The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) has released guidance on the advisory from Hubbell Power Systems (Hubbell). The advisory identifies specific hardware commonly used on aerial adventure courses which Hubbell has stated should not be used for this application. The advisory can be found here, and a report from Adventure Park Insider explaining the advisory can be found here.
The latest guidance from ACCT, released April 19, outlines recommendations for steps that various members of the zip line and ropes course industry should take, including owners and operators, PVMs and other course manufacturers, and ACCT certified inspectors.
For all groups, ACCT recommends avoiding attempts to implement solutions without doing due diligence; reacting before achieving a full understanding of specific uses could put the general public unnecessarily at risk. It is important to note that the devices identified in the advisory—automatic deadends, suspension clamps, and pole bands—have been commonly used in the industry, and have not been associated with any recent failures or injuries.
The full text of the statement from ACCT can be viewed here and the full text is below.
ACCT Statement
Hubbell Advisory Guidance
April 19 2021
On April 8th 2021, The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) forwarded an advisory to its membership from Hubbell Power Systems (Hubbell) which updated and expanded an earlier statement from Hubbell previously forwarded on April 1st, 2021. This advisory clearly states Hubbell’s position that certain hardware they produce should not be used in the challenge course, aerial adventure, and zip line industry. This statement, which applies to specific hardware produced by Hubbell and their subsidiaries Fargo, Chance, and Anderson, can be found on both the ACCT and Hubbell Websites.
The advisory identifies specific hardware including automatic deadends, suspension clamps, and pole bands which have all have been used commonly and successfully within the industry for many years. In many cases, these components have been used within structures that have been designed and stamped by engineers. As of this time, ACCT has not been made aware of any failures of these devices or injuries associated with their use that have prompted the release of this advisory. ACCT does, however, believe it is important for industry stakeholders to understand this notice and ensure they are taking appropriate actions in response.
ACCT has outlined the actions it is currently recommending based on stakeholder type below. Please be aware that this is an evolving situation and further guidance may be given as more information becomes available.
Owners/Operators of Challenge Courses, Aerial Adventure Parks, and Zip Lines:
- Carefully read the Hubbell Advisory.
- Determine if any of the specific components noted in the advisory are in use within your facility. If you are unsure, consult with the manufacturer of your course and/or your inspector to assist you in making that determination.
- If it is determined that your facility includes any of these components, ACCT is recommending further action as follows:
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- Contact the vendor/builder/designer (Manufacturer) of your course as soon as possible to develop an appropriate action plan.
- Request documentation from your Manufacturer that addresses their position on this matter so that it can be made available to your inspector during annual inspection and/or other inquiring parties.
- Avoid attempting solutions without due diligence, which could put the general public unnecessarily at risk.
- Additionally, ensure that your action plan is in compliance with:
- Any requirements put in place by authorities within your jurisdiction.
- ANSI/ACCT 03-2019 Standards or the standards in use in the jurisdiction in which you are operating.
- Recommendations of your Legal Counsel and Insurance Broker.
- Document all actions taken as part of the permanent maintenance records of your course.
ACCT Certified Inspectors:
- Carefully read the Hubbell Advisory.
- Determine if any of the specific components noted in the advisory are in use within the facility you are inspecting.
- If it is determined that the facility includes any of these components, ACCT is recommending further action as follows:
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- Suggest to the owner/operator that they follow the guidance outlined above if they have not already done so.
- Review any documentation, including engineering if applicable, from the course manufacturer in making your assessment.
- If no documentation has been made available, contact the Manufacturer of the course to ensure that you understand their position on the matter.
- Include the make and model of the components as well as their location on the course within your report of findings along with your recommendations for action.
- Avoid attempting solutions without due diligence, which could put the general public unnecessarily at risk.
- Ensure that your recommendations are in compliance with:
- Any requirements put in place by authorities within the Jurisdiction in which that facility is located.
- ANSI/ACCT 03-2019 Standards or the standards in use in the jurisdiction
- Recommendations of your Legal Counsel and Insurance Broker.
- Send your report to the Owner/Operator of the facility to include in their permanent records.
ACCT Accredited Vendors (PVMs) and Other Course Manufacturers:
- Carefully read the Hubbell Advisory.
- Determine if any of the specific components noted in the advisory are in use within any of the facilities you have Manufactured and/or currently serve.
- If it is determined that any of these facilities include any of these components, ACCT is recommending further action as follows:
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- Develop a specific notice stating the position of your company on the matter along with any recommended actions for Owner/Operators.
- Avoid attempting solutions without due diligence which could put the general public unnecessarily at risk.
- Ensure that your position and recommendations are in compliance with:
- Any requirements put in place by authorities within the Jurisdiction in which that facility is located.
- ANSI/ACCT 03-2019 Standards or the standards in use in the jurisdiction
- Recommendations of your Legal Counsel and Insurance Broker.
- Distribute this notice to any affected facilities you Manufactured and/or currently serve.
- Follow up with facilities, as needed, to ensure that they understand your position and recommended actions.
