Atended By two Members ( Ray & Chris )
BCA Anchor Installers' Technical Forum Summary - October 14, 2023
On October 14, 2023, the CNCC hosted a technical forum, bringing together BCA regional anchor installers and other interested individuals.
Acknowledging the significant effort invested in the BCA anchor scheme, the forum aimed to:
Share knowledge and experience.
Foster relationships among installers.
Exchange tips and tricks for installing anchors.
Discuss various aspects of anchor installation and the surrounding 'frameworks.'
Strengthen communication and collaboration between regional installers.
Fifteen cavers attended, representing CNCC, DCA, CCC, North Wales, Cornwall, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.
Topics covered included:
Route to becoming an anchor installer
Record-keeping
Reporting loose anchors
Reusing holes from pulled anchors
New placement permission requirements
Drawing rigging topos
Extracting anchors and patching holes
Rigging standards
Testing of anchors
BCA Anchor Coordinator role
BCA E&T Committee's integration into T&E working group; Relevance?
Drilled threads
Chain-linking anchors
Pull-through rings/anchors
Temporary anchor options
Fixed aids/hand-lines
Ground stakes
Insurance
Discussions were balanced between sitting-down sessions and practical activities, allowing for specific informal chats that proved valuable.
Johnny Latimer, involved in the IC anchor's development and production, provided insights. Installation demonstrations covered systems used by CNCC, DCA, and CCNC, with a focus on testing anchors and associated equipment.
The forum explored anchor removal options, including the CNCC's anchor-puller design. A session of 'experimental learning' provided entertainment and valuable insights.
The forum received excellent feedback, with a genuine desire for future events every 2-3 years. Positive action points emerged, promising continued progress in the field.
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