Safely Experiencing The Creation...

God has given man huge authority over the Earth and all living things on it. This does mean taking responsibility for using it wisely and in a God honoring fashion. Most problems in Nature occur due to the lack of preparation. The wonders of God's Creation can be quite dangerous if not taken seriously, but when appropriate safety layers are utilized they can be completely safe and thrilling! EarthTraces activities are conducted entirely by volunteers to our ministry. Activity leaders are trained in safe practices and our methods utilize 2 or more layers of safeties whenever possible. However, participants must realize that extreme sports and activities in nature may be dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. Environmental conditions, wildlife, equipment, incorrect information and other participants can become hazardous at any time. The individual is responsible for his/her personal safety, training and performing within the limits of his/her skills. The individual must always carefully judge the safety of each activity and the accuracy of any information utilized. Since our beginning in 1995, EarthTraces has not had more than a bump, scrape or pulled hair in any of our Life Experience sessions.

SAFETY

EarthTraces has its primary focus on serving Christ. We will do nothing in a manner that does not show proper respect for Him or His family on Earth. Each of our activities goes through an annual Process Safety Review to assure and continually improve safety whenever possible. While most extreme sports enthusiasts will be completely safe using one layer of protection, for the purpose of our programs all our extreme activities have two or more layers of protection. Should the primary ever fail due to equipment or human error, the backup will immediately take its place, keeping the participant safe.

RAPPELLING - CLIMBING - CAVING

HIKING–RAFTING

While hiking and non-whitewater rafting are considered typically save activities, EarthTraces programs will assure proper drinking water, food and clothing is taken in case of emergency or inclement weather. A safety plan and time schedule will be filed before each activity so a search response can be quickly mounted if required.

ONSITE EXPERIENCE (Portable Rockwall, Inflatables, Interactive Games, Teambuilding Exercises)
We know of no other organization to take such steps in assuring and backing up safety on their equipment as does EarthTraces. It is part of our commitment to Christ!

		PORTABLE ROCKWALL. Although extremely rare, the primary accident areas are: high winds causing instability and falls due to cable crimp or other equipment failure. EarthTraces goes far beyond what is considered acceptable to make our portable rockclimbing wall uniquely safe. EarthTraces members have even invented some special climbing safety devices used by no one else! As you read below these special add-ons are indicated by (*). Safety features include: -- The wall has a hydraulic latch to keep it in the raised position when in use and two ~2-ton manual tie-downs are installed for backup (*). Two 2-ton hydraulic jacks are used provide extra support for the trailer helping assure stability (*).
-- For climber safety there are three fully automatic climber belays (lowering system) that require no human rope handlers. Each of these auto-belays has dual redundant hydraulic - pneumatic load handling systems with a 4,200# test load cable and an 4,200# test anti-binding, roller bearing swivel. -- The cable and swivel are inspected before each setup for wear, rust or abrasion and locked-out for replacement if any signs exist. Due to our annual inspection and replacement program, this has never occurred. -- To prevent crimp failure from potentially causing a fall, there is a backup cable to wall connector (*) and backup swivel bypass catch (*) the load handling cable. -- The safety cable is attached to the climber at 2 points - first a standard climbing harness and secondly by a chest strap (*). -- The safety cable and climber are further protected up by a dynamic back-up (*). This consists of a 9mm dynamic climbing rope with a fall protection tear-away runner to safely absorb the shock of any fall and stop the climber before hitting the ground. (Note: all other safeties would have to fail before this system would even be automatically utilized.) -- Climbers are connected to the auto-belay with an auto-locking 4,000# carabiner. All participants wear a rockclimbing harness with a double-back metal waist buckle and leg loops to equalize shock loads. -- Climbing helmets are provided for each participant and triple-layered shock pads (*) are placed in the climbing area to help provide a soft landing in any worst-case situation. (Again, all wall safeties would have to fail for this to even be needed,) -- For small folks (under 50 lbs) a clip-on line is attached to the rear of their climbing harness so the operator can help bring the person back to the ground if their weight is not enough to do it on their own.

INFLATABLES. The primary accident areas are: high winds moving the inflatable, falling from a height and overloading leading to players hitting one another. Inflatables have been selected that are large, heavy-duty and suitable for kids of all ages. Heavy 100 lb. water bins are used indoors or on pavement to anchor bounces (nearly twice the recommended weight) as are ground anchors and long metal stakes for grass setups. Fall protection, netting, webbing and other safety add-ons are used to protect participants from potentially dangerous areas and activities are segregated for different age groups. Limits are posted and equipment can be shut-down if not followed. 

SLACKLINE SYSTEM. The primary accident area is: falling from the line. When used, the slackline is set no more than 18" off of ground when under weight. Four-inch thick bouldering crash pads, suitable for 10' falls, are used to line the ground under the traverse area to help cushion any fall.

TEAMBUILDING. Teambuilding exercises are selected based on maximum benefit with minimum participant risk. The ET-Teampak with activities like teamplay tubes, magic carpets, helium stick, 2-B or Knot 2-B all are great interactive games with no significant safety issue.

LEADER TRAINING

As you may know, all our activity leaders are unpaid volunteers and college interns who have a passion for the outdoors. They may be unpaid, but that does not mean they are unskilled. They are taking you on this activity because they want to share what they have experienced in God’s creation with you. New leaders go through an intensive "train-the-trainer" program to learn how to conduct EarthTraces programs. They then act as assistant leaders for a minimum of five events under the direction of an activity leader before taking on the responsibility of being an activity leader themselves. Our senior trainers have over 50 years combined experience in climbing, rappelling, caving and rafting. Each has a wealth of experience and a commitment to Christ making them uniquely suited for our programs.

ZERO TOLERANCE

All participants are expected to keep safety as a top priority. Horseplay or careless activity will not be tolerated. Disregard of or failure to immediately comply with an EarthTraces Activity Leader's instructions will not be tolerated. Use of alcoholic beverages or intoxicants of any kind is prohibited. Violation can result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal from the activity without recourse and return transportation at participant's cost.

MEDICAL and MEDICAL INSURANCE

Each participant in an EarthTraces offsite (in Nature) activity must complete the Individual Participation Form and maintain personal medical insurance or funding for any medical or emergency procedures that may become necessary.

LIABILITY and LIABILITY INSURANCE

EarthTraces operates on a strictly non-profit basis, as an IRS tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. All monies collected are contributions to our Christian Internship Fund. As such, program leaders are afforded liability protections under the U.S. Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.

MEMBER AGREEMENTS and WAIVERS

Organizations or groups participating in an EarthTraces activity must complete the Group Participation Application. This includes a release that allows your group to borrow EarthTraces equipment and volunteers. For onsite activities, the individual release you have your participants sign would be all that is necessary. For offsite (or in Nature) activities, all participants must sign the Individual Participation Form. This includes a release and gives important information for an emergency response if ever needed.