The Industry Practices are the operations standards for climbing wall facilities. The Industry Practices provide a framework to assist climbing wall operators in developing responsible policy and practices in the management of their facilities, and to promote sound risk management practices. Specific ways of addressing the issues discussed in the Industry Practices will vary with the facility design, staff qualifications, and customers.

The Industry Practices have been developed through a collaborative effort among members of the climbing wall industry over many years. As such, it is a dynamic document that will be periodically reviewed and revised as the market changes and practices evolve. The Industry Practices document is the responsibility of the CWA Operations Standards Committee.

The Industry Practices are intended to be a flexible set of standards, not a rigid, overly prescriptive, set of standards that mandate compliance under all circumstances. In this regard, it is important to note that professional judgment is an important element in any recreational program or activity, climbing or otherwise. Although the Industry Practices represent an industry effort to outline responsible practices, professional judgment may, in a given circumstance, justify a deviation from a practice or practices, especially if it is in the interest of the health or safety of a participant.

Industry Practices, Third Edition (current)

Chapter 1: Professional Ethics

1.01 The Rights and Dignity of Peers, Employees, and Clients
1.02 Commonly Accepted Practices of the Profession
1.03 Competence
1.04 The Well-Being of Clients
1.05 Appropriate Relationships with Employees and Clients
1.06 Informed Clients
1.07 Fair and Accurate Representation of Products and Services

Chapter 2: Administration and Business Practices

2.01 Compliance with Federal, State, or Provincial, and Local Laws, Rules, and Regulations
2.02 Business Records
2.03 Insurance Coverage
2.04 Operating Policies, Procedures, and/or Practices
2.05 Emergency Response Plan
2.06 Incident/Accident Reporting

Chapter 3: Human Resource Management

3.01 Employment Policies
3.02 Position Descriptions
3.03 Screening for Staff and Volunteers
3.04 Staff Training
3.05 Documentation of Staff Training
3.06 Employee Performance Evaluation
3.07 Employee Records
3.08 Workplace Safety

Chapter 4: Client Orientation, Training, and Assessment

4.01 Client Registration
4.02 New Client Screening
4.03 Inherent Risks of Climbing
4.04 Written Participant Agreements
4.05 Facility Rules
4.06 Orientation to the Climbing Facility
4.07 Instruction for Novice Climbers
4.08 Top Rope Belaying Test
4.09 Lead Belaying Test
4.10 Auto Belay Device Orientation
4.11 Bouldering Orientation for Novice Climbers

Chapter 5: Personal Protective Equipment

5.01 Use of Personal Protective Equipment
5.02 Inspection and Mantenance of Facility-Owned Personal Protective Equipment
5.03 Quality Assurance Records for Facility-Owned Climbing Equipment
5.04 Use of Personal Climbing Equipment

Chapter 6: Climbing and Facility Operations

6.01 Access to the Climbing Facility or Wall
6.02 Facility Rules
6.03 Supervisory Plan
6.04 Instructional Programs
6.05 Inspection and Maintenance of the Artificial Climbing Structure
6.06 Quality Assurance Records for the Artificial Climbing Structure
6.07 Artificial Climbing Wall Manufacturer's Instructions
6.08 Emergency Equipment
6.09 Belaying and Climbing Policies
6.10 Minors and Adult Supervision
6.11 Bouldering Height
6.12 Impact Attenuating Surfaces
6.13 Route-Setting

Annex A - Sample Top-Rope Belaying and Climbing Test Procedure
Annex B - Sample Lead Belaying and Climbing Test Procedure
Annex C - Sample Auto Belay Device Orientation and Test Procedure
Annex D - Inspection Criteria for Facility-Owned Equipment
Annex E - Bouldering and Impact Attenuating Surfaces