mentions the skill sets required for a few key program varieties most often
undertaken by Organizations and individuals from Maharashtra.
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20. Safety Guidelines
To arrive at adequate skills sets for a variety of roles, the following table is to be used in conjunction
with a) the list of skills stated above, to choose one or more specific points listed under each skillhead, and b) content of the syllabi for a variety of adventure programmes mentioned elsewhere in
this Document.
Program
mes
Hike
in
Sahyadri
Hike
in
Himalaya
Basic
&
advance
Rock
Climbing
courses
In-charge
Leader / Instructor
Specific Activity Expertise.
Mountain Environment.
Weather.
Orientation & Navigation.
Risk
Management
in
mountains.
Search & Rescue.
Leadership.
Teaching/instructing.
Anatomy and physiology.
First
Aid
(strongly
recommended).
Organisational
and
Managerial Skills.
Legal Matters.
Specific Activity Expertise.
Mountain Environment.
Weather.
Orientation & Navigation.
Risk
Management
in
mountains.
Search & Rescue.
Leadership.
Teaching/instructing.
Anatomy and physiology.
First
Aid
(strongly
recommended).
Organisational
and
Managerial Skills.
Legal Matters.
Specific Activity Expertise.
Mountain Environment.
Weather.
Orientation & Navigation.
Risk Management in
mountains.
Search & Rescue.
Leadership.
Teaching/instructing.
Anatomy and physiology.
First Aid (strongly
recommended).
Organisational and
Specific Activity Expertise.
Mountain Environment.
Weather.
Orientation & Navigation.
Risk
Management
in
mountains.
Search & Rescue
Leadership.
Teaching/instructing.
Anatomy and physiology.
First
Aid
(strongly
recommended.
Legal Matters.
Junior Leader /
Instructor
Specific Activity
Expertise.
Orientation &
Navigation.
Teaching/instructing.
Anatomy and
physiology
Specific Activity Expertise.
Mountain Environment.
Weather.
Orientation & Navigation.
Risk
Management
in
mountains.
Search & Rescue.
Leadership.
Teaching/instructing.
Anatomy and physiology.
First
Aid
(strongly
recommended).
Legal Matters.
Specific Activity
.Expertise.
Mountain Environment.
Weather.
Orientation &
Navigation.
Leadership.
Specific Activity Expertise.
Mountain Environment.
Risk
Management
in
mountains.
Search & Rescue.
Leadership.
Teaching/instructing.
Anatomy and physiology.
First
Aid
(strongly
recommended).
Specific Activity.
Expertise.
Mountain Environment.
Leadership.
06 a Skills and Competencies r 4
Page 5 of 6
Rev 17 11 2013

21. Safety Guidelines
Program
mes
Adventur
e-based
camps
for
children
3.0
In-charge
Leader / Instructor
Junior Leader /
Instructor
Managerial Skills.
Legal Matters.
Specific Activity Expertise.
Mountain Environment.
Weather.
Orientation & Navigation.
Risk
Management
in
mountains.
Search & Rescue.
Leadership.
Teaching/instructing.
Anatomy and physiology.
First
Aid
(strongly
recommended).
Organisational
and
Managerial Skills.
Legal Matters.
Specific Activity Expertise.
Mountain Environment.
Weather.
Orientation & Navigation.
Risk
Management
in
mountains.
Search & Rescue.
Leadership.
Teaching/instructing.
Anatomy and physiology.
First
Aid
(strongly
recommended).
Legal Matters.
Specific
Activity
Expertise.
Mountain Environment.
Weather.
Orientation
&
Navigation.
Risk Management in
mountains.
Leadership.
Teaching/instructing.
Records for Verification
•
Competency Records of In-charge, Leader s/ Instructors, Junior Leaders/ Instructors
06 a Skills and Competencies r 4
Page 6 of 6
Rev 17 11 2013

22. Safety Guidelines
Section 6 b
Capability Enhancement
1.0
The Organization shall ensure continuous improvement in functioning which leads to greater
efficiency, minimum risk and hence, maximum efficacy in meeting program needs.
2.0
Guidelines
2.1
An Organisation shall look at the following entities when considering capability enhancement:
1.
Organisational Development (OD)
2.
Training and Development of staff/members (TaD)
Skills being considered here are classified into two
broad categories
Technical skills
People skills
Ideally, the courses should end with an evaluation along with a certificate of completion.
2.1.1 Organizational Development (OD)
The Organization shall undertake improvement in its functioning with the objective of being aware of
and getting trained in new and latest developments in the following fields:
•
Technology and design of equipment
•
Research in crucial fields like first aid, rescue techniques & environment friendly practices
•
Systems and processes, especially in crucial fields like emergency response procedures
•
Opportunities for training and networking, especially to create internal training resource with
which to spread such practices amongst staff/members
Government rules and regulations, and amendments thereof
•
2.1.2 Training and Development of staff/members (TaD)
The TaD requirements can be broadly classified as follows:
1.
Hiking skills for travel in in Sahyadri and Himalaya
•
On-trail
•
Off-trail
•
Scrambling
06 b Capability Enhancement r 3
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Rev 17 11 2013

23. Safety Guidelines
•
•
Glacier travel
•
River crossing
•
Orienteering
•
2.
Snow travel
Environment safety (natural and socio-cultural environments)
Steep terrain travel
•
Rock climbing
•
Bouldering in Sahyadri and Himalaya
•
Traditional climbing, on pinnacles and big walls in Sahyadri and Himalaya
•
Environment safety (natural and socio-cultural environments)
•
3.
Extreme Himalayan adventure
•
Hiking on routes involving extreme altitude and/or terrain and/or weather (e.g., winter
ventures)
•
•
Peak climbing expeditions
•
4.
Exploration of new routes
Environment safety (natural and socio-cultural environments)
Search & Rescue
•
5.
For Sahyadri as well as the Himalaya
First aid and extended care
•
•
6.
Basic first aid Courses
Wilderness First aid Courses (which have ‘extended care’ as an inherent component)
People skills (i.e. soft skills)
•
2.2
Outdoor Leadership short-duration Workshops and long-duration Courses
Special note on specific skills required for conducting adventure camps for children:
Training modules by resource persons like child psychologists and educationists to address
•
Communication
•
Teaching techniques
•
Supervision of children on sites
•
Relevant first aid aspects for children
•
Difference in role execution as leaders/instructors for different age groups (8-14 years, 15-17
years and 18+ years)
06 b Capability Enhancement r 3
Page 2 of 4
Rev 17 11 2013

24. Safety Guidelines
Note: Since it becomes impractical to have all staff/members get trained through external
resources, it is recommended that 1 or 2 persons with willingness & potential get trained outside to
become an ‘internal resource’ for spreading knowledge and skills within the Organisation.
PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT valid for specific activity skills like rock climbing, mountaineering and first
aid.
2.2 Information on a few courses available in India, and also the syllabi for some short duration
courses.
Information on the different kinds of courses currently available with this Document is as follows:
1.
Basic & Advance Rock Climbing Courses
Girivihar Mountaineering Club, Mumbai
Explorers & Adventurers Club, Mumbai
Giripremi Mountaineering Club, Pune
2.
Basic & Advance Mountaineering Courses
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports, Manali
3.
Search and Rescue Courses
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports, Manali
4.
Method of Instruction Courses
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports, Manali
5.
Basic and Advance First Aid Courses
Red Cross (in multiple locations)
St. John ambulance (in multiple locations)
Home Guard (in multiple locations)
6.
First aid Courses
Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS, Ranikhet
Rashtriya Life Saving Society, Pune
Symbiosis Health Institute, Pune
7.
Outdoor Leadership Courses
Nandadevi Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS India), Ranikhet
06 b Capability Enhancement r 3
Page 3 of 4
Rev 17 11 2013

25. Safety Guidelines
Hanifl Centre of Woodstock school, Mussoorie
8.
Courses in outdoor education / experiential learning
Outdoor Educators Course, Nandadevi Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS India), Ranikhet
Diploma in Experiential Education & Practice, Kaveri Group of Institutes, Pune
9.
A few commercial outdoors based outfits in cities like Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru conduct short
duration courses on topics like experiential learning, outdoor leadership and basic first aid.
Quality of one’s judgment increases through
o Education, training, reading, networking
o Practice, reflect on experiences, learn,
predict, implement, …
o Use coaches and mentors
o Use feedback in a self-development plan
06 b Capability Enhancement r 3
Page 4 of 4
Rev 17 11 2013

26. Safety Guidelines
Section 7
Communication to Participants, and Others
1.0
The Organization shall ensure that the right information is communicated to the Participants of events
and outings. The information provided by the Organization regarding the Event or Outing will be
useful for the Participants to assess the risk levels, level of physical activity involved, which is helpful for
the Participants to take informed decisions on participation.
The Organization shall request Participants for mandatory disclosures for certain High altitude events /
outings, such as fitness Certificates from Registered Medical Practitioners.
The Organization shall communicate with other Organizations by networking, Government
Authorities, as appropriate and also have Communication channels within its own authorities and
members.
2.0
Guidelines
2.1
Organization shall maintain open communication as follows:
1.
Within the Organization
2.
With program participants coming in from the public
3.
With other outdoor organizations by networking
4.
With requisite government authorities
2.1.1 Communication within Organization
•
Statement of goals & objectives, to be communicated to staff/members for alignment
•
Plans for adventure programmes, to be communicated to staff/members
•
Role definitions along with responsibilities, to be communicated to staff/members
•
Updates in equipment technology, risk management practices, legalities and other relevant
developments, to be communicated to staff/members
•
Facilitating review & feedback between staff/members for individual and organizational growth
2.1.2 Communication with program participants coming in from the public
•
Program information to be communicated with potential participants well in advance: key
parameters like nature of natural elements, grade of difficulty, fitness expectations, qualification
of leadership team and organizational information
07 Communication r 4
Page 1 of 3
Rev 17 11 2013

27. Safety Guidelines
•
Program details to confirmed participants: terrain quality, grade of difficulty and inherent risk,
fitness preparation, role clarity and expectations during program, kit-list, timelines with route
details and itinerary, emergency contact information
•
Pre-programme information should clearly state limitations existing in the programme (like
possible aborting of progress due to weather/terrain related changes, lack of electronic –
communication due to lack of coverage and non-availability of helicopter rescue).
•
Details of logistics and communication to be documented and shared with participants and
parents of participating children. This document will especially make a mention of a) emergency
response plan and b) one/two telephone numbers of the Organisation and name of person to
be contacted for updates/emergencies/etc.
•
Briefing prior to an activity: activity information, safety rules & norms, role clarity of all persons
present along with expectations from participants, instruction (if necessary) along with
demonstration, idea about possible consequences of not sticking to expectations and safety
rules & norms, obtaining acknowledgement of understanding key points of briefing
•
Continued instruction during activity to coach and mentor for safe and enjoyable performance
of participants
•
Feedback: For operations and to individuals that participants have interacted with.
2.1.3 Communication with other outdoor organizations for networking
•
Exchange of ideas and best practices, sharing success stories and analyzed data on critical
incidents to learn from each other
•
Seminars and discussion forums, especially on topics related to risk management and
organizational development
•
Contribution to associate-initiatives that help enhance overall effectiveness and safety in
outdoor operations
•
Network on a wider spectrum – with overseas organizations in order to facilitate technologyknowledge-transfer and exchange programmes for staff/members
2.1.4 Communication with requisite government authorities
•
Compliance related: finance, taxation, legal
•
Actively seeking information on developments related to outdoors and schemes that benefit
outdoor organizations
•
Actively contribute in State initiatives that work toward the betterment of adventure operations,
especially those related to minimizing risk
3.0
Records for Verification
07 Communication r 4
Page 2 of 3
Rev 17 11 2013

28. Safety Guidelines
•
Evidence of Communication with Participants providing necessary information as per the
Guidelines.
07 Communication r 4
Page 3 of 3
Rev 17 11 2013

29. Safety Guidelines
Section 8
Equipment Storage, Maintenance and Inspection
1.0
The Organization shall implement mechanism to maintain its equipment. This shall include Preventive
Maintenance, Storage Conditions, Frequency and mechanism for Inspection of equipment, replacement
criteria, method for disposal of outdated and damaged equipment and criteria for Quality Purchases.
2.0
Guidelines
2.1
The details of Equipment used for the activity is as follow
Sr
No
1
Type of
equipment
Connectors
{Carabiner (Plain
gate, Lock gate )}
Category
Material
Standard
PPE (Technical
Equipment)
Metal (Aluminum, Carbon
Steel & Stainless Steel)
EN12275, UIAA 12I
2
Rock Piton
PPE (Technical
Equipment)
Metal (Carbon steel,
Titanium, & Stainless steel)
EN569, UIAA 122
3
Nut (Climbing )
PPE (Technical
Equipment)
Metal (Aluminum, Titanium
& others )
EN12270, UIAA 124
4
Hex-centric
PPE (Technical
Equipment)
Metal (Aluminum, Titanium
& others)
EN12270, UIAA 124
5
Spring loaded
camming devices
(SLCD)
PPE (Technical Safety
Equipment)
Metal (Aluminum, Titanium)
EN 12276, UIAA 125
6
Dynamic Rope
(climbing Rope)
PPE (Technical
Equipment)
Textile
EN 892, UIAA101
7
Static ropes
PPE (Technical
Equipment)
Textile
EN 1891, UIAA 107
9
Quick draws
(Q.D.S)
PPE (Technical
Equipment)
Textile
EN 566,UIAA104
10
Sling/Tape
PPE (Technical
Equipment)
Textile
EN 566/565,UIAA104/103
11
Helmet
PPE (Technical
Equipment)
Polymer and Carbon fiber
EN 12492,UIAA106
12
Basic Belay
Devices
Technical Equipment
Metal (Aluminum )
EN(IN PREPARATION),UIAA
130
Rev 16 11 2013
08 Equipment r 3
Page 1 of 5

30. Safety Guidelines
Sr
No
13
Type of
equipment
RAPPEL DEVICES
(FIG
‘8’DESCENDERS)
Category
Material
14
Technical Equipment
(friction)
Metal (Aluminum, Titanium)
EN(IN PREPARATION),UIAA
129
Pulleys
Technical Equipment
Metal (Aluminum)
EN 12278, UIAA 127
15
Nut tool / Nut key
Technical Equipment
Metal (Carbon steel,
Titanium)
Not applicable
16
Rock climbing
Shoes
Non Technical
Equipment
Textile (leather) and
Rubber
Not applicable
17
Chalk
Non Technical
Equipment
Magnesium carbonate
Not applicable
18
Sleeping Bags
Non Technical
Equipment
Textile
Not applicable
19
Tents
Non Technical
Equipment
Textile
Not applicable
Note 1 -
PPE - Personal Protection Equipment
Note 2 -
Standard
All the PPE equipments should be UIAA/EN/CE standards.
Equipments mentioned above are suggestive.
It should be selected as per the need of the event.
2.2
Storage of Equipment
All technical equipment used in the delivery of Adventurous Activities must be designated as ‘Fit for Purpose’ by
an appropriately qualified ‘technical advisor’. In addition, following care must be taken for storage of
equipment.
•
It should be used and stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
•
It should be visually checked by a qualified person on each occasion before they are used.
•
The use of the equipment should be monitored and recorded in a log book.
•
It should be tested periodically.
•
Proper records relating to each equipment in the store must be maintained. These records should include Date of purchase, Discard date (shelf or usage life as per manufacturer’s guidelines), Checking and testing
policy, Checking & testing records, Name and signature of person carrying out checks & tests.
•
It should be stored in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight (UV).
•
Any contact with harsh or corrosive substances (e.g. acids) is prohibited. If you have a doubt, retire your
equipment.
Rev 16 11 2013
08 Equipment r 3
Page 2 of 5

31. Safety Guidelines
•
Never store gear in a damp place where mold can develop (damp closets, bags and waterproof
containers with moisture inside). For long-distance travel, beware of moisture in containers during transit, in
ports or airports, especially in salty environments.
2.3
Maintenance of Equipment
In broad terms this can be divided into:
2.3.1 Non-technical equipment
Camp cookware, waterproofs, hats, gloves, walking boots, rucksacks, fleece tops and bottoms, orienteering kit,
maps & compasses.
Management of non technical equipment can be a relatively easy if time consuming task i.e. cleaning and
drying after use, carrying out small repairs or making decisions on when to discard /replace items when they
have reached the end of their useful life. The condition of non-technical items may have implications for the
comfort of the user but should not have major safety implications. An individual without high levels of experience
or technical skill could reasonably make decisions on the item’s suitability.
2.3.2.Technical equipment including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must adhere to EN/UIAA standards.
Mountain Sports: Harnesses, ropes and other climbing gear including equipment for artificial rock walls and all
associated equipment.
Any other equipment designed for adventurous activities in which specialist training is normally required.
Technical equipment needs regular maintenance over and above the checks carried out prior to or after each
use. Items may need adjustment by a qualified person before each use and for some items (eg climbing ropes),
careful logging of each use. Failure or inappropriate use of an item is likely to have a direct impact on the safety
of the individual user. The management of technical equipment requires a higher level of skill, knowledge and
experience and should only be undertaken by individuals who are trained and qualified in the activity that the
equipment relates to and/or have had technical training in relation to the specific tasks involved in its
maintenance and management.
Washing
Recommendations for washing are indicated for each product family.
Drying
• Remove your gear from packs after each activity, even if cleaning isn't necessary.
• Let all your gear air-dry away from UV sources (ultraviolet rays).
• Avoid proximity to heat sources such as direct sunlight, wood fires, or a radiator
2.4
Inspection
The inspection of this product should be done with the manufacturer technical notice(recommendation)
Rev 16 11 2013
08 Equipment r 3
Page 3 of 5

32. Safety Guidelines
2.4.1 Historical Checks :
The results of this PPE inspection are provided to you subject to the condition that the components to be
inspected do not come into any of the categories listed below, any of which would require systematic rejection
of the component, namely:
•
Component has undergone modification or alteration outside the manufacturer’s production units.
•
Component has received forces from a fall of factor 1 or more.
•
Component has been used in temperatures of less than -40 ºC or greater than +80 ºC.
•
Component has exceeded it’s lifetime.
The inspector accepts no responsibility in the case of omission or inaccuracy in the information concerning the
checking of the components history, which must be done by the client.
•
Visual check of safety components
•
Condition of the webbing (cuts, wear, burns, marks, chemical contamination)
•
Condition of load-bearing stitching (cut, worn, torn or pulled threads)
•
Condition of metal pieces (deformation, marks, cracks, wear, corrosion)
•
Condition of the adjustment buckles (deformation, marks, cracks, wear, corrosion)
Check of comfort components
•
Condition of the protection components (string, protective cover)
Compatibility check
•
Condition and compatibility of the connector (see connector form)
Operational check
•
Operation of adjustment system
•
Check of the locking system
Maintenance of Equipment Log :
Verdict (tick) : This product is fit to remain in service (PASS) This product is unfit to remain in service (FAIL)
C: Comment (see below) / G: Good / TM: To Monitor / TR: To Repair / R: Reject
Date of inspection:
Date of next inspection:
Inspected by: (name) on behalf of: (company)
Signature:
Rev 16 11 2013
08 Equipment r 3
Page 4 of 5

33. Safety Guidelines
2.5
Retirement Criteria
Retiring products at the end of their lifetime . Organization makes sure to retire your gear when necessary.
A product must be retired when:
•
It is over 10 years old and made of plastic or textiles
•
It has been subjected to a major fall or load
•
It fails to pass inspection
•
Its reliability is in question
•
Its entire history is not known (e.g. found or second-hand product)
•
When it becomes obsolete due to changes in legislation, standards, technique or incompatibility with other
equipment, etc.
Warning: destroy retired equipment to prevent further use.
3.0
Verification
•
Quality of Equipment used
•
Equipment Log
Rev 16 11 2013
08 Equipment r 3
Page 5 of 5

34. Safety Guidelines
Section 9
Control over Service Providers
1.0
The Organization shall exercise adequate control over its Service Providers in order to minimize risks
(See xx) associated with the activities conducted by the organisation. The Organization should
ensure that the safety aspects and quality of their programs are not compromised by utilizing
outsourced services from service providers.
The mechanism shall include criteria for selection of Service Providers, Communication regarding
Organization’s expectations on Safety aspects, including clarity about liabilities.
The organization shall issue written Work orders to its Service Providers for Critical Services with respect
to Safety.
2.0
Guidelines
2.1
Selection Criteria for Service Providers
The Organization shall determine criteria for selection of its Service Providers and ensure that the
Service Contractors are selected on its basis.
2.2
Where outsourced services are obtained for the conduct of adventure activities, the service provider
should, if possible, be registered as proposed by the EC of AMGM Guide lines.(Ref Section 4)
•
In case of an unregistered outsourced service provider (who could have been registered in the
respective states / countries), the contracting organization should ensure that the outsourced
service provider has the individuals involved in delivery of the adventure activities and who meet
the skills and competency criteria proposed by the EC of AMGM Guide lines. The said individuals
are conversant with the risks associated with that activity, know the activity locality thoroughly,
and have the requisite permits, if any, to operate in the area.
•
The SOPs for the activity outsourced should be explained to, understood by and agreed by the
outsourced service provider. The detailed briefing / explanation should include best and safe
practices, risk evaluation and mitigation, participant instructions, instructor/participant ratio,
action plan in case of mishap or a near-miss, communication and evacuation plans etc.
•
There should be complete clarity regarding the respective roles and responsibilities of the
contracting organization and outsourced service provider, especially with regard to first aid,
emergency communication and evacuation.
3.0 Records for Verification
•
Work Orders issued to Service Providers
09 Service Providers r 2
Page 1 of 1
Rev 16 11 2013

35. Safety Guidelines
Section 10.1
Field Guidelines for Trekking
1.0
Activity Covered: Trekking, Scrambling and Hiking at High altitude, Desert, Coastal, Sahyadri and
other geographical areas.
2.0
Instructions: Trekking, Scrambling and Hiking in the Sahyadri and other geographical areas.
•
Every Trek / Hike needs to be graded depending upon the level of difficulty. Method suggested is
as follows:
C: Easy hike/ trek with no technical difficulty foreseen
B : Strenuous hike/ trek and/or with some technical difficulty.
A : Very strenuous hike/ trek and with technical difficulties.
•
A Leader, Co-Leader and Supporting Leaders are to be appointed as per the requirement
based on the difficulty level of that particular trek/hike.
•
Organisers and Leaders need to be aware of access restrictions of the specific area and they
are expected to seek advice and permissions as necessary.
•
Leaders are suggested to have sufficient knowledge of and expected to respect local tradition
and show interest in the social history to provide a stimulating and interesting trek / hike.
•
A copy of the detailed planning including route detail and details of the members of the group
will be kept in the office of the organisation.
•
It is expected from the leader to act as the role model for the participants. It is of vital
importance that the instructions given to the participants are followed by the leaders themselves
Leaders will hold the relevant qualification or equivalent Area Specific basic knowledge.
•
It is strongly suggested that a Leader has certain skills and qualifications as explained in the “Skills
and Competencies Recommended by EC of AMGM” on page XXX.
2.1
Participant to Leader Ratio :
Apart from Leader and co-leader, the availability of support leaders will determine the group size.
The ratio will vary with the grade of the trek. The standard ratio is as under:•
Grade ‘C’ treks - 8:1 (maximum group size has no limit as long as this ratio is maintained)
•
Grade ‘B’ treks – 5:1 (maximum Group Size 25 including leaders)
•
Grade ‘A’ treks – 3:1 (maximum Group Size 25 including leaders)
10.1 Field Guideline for Trekking r 1
Page 1 of 4
Rev 16 11 2013

36. Safety Guidelines
2.2 Information to be obtained from participants:
It is strongly advised to gather following information from the Participants at the time of enrollment for
treks.
•
Name of the participant
•
Phone no.
•
In Case of Emergency (ICE) Contact Number
•
Address
•
Email Address
•
Previous hiking etc. experience
•
Blood group
•
Relevant medical history
2.3 Trek Briefs:
Different briefs as following are highly recommended to organise a safe Trek and to improve
communication and comfort level between the Organisation and Participant.
2.4 Pre Trek Brief by Organisers to Participants: It would include following points
•
Name of the Trek
•
Date and Duration of the Trek
•
Contribution / fees charged
•
Inclusions and exclusions in the amount charged
•
Brief Info of the Objective of the trek / hike: about the places to be visited and potential Risks
and Difficulties
•
Departure and Arrival Time: It will also include mode of transport
•
Brief Program: Tentative schedule, expected time log (e.g. 4 hrs climb etc)
•
Rules & Regulations of the Organisation for the conduct of the activity
•
Expected dress code
•
Kit list of items for participants
•
Emergency contact numbers: The numbers in case family members of the participants want to
enquire/ inform in case of emergency.
Important: Request to Participants to leave a printout of this Pre-Trek brief with someone at home.
2.5 Introductory Brief by the leaders to the participants
•
Self Introduction, Declaration that the leader is the authority on the trek.
•
Roles and responsibilities of leader and participants
•
Brief Introduction of the Organisation
10.1 Field Guideline for Trekking r 1
Page 2 of 4
Rev 16 11 2013

37. Safety Guidelines
•
Declaration of Co-Leader and Support leaders
•
Identification of hazards expected on route
•
Request participants to inform the leaders about any discomfort they are facing
•
Information about the importance of Hydration
•
Information about blisters and hot spots and how to avoid them
•
Time schedule of the trek
•
Geographical information
•
Ask participants to disclose any specific medical problem like epilepsy, asthma, hypertension,
diabetes, etc.
•
Safety of people
•
Safety of environments
•
Social behaviour - communication with villagers etc.
•
Emergency response mechanism. (Refer Annexure XXXX)
•
Finally seek confirmation if they have understood the instructions
•
Take signatures on Risk certificate or disclaimer.
•
Inform participants about availability of a medical kit
•
Information on calling signals
•
General instructions to participants regarding how to walk on a trail and on difficult patches.
•
Check with participants for their area of expertise which can be helpful to the group during the
trek in general and a crisis in particular
•
Important: These brief /relevant points are to be repeated at regular intervals as necessary.
•
It is advisable to create a mechanism for Post-Trek Review and Analysis that will help to make
future activities safer and more enjoyable.
3.0 Instructions: Trekking at High Altitude.
•
In case of High Altitude Treks it is essential to consider and follow IMF Guidelines (Refer
www,indmount).
4.0 Instructions: Trekking in the Desert (Additional guidelines for Desert Trekking)
•
Drinking water: Carry 5 L per person for a full day's hike, and even more on exceptionally hot
days. Water sources may not be available on the trails or in campgrounds. Natural water sources
are few and unreliable, and most are suspected of contamination.
•
Flash floods: Be sure to check the weather forecast in advance, otherwise these may catch you
completely by surprise.
10.1 Field Guideline for Trekking r 1
Page 3 of 4
Rev 16 11 2013

38. Safety Guidelines
•
Weather: Hot days and cold, windy nights rule this region. It is advisable to plan the trek
accordingly and wear suitable clothing. Sudden changes in climatic conditions need to be
anticipated and thus regular updates on weather forecast are to be acquired.
•
Complex Orientation: Due to lack of physical landmarks and monotonous uniformity of the land,
it is advisable to follow only marked trails and used defined campsites.
•
Many plants of this region are poisonous. They may be dangerous to consume, also one has to
be careful for the possibility of getting scratched by thorns.
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39. Safety Guidelines
Section 10.2
Field Guidelines for Camps and Courses
1.0
Activity Covered: Adventure Camps / Rock Climbing Courses / Adventure Camps at High Altitude
2.0
Instructions:
•
All technical equipment must be logged in/out of stores, checked for damage before and after
use and any defects reported. Return all equipment to the equipment –in -charge after the session.
Appropriate technical equipment will be used and logged for use. Refer “Equipment” (Ref Section
08)
•
Check that all participants and instructors are suitably clothed and equipped.
•
Periodic headcount of the group members is necessary
•
Helmets must be worn by participants and instructors while doing the activity and also when
present in the activity area.
•
There will be an appropriate supervision of participants around the activity area.
•
It is advisable to create a mechanism for Post-Activity Review and Analysis that will help to make
future activities safer and more enjoyable.
•
Adequate Water availability needs to be confirmed and it’s management and use needs to be
defined.
•
Food supplied during camp needs to be adequate in Quality and Nutritional Value, easy for
digestion and sufficient in Quantity.
•
For a Multi Day Camps strict Hygiene and Cleanliness Protocol needs to be established.
•
Adequate Sleeping arrangements need to be made. In case of staying in Tents, it needs to be
made sure of the availability of Clean, Waterproof and Strong Tents sufficient in number. Similarly,
clean, warm and proper in size Sleeping Bags to be made available.
2.1
Additional SOPs for Camps at High Altitude
•
It is highly recommended that the Instructors must possess experience, skills and knowledge
about:
o
o
The symptoms and treatment for mountain sickness
o
2.3
The process of acclimatization
Emergency procedures in the event of acute mountain sickness
A Doctor who is familiar with Altitude Related Illness is very desirable to be present in the Camp but
at the very least advance arrangements need be made for medical help. Advance arrangements
also need be made for evacuation assistance in case of emergency.
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40. Safety Guidelines
Section 10.3
Field Guidelines for Rappelling and Valley Crossing
1.0 Activity Covered: Rappelling Camps and Events, Valley Crossing Camps and Events.
2.0 Instructions:
•
Select the best site according to weather forecast and safe access.
•
A Chief Instructor (Overall In-charge) and other Instructors are to be appointed as per the
requirement based on the difficulty level of that particular Rappelling / Valley Crossing Activity.
•
A copy of the detailed planning including location details and details of the members of the group
will be kept in the office of the organisation.
•
It is strongly suggested that Chief Instructor has certain Soft Skills (e.g. communication skills,
teaching skills to impart instructions, etc.) and Hard Skills (e.g. Technical Training such as Rope
Fixing) as explained in the “Skills and Competencies” recommended by EC of AMGM in Section 6a.
2.1 Participant to Instructor Ratio :
•
As this is Potentially Hazardous Activity a high ratio of 5:1 (Maximum Group Size 25 including
Instructors) is recommended.
2.2 Information to be obtained from participants and Students:
It is strongly advised to gather following information from the Participants at the time of enrolment for
Camp / Event.
•
Name of the participant
•
Phone no.
•
In Case of Emergency (ICE) Contact Number
•
Address
•
Email Address
•
Previous hiking etc. experience
•
Blood group
•
Relevant medical history
2.3 Event / Camp Briefs:
Different briefs as following are highly recommended to organise a safe Event / Camp and to improve
communication and comfort level between Organisation and Participant.
2.4 Pre Camp / Event Brief by Organisers to Participants: It would include following points
•
Nature of the Camp / Event.
•
Contribution / fees charged.
•
Date and Duration of the Camp / Event.
•
Inclusions and exclusions in the amount charged.
•
Location and Details of Camp / Event in terms of Objective and Safety Hazards.
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41. Safety Guidelines
•
Potential Risks and Difficulties.
•
Departure and Arrival Time: It will also include mode of transport
•
Brief Program: Tentative schedule, expected time log.
•
Rules & Regulations of the Organisation for conducting the activity.
•
Expected dress code.
•
Kit list of items for participants.
•
Emergency contact numbers: The numbers in case family members of the participants want to
enquire/ inform in case of emergency.
Important: Request to Participants to leave a printout of this Pre- Camp / Event brief with someone at
home.
2.5 Introductory Brief by the Chief Instructor to the participants
•
Self Introduction, Declaration that the Chief Instructor is the authority during the Camp / Event.
•
Roles and responsibilities of instructors and participants
•
Brief Introduction of the Organisation
•
Declaration of other instructors
•
Identification of hazards expected during the activity.
•
Information on the procedures and sequence to be followed during the activity
•
Information on calling signals during the activity
•
Request participants to inform the leaders about any discomfort they are facing at any point of
time during the activity
•
Time schedule
•
Geographical information
•
Ask participants to disclose any specific medical problem like epilepsy, asthma, hypertension,
diabetes etc
•
Emergency response mechanism - As explained in the “Risk Management Recommended by EC
of AMGM” in Section 12.
•
Finally seek confirmation if they have understood the instructions
•
Take signatures on Risk certificate or disclaimer.
•
Inform participants about availability of a medical kit
Important: Procedural Instructions and suggestions are to be repeated as many times as necessary.
•
All technical equipment must be logged in/out of stores, checked for damage before and after
use and any defects reported. Return all equipment to the equipment–in-charge after the session.
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42. Safety Guidelines
Appropriate technical equipment will be used and logged for use. Refer “Equipment”
Recommended by EC of AMGM in Section 8.
•
Check that all participants and instructors are suitably clothed and equipped.
•
Periodic headcount of the group members is necessary
•
Helmets must be worn by participants and instructors while doing the activity and also when
present in the activity area.
•
There will be an appropriate supervision of participants around the activity area.
•
It is advisable to create a mechanism for Post-Activity Review and Analysis that will help to make
future activities safer and more enjoyable.
•
A rescue kit and system will be readily available at each abseil and valley crossing site. The rescue
kit must be sufficient to, depending on the situation, allow the instructors to reach, to retrieve an
incapacitated participant.
•
All instructors must have practiced and mastered rescue techniques.
•
In case of Rappelling activity a special care to be taken that the end of the rope must be knotted
to prevent abseiling off the end.
•
In case of Valley Crossing activity if Tyrolean Traverse Technique is used, the wire rope of adequate
diameter is to be used with a backup system.
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43. Safety Guidelines
Section 11
Principles of ‘Leave No Trace’ (LNT) for Outdoor Ethics
1.0
The Organization shall induct LNT principles into its organisational culture through consistent
implementation of relevant practices and reviews.
2.0
Guidelines
2.1
Background
The “Leave No Trace” name and program first appeared within the United State Forest Service (USFS)
in Utah in an attempt to deal with visitor impact to the Uinta Mountains. Along with several others
from primarily USFS and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) who are experts in the field of
Outdoor Education agreed to the initial draft of “Principles of Leave No Trace” in 1987. Further the
Leave No Trace was incorporated in Colorado which was supported by “Sporting Goods
Manufacturers Association’’ (SGMA) and “Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America’’ (ORCA). In
2002 the Leave No Trace Inc. changed its name to “The Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics”
to better reflect the organization’s broader scope.
Wilderness Ethics is to enjoy wildland without harming or impacting them. Millions of outdoor
enthusiasts have shared the dream of sustainable outdoor recreation.
The outdoors fraternity and Wildland Recreation Community all over the world full heartedly
embraced the “LNT Principles” and supported imbibing and implementing them in the outdoors. LNT
are the principles and we need to derive appropriate practices to be effective for a particular
environment, especially in the Indian context, natural and socio-cultural aspects.
To learn more and be effective implementers of the LNT principles, the LNT Master Educator, Trainer
and Outreach Program can be completed to achieve the relevant certifications. It is strongly
recommended to implement the LNT principles while conducting
Trekking, Mountaineering and
other land based adventure and nature activities organized in Maharashtra and carried out all over.
2.2
Principles of Leave No Trace
2.2.1 Plan and Prepare
•
•
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies.
•
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
•
Visit in small groups. Split lager parties into groups of 4-6.
•
Repackage food to minimise waste.
•
2.2.2
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.
Use map and compass to eliminate the use of rock cairns, flagging or marking points.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
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44. Safety Guidelines
•
Durable surfaces include established trails and camp sites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
•
Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet / 60 meter away from lakes, streams.
•
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
In popular areas
•
Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
•
Walk single file in middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
•
Keep camp site small. Focus activities in the areas where the vegetation is absent.
In pristine areas
•
•
2.2.3
Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
Dispose of Waste Properly
•
Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all
•
Deposit Solid Human waste in cat-holes dug 6 to 8 inches / 15 to 20 cm deep at least 200 feet /
trash, leftover food and litter.
60 meters from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cat-hole when finished.
•
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
•
To wash yourself or dishes, carry water 200 feet / 60 meter away from streams or lakes and use
small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
2.2.4
Leave what you find
•
•
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
•
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
•
2.2.5
Preserve the past: observe, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artefacts.
Do not build structures, furniture or dig trenches.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
•
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use light weight stove for cooking
and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
•
•
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
•
2.2.6
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires.
Burn all wood and coal to ash, put out campfires completely and then scatter cool ashes.
Respect Wildlife
•
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
•
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviours and
exposes them to predators and other dangers.
•
•
Control pets at all times or leave them at home.
•
2.2.7
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times, mating, nesting, raising young or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
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45. Safety Guidelines
•
•
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
•
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
•
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
•
3.0
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Let nature’s sound prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
Records for Verification
•
Review records
•
Records of Personal Feedback
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46. Safety Guidelines
Section12
Risk Management
1.0
The Organization shall implement process of Risk management which helps to identify, assess and
mitigate or minimize the Risk factor, which is always present in adventure activities. Risk management
maximizes the ability to deliver on objectives, promotes sound decision making, works to safeguard
participants and organizers including the wellbeing of leaders, instructors and guides and contributes
to meeting community and Government expectations for accountable and responsible way of
conducting adventure activities.
The Organization shall prepare Emergency Response Plan for high risk activities. The Management
shall review and approve ‘Emergency handling and Response Plan’ prior to commencement of the
event or outing.
2.0
Guidelines
2.1
Following procedure is recommended for Risk Management:
1.
Define objectives of the program / activity.
2.
Study an document relevant rules and regulations specifi to the country/region that the
programme is going to happen. Ensure that all requirements, especially statutory ones, are
complied with.
3.
Identify the potential risks and classify by evaluating consequences of the assessed Risk into
categories; Low, Moderate, High, Extreme.
4.
Risks are further classified as Loss or Damage to Property, Damage to Environment, Personal
Physical Injury and Damage and Personal Emotional Injury and Damage.
5.
Determine the acceptance level of Risk involved.
6.
According to classification of Risk, necessary infrastructure is introduced such as requisite
equipment, competent leaders and or instructors. It should also involve necessary external
agencies such as Insurance Companies for monetary compensation to limit the monetary
damage to the participants and organizers.
7.
It is necessary to consistently monitor and document the Emergency Handling Mechanism
(mentioned below) is followed during and after the crisis by the overall supervisor.
8.
The Analysis of the review is to be communicated to the wider audience in the community to
create awareness and to help in avoiding similar situations.
2.2
All participants and or stakeholders in an activity can be classified into four categories
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47. Safety Guidelines
1.
Novice: almost total lack of knowledge, unaware of possible consequences
2.
Apprentice: basic awareness, but needs guidance for decision making
3.
Competent: has enough knowledge to take routine decisions but may need directions in crisis.
4.
Expert: Competent and has sufficient knowledge and confidence to guide the Risk
Management Procedures; can plan for and prevent adverse consequences
2.3
Risk Management is further complemented by setting criteria for participation and conduction of a
program / activity:
Level of Risks Involved
Low
Accepted level of Competency
for Participation
Types of Activities with involved
Risk Levels
multiday treks, Adventure
Competent and Experts in a
camps, easy high altitude treks
fixed predetermined ratio
etc
Novices and Apprentices need
e.g. Moderately difficult Short or
to be accompanied by
Multiday Treks, High Altitude
Competent and Experts in a
Treks, Rock climbing Courses,
fixed, predetermined but higher
Easy Rock Climbing Expeditions
ratio
etc.
Novices are completely
e.g. Difficult Short or Multiday
excluded. Few Apprentices
Treks, High Altitude Treks, Rock
accompanied by Competent
Climbing Expeditions,
and Experts in a fixed
High
For Example easy short or
to be accompanied by
Moderate
Novices and Apprentices need
Mountaineering Expeditions etc.
predetermined ratio
Extreme
Novices and Apprentices are
Very Difficult Rock climbing or
completely excluded.
Mountaineering Expeditions etc.
Competent are accompanied
by one or two Experts.
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48. Safety Guidelines
2.4
Emergency Handling Mechanism is described as follows:
2.4.1 Evaluation (Assessment): qualified person or persons (Expert) specifically designated for the
responsibility of evaluation or assessment and taking a decision about the Emergency Response is
nominated. Mechanism of Responding to Emergency can follow the following path.
Incident
Response
Misfortunes (e.g. Blisters,
Response Level 1: Leader or the First Aider addresses the issue.
Thorn Prick etc)
Requisite treatment given. Incident documented. Schedule / Time
Frame impact minimal.
Minor Injuries / Incidents (e.g.
Response Level 2: Qualified First Aider addresses the issue and
Sprains, wounds etc)
administers treatment. Incident documented. External help sought if
necessary. Considerable Impact on Schedule / Time Frame.
Serious Injuries (but not life
Response Level 3: Qualified First Aider addresses the issue and
threatening) where
administers treatment. Incident documented. External help sought if
evacuation of the casualty is
necessary. Evacuation procedures acted upon. Major Impact on
necessary.
Schedule / Time Frame which may lead to abortion of the event.
Fatal / Near Fatal Incidents
Response Level 4: Leader along with Qualified First Aider addresses
and evaluates, Emergency Handling Procedures are implemented.
Communication and Evacuation procedures acted upon. Major
Impact on Schedule / Time Frame which leads to abortion of the
event.
2.4.2 Organization shall prepare pre-determined ‘Emergency handling and Response Plan’ for all high risk
activities, which is pre-approved by the management of the organization. This plan is inclusive of
1.
Response Protocol assigning responsibilities and Roles of the qualified individuals such as
Rescuers, First Aiders, Communicators, Supervision etc and to determine the path of handling the
crisis.
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49. Safety Guidelines
2.
Making sure the inclusion and availability of Necessary Equipment for Search, Rescue,
Evacuation and Communication in the Group.
3.
Making sure the arrangements for Providing First Aid and or Medical Assistance are in place.
4.
Making sure that each group has with it requisite amount of ‘emergency-cash’ to help in
handling emergency situations.
5.
Communication and Reporting Mechanism will be taking care of the inclusion and availability of
communication equipment e.g. walkie-talkie sets. Also it will ensure the inclusion of specific
support persons e.g. Mail Runners, in case of very remote locations for quick communication and
reporting to the outside world.
6.
Rescue and Evacuation Protocols and Procedures clearly defining the steps to be taken in case
of a crisis.
7.
3.0
Post Incidence Debrief and Review.
Records for Verification
•
Emergency Response Plan which is pre-approved by the management
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50. Safety Guidelines
Section 13
Critical Incidents and Complaints
In case of any accident or Critical incident, Apex Body shall nominate a team to analyze the
situation and analyze the root cause.
Organization shall co operate with the Apex Body team and help them in their analysis. Organization
shall take appropriate actions in order to prevent the recurrence of the incident.
AMGM shall forward the details of the incident and actions initiated for its prevention to other
members with the objective to extract learning from the incident.
In case of receipt of complaint regarding violation of Safety Norms from any participant or any other
person, AMGM shall nominate a team for analysis of the situation. The Organization shall co operate
with the team and take appropriate actions based on the recommendations of the Apex Body
team.
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51. Safety Guidelines
Section 14
Document Revision Mechanism
1.0
Changes to the Safety Guidelines
The sections in the ‘Safety Guidelines’ are dynamic in nature and can be revised on the basis of
suggestions from the user community.
The Organizations shall send their requests to the Secretary of EC, AMGM suggesting changes in the
existing Documents with details and justification.
EC shall review the suggestions and appropriate the change if satisfied. In case the suggestions are
accepted, EC shall amend the concerned Section and forward the same to all the concerned with
amended Version status.
Secretary EC, AMGM shall maintain current versions of all sections of this Safety Guidelines.
2.0
The Organization shall receive the revised section of the document and ensure appropriate versions
are adopted for performing adventure activities.
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52. Safety Guidelines
Section 15
Closing Comments
By Experts Committee Constituted by Akhil Maharahstra Giryarohan Mahasangh
The Experts Committee (EC) has put together in this Document a comprehensive draft of safety guidelines
for “Land Based Adventure Activities (LBAA)”. In addition to this, it has also reviewed the draft of the GR on
safety guidelines for adventure activities proposed by Government of Maharashtra, which was duly
commented upon and corrected by Indian Mountaineering Foundation, and offered its commendations,
suggestions and objections on the same (for LBAA).
The EC has put together all its notes, suggestions and other comments after carefully referring to, studying
and analyzing various documents from organizations like the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
(Guidelines for ‘Adventure Tour Operators’), Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), Union Internationale
Des Associations D’Alpinisme (UIAA), British Mountaineering Council (BMC), National Outdoor Leadership
School (NOLS), and American Alpine Mountain Guides Association (AAMGA). The EC has also referred to
the policies on adventure activities being carried out in New Zealand and Australia.
The EC has found that all over the world the adventure activates have only guidelines and codes of
conduct, and are not subjected to rules. As regards to the regulatory mechanism for organizations
conducting such activities it has been observed that, world over, the practice is to have an autonomous
federation / body constituted of representatives of all the stakeholders.
While drafting its draft of safety guidelines, the EC has taken into consideration the following aspects:
•
Current scenario of adventure in Maharashtra
•
Clarity with proper definitions to the context
•
Implementation procedures
•
Adaptation by all the stakeholders
During this process, the EC became acutely aware of the fact that Organizations and individuals having
the potential and willingness to follow all recommended actions and processes may not be able to do so
because of the lack of proper infrastructure, e.g. recognized wilderness first aid courses that issue
certificates with period-validity, and local training courses that offer the variety of skills that are not being
covered by the content of the courses offered by the mountaineering institutes in the Himalaya. In this
context, the EC would like to point out the need of a proper training infrastructure for adventure activities in
15 Closing Comments r 2
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53. Safety Guidelines
the State of Maharashtra, and suggests that this may well be an opportunity for such an institute to be
established. There is also the need to create awareness in the general public (society) about safety in
adventure activities, and to ensure that safe practices are followed.
The EC has also observed that there are operational gaps in the draft of the GR of safety guidelines due to
the non-availability of the execution mechanisms.
In such a situation, all the stakeholders, viz. Government of Maharashtra (GoM), Indian Mountaineering
Foundation (IMF), Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM) Adventure Tourism Operators
Association of Maharashtra (ATOM) and Adventure Tourism Operators Association of India (ATOAI) could
take cognisance of various comments and suggestions made by the EC here under and take appropriate
steps to overcome the operational gaps.
------------
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54. Safety Guidelines
Section 16
Reference Documents and Templates
16.1
Notes for Reference
16.2
Template - CRTICIAL INCIDENT RE IEW
16.3
Template – FEEDBACK
16.4
Template - Leadership Workshop short-duration r 2
16.5
Template - PROGRAMME REVIEW
16.6
Template - ROUTE AND DESCRIPTION PLAN
Note:
These are a few sample ‘notes for reference’ and ‘templates’. Further versions of this
Document will have more comprehensive sets. Organisations may also develop their
own notes and templates from the content of training programmes and books.
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55. Notes for Reference
Acclimatisation
As one gains altitude, there is lower and lower atmospheric pressure which results in lesser and lesser
oxygen available for breathing. Acclimatisation involves the body adjusting to this decreased lower
oxygen content in the thinner air.
The body starts this ‘adjusting process’ as soon as a person starts gaining altitude.
The person has to just support his/her body as it starts the adjusting process.
This adjustment by the body involves the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Increased heart rate (pulse)
Increased respiratory rate
Lack of appetite
Mildly disturbed sleep
Breathlessness on activity (earlier than at sea level)
Slight oedema possible (face, hands, legs)
Mild lassitude
------------------------------------------------------------Headache – AMS starts!
The support that the person has to provide to his/her body:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Hydrate adequately – keep sipping water, 4-5 litres/day
Eat well – appropriate diet, timely input
Manage layers appropriately – feel warm and comfortable! Sleep warm!
Rest appropriately and adequately
Get fresh air, especially when in camp – walk around in the evenings, keep tents ventilated
Pace yourself while hiking – walk while you can talk!
Monitor self and others –
General feeling
Shortness of breath at rest
Quality of urine
Food intake
Quality of sleep
Evening activity
Tent ventilation
Sleeping bag use
Hotspots while walking
Hygiene – personal and community
Prompt action to address signs and symptoms of AMS
In case of AMS, here is a checklist which might help a person understand what action is to be taken to
help patient recover:
1.
Water
How much water have you drunk?
How have you been drinking in the last few days? (Sipping or gulping huge quantities)
How much water has been passed out?
Was your urine clear or coloured?
2.
Food
What have you been eating?
How frequently? When was the last that you ate? What?
When was the last you pooped? Quality?
Do you experience nausea? Have you vomited?
Do you have any allergy?
3.
Layers
How are you feeling? Feeling warm?
Are your clothes dry?

56. Have you been sleeping warm?
4.
Pace
How has the pace been for you? Too fast? Too slow?
Are you feeling short of breath even at rest?
How were you feeling through the last few days’ of altitude gain?
5.
Fresh air
Have you been staying inside tents in the evenings? Evening walks?
Has your tent been ventilated adequately?
_______________________________________________________________________
Dehydration
Following extracts are taken from “The Wilderness First Responder” by Buck Tilton, director of Wilderness
Medicine Institute of NOLS, USA
Without water there would be no life – at least any life, as you know it.
Water puddles inside every one of your cells, and flows through the microscopic spaces between cells.
In water, oxygen and nutrients float to all parts of your body, and waste products are carried away.
When your kidneys remove waste from your body those wastes have to be dissolved in water. Digestion
and metabolism are water-based processes, and water is the primary lubricating element in your joints.
You even need water to breathe, your lungs requiring moisture to expedite the transfer of oxygen into
blood and carbon dioxide out of blood. Sweat, as mentioned, is mostly water. The water in your blood
carries heat from warmer body parts to cooler areas of your anatomy when you are exposed to cold.
In short, if you aren’t well hydrated, you won’t be able to stay healthy, maximize your performance, or
even maintain joy at being outdoors.
The water in your body, the fluid that keeps you alive and active, leaves you at an alarming rate.
Estimates vary widely, but an average person at rest on a normal day loses between two and three
litres of water. One to one-and-a-half litres rushes out as urine, and another one-tenth litre in
defecation. Moisture is lost from act of breathing, more than half a litre per day, and that rate increases
in dry winter air.
Then there’s sweat. The fluid lost in perspiration can climb to one to two litres per hour during periods of
strenuous exercise. Compared to watching TV all day, one hour of exercise may demand
approximately a 50 percent increase in the amount of water your body uses.
Your thirst mechanism, that feeling of ”Gosh, I need a drink of water”, doesn’t kick in until you’re about
one to one-and-a-half litres low. Down three to four litres can leave your endurance decreased to 50
percent and your oxygen uptake reduced close to 25 percent…
_______________________________________________________________________________
The following are notes from The Wilderness Medicine Institute of The National Outdoor Leadership
School, U.S.A.
DEFINING HYPOTHERMIA
Why is it taught that hypothermia occurs whenever someone is shivering or their temperature drops by
a degree or two? I’ve read in several medical texts that the definition of hypothermia is a core body
temperature below 95F (35C). (A question from a student in a course I'm teaching)
Yes, if you read the medical literature on hypothermia it’s common to see a threshold for hypothermia
at 95F (35C). As a medical geek I like to probe the origins of stuff like this. The best I can figure this
norm was described by British researchers in the 1960’s and has become a commonly shared criterion.

57. It is fine and dandy for researchers or medical personnel with access to advanced life support to
anchor their work at this point, but it’s not the world in which we manage hypothermia. We don’t work
in rescue helicopters or emergency rooms with physicians, nurses and the benefits of medical
technology, or inside a controlled physiology laboratory. We have to manage cold people in the
wilderness.
We teach people to recognize hypothermia from subtle and early clues such as impaired ability to
perform complex tasks, fine motor shivering, apathy, confused and sluggish thinking, slurred speech,
stumbling, and "the umbles" (patient grumbles, fumbles and stumbles). We do this because we know it’s
much easier to stay warm than to warm a cold person.
Compared to the scientist our definition of hypothermia is loose. We call people hypothermic who are
probably only stressed by the cold, or are cold and unhappy, or who are simply having trouble coping
with the environmental conditions. I’d imagine if we could measure the temperature of our
“hypothermic” students we would find it only decreased a degree or two, if at all.
It doesn’t matter that our patient’s temperature may be higher than a clinical definition. It’s not
important in the field to know the patient’s temperature. What’s important is to be self-aware of your
physical state and vigilant of how your companions are faring in the cold. What’s important is acting
early and aggressively to stay warm, rather than needing to rewarm to cold person. We can treat this
early stage of hypothermia, these cold stressed people in the wilderness. A hypothermia wrap, a good
meal and some warm fluids often are just what the doctor ordered. What we can’t afford to miss,
because it’s much harder to manage in the field, is real hypothermia.
Responsibility of outdoors people: to recognise early signs and symptoms of ‘mild’ hypothermia, and
immediately take steps to prevent this stage from developing into ‘moderate’ hypothermia and
‘severe’ hypothermia.
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Blisters
Best prevented than treated! And easily prevented. Here is a cryptic description of the phenomenon
called blisters.
Blister is a heat (friction) injury – caused by the rubbing of the shoe against the skin. Following steps
taken will prevent blisters:
1.
Shoes snugly fitting and well-broken in (snugly: not so loose and not so tight).
2.
Two pairs of socks – nylon inner and thicker material outer. Socks should be well fitting and not
prone to creasing.
3.
Keeping the feet as dry as possible. Change socks regularly. Dry used socks in the sun or with
body heat (inside the sleeping bag at night).
4.
Be aware of a ‘hot spot’ developing on a foot – this could fast blossom into a glorious blister. A
simple padding on a hot spot transfers the friction on that pad instead of your skin. One just has
to overcome laziness to get that pad in. The pad can be a medical tape.

58. Template
CRTICIAL INCIDENT REVIEW
Name of Organisation ________________________________________________________________
Event/Programme description _________________________________________________________
Location __________________________________________________________________________
Leader ____________________________ Co-leader(s) _____________________________________
Participant profile ___________________________________________________________________
Incident description (be concise, stick to facts, identify causes, state consequences & action taken)
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ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS
Risk assessment (identify environmental factor, state human action that led to Incident)
Hazard____________________________________________________________________________
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Human action ______________________________________________________________________
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Conclusion _________________________________________________________________________
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Learning __________________________________________________________________________
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Action recommended to prevent recurrence of such an Incident in future ______________________
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