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Hi All,
A slightly odd question but I'd be grateful for any responses, none the less.
I'm looking for replies from climbing wall staff primarily.I was speaking to a friend today about plastic climbing holds and how unhygienic they probably are, my brief question is:
Is this actually controlled or measured/tested by either the wall or the BMC or such bodies? Is there a requirement to keep the holds hygienic?
GB
A slightly odd question but I'd be grateful for any responses, none the less.
I'm looking for replies from climbing wall staff primarily.I was speaking to a friend today about plastic climbing holds and how unhygienic they probably are, my brief question is:
Is this actually controlled or measured/tested by either the wall or the BMC or such bodies? Is there a requirement to keep the holds hygienic?
GB
In reply to GingerBread22:
>
>
> Is there a requirement to keep the holds hygienic?
>
Only if you pick your nose and eat it.>
In reply to GingerBread22:
In Yorkshire, full microbiological and toxicological screening of local climbing holds is done by the local BMC, afterwards they apply Dettol to the entirety of Malham Cove and gently mop Almscliff with TCP.
In Yorkshire, full microbiological and toxicological screening of local climbing holds is done by the local BMC, afterwards they apply Dettol to the entirety of Malham Cove and gently mop Almscliff with TCP.
In reply to GingerBread22:
No there isn't any testing. Yes most climbing holds are pretty filthy.
No there isn't any testing. Yes most climbing holds are pretty filthy.
1
In reply to GingerBread22:
Not wall staff but my local bouldering place (City Bloc) give the holds a really good scrub every reset (cnce a month).
I feel really sorry for them sat in the street, freezing cold, scrubbing holds in a bucket of water.
Not wall staff but my local bouldering place (City Bloc) give the holds a really good scrub every reset (cnce a month).
I feel really sorry for them sat in the street, freezing cold, scrubbing holds in a bucket of water.
In reply to Reach>Talent: I didn't think so. Worrying, particularly if someones cuts themselves, common just above the nails and bleeds onto a hold..someone comes along and gets that into their own cuts. If the hold is high, the blood may not even be apparent to staff.
Not that it's going to stop me going or force me to wrap myself in cotton wool mind.
GB
Not that it's going to stop me going or force me to wrap myself in cotton wool mind.
GB
In reply to GingerBread22:
Yes, we all remember the Great Pudsey Ebola Epidemic that was traced back to a soiled crimp at The Depot.
Yes, we all remember the Great Pudsey Ebola Epidemic that was traced back to a soiled crimp at The Depot.
In reply to GingerBread22:
They may be grubby but given how many climbers I see going to town on them with a toothbrush I can guarantee the majority are plaque-free.
They may be grubby but given how many climbers I see going to town on them with a toothbrush I can guarantee the majority are plaque-free.
In reply to GingerBread22: No wonder AIDs runs so rampent in the climbing world.
In reply to GingerBread22:
Worrying, particularly if someones cuts themselves, common just above the nails and bleeds onto a hold..someone comes along and gets that into their own cuts.
Lets take a risk based look at this:
-How often do you cut yourself climbing? Probably not very often, which means the quantity of blood on a wall is quite small.
-Most blood transmissable diseases don't live very long outside the body which means only fairly fresh blood is a potential issue.
- How often do you climb with an abrasion or open cut that could lead to contamination? Probably not very often.
- What percentage of people carry a blood bourne infection?
- What is the chance of you putting this injury into a patch of contaminated blood? Very small.
- What are your chances of actually catching something assuming all of the above occur?
Small number x small number x small number x small number x small number = Tiny number
The total probability of actually contracting something nasty (say Hep, or HIV for example) are really vanishingly small and you are probably more likely to get killed by a falling bit of Voyager 1.
If you want to get worried then you should see the stuff I cough up after resetting the routes at my local wall. I should probably be wearing a respirator for shifting all the crud off the holds
Worrying, particularly if someones cuts themselves, common just above the nails and bleeds onto a hold..someone comes along and gets that into their own cuts.
Lets take a risk based look at this:
-How often do you cut yourself climbing? Probably not very often, which means the quantity of blood on a wall is quite small.
-Most blood transmissable diseases don't live very long outside the body which means only fairly fresh blood is a potential issue.
- How often do you climb with an abrasion or open cut that could lead to contamination? Probably not very often.
- What percentage of people carry a blood bourne infection?
- What is the chance of you putting this injury into a patch of contaminated blood? Very small.
- What are your chances of actually catching something assuming all of the above occur?
Small number x small number x small number x small number x small number = Tiny number
The total probability of actually contracting something nasty (say Hep, or HIV for example) are really vanishingly small and you are probably more likely to get killed by a falling bit of Voyager 1.
If you want to get worried then you should see the stuff I cough up after resetting the routes at my local wall. I should probably be wearing a respirator for shifting all the crud off the holds
In reply to GingerBread22:
Oh I should also add that you want to avoid grit jamming cracks as I've found fresh blood on The Grazer and Melvyn Bragg
Oh I should also add that you want to avoid grit jamming cracks as I've found fresh blood on The Grazer and Melvyn Bragg
In reply to GingerBread22: I was simply inquiring into whether anything was in place.
Not saying whether it should be or shouldn't be or the risk or lack or risk. It was just a meaningless conversation.
GB
Not saying whether it should be or shouldn't be or the risk or lack or risk. It was just a meaningless conversation.
GB
In reply to GingerBread22: Though getting the flu or a cold is probably pretty easily done from holds.
In reply to Reach>Talent:
Some routes have absorbed so much blood that the holds have developed voodoo powers. One particularly skin-trashing session at Shipley Glen led to the Red Baron arete opening up a portal into Hell. I had to prod The Great Beast back into the void using my brush-on-a-stick. I now take the precaution of getting my chalk blessed by a priest and using a crucifix-shaped bouldering mat
Some routes have absorbed so much blood that the holds have developed voodoo powers. One particularly skin-trashing session at Shipley Glen led to the Red Baron arete opening up a portal into Hell. I had to prod The Great Beast back into the void using my brush-on-a-stick. I now take the precaution of getting my chalk blessed by a priest and using a crucifix-shaped bouldering mat
In reply to GingerBread22:
I complained to a climbing wall about the filthy state of their urinals on the grounds that after visiting them people promptly went back and smeared urine from their rock shoes onto the holds.
To be fair to the wall they reacted immediately and cleaned the bogs, saying that it was being caused by a leaking drain joint.
I complained to a climbing wall about the filthy state of their urinals on the grounds that after visiting them people promptly went back and smeared urine from their rock shoes onto the holds.
To be fair to the wall they reacted immediately and cleaned the bogs, saying that it was being caused by a leaking drain joint.
In reply to thebigfriendlymoose:
There are a new type of knickers that can save you any embarrassment if you have turtle moments like this often!
> (In reply to mkean)
>
> I had to prod The Great Beast back into the void using my brush-on-a-stick.
>
> I had to prod The Great Beast back into the void using my brush-on-a-stick.
There are a new type of knickers that can save you any embarrassment if you have turtle moments like this often!
In reply to grumpybearpantsclimbinggoat:
SQABASSCOOMN!*
Are you sure you haven't got a comercial interest in this company?
(*Snigger quite a bit and some snot came out of my nose)
SQABASSCOOMN!*
Are you sure you haven't got a comercial interest in this company?
(*Snigger quite a bit and some snot came out of my nose)
In reply to GingerBread22:
Fair play to you if you climb with your mouth.
> Hi All,
>
> A slightly odd question but I'd be grateful for any responses, none the less.
>
> I'm looking for replies from climbing wall staff primarily.I was speaking to a friend today about plastic climbing holds and how unhygienic they probably are, my brief question is:
>
> Is this actually controlled or measured/tested by either the wall or the BMC or such bodies? Is there a requirement to keep the holds hygienic?
>
> GB
>
> A slightly odd question but I'd be grateful for any responses, none the less.
>
> I'm looking for replies from climbing wall staff primarily.I was speaking to a friend today about plastic climbing holds and how unhygienic they probably are, my brief question is:
>
> Is this actually controlled or measured/tested by either the wall or the BMC or such bodies? Is there a requirement to keep the holds hygienic?
>
> GB
Fair play to you if you climb with your mouth.
In reply to Wonko The Sane: Putting your hand on a hold, then on your mouth a few hours later if you forget to wash them?
Flu is transferred from hundreds of products in exactly that way. Keyboards/phones for example.
Flu is transferred from hundreds of products in exactly that way. Keyboards/phones for example.
In reply to Ava Adore: I was simply wondering if they were cleaned or whatever. There's nothing that can be done about it, it was just a over-beer conversation.
Though it's a fact you probably can easily get a cold/flu from holds. Though like i say, nothing can be done.
Typical UKC ott responses
Though it's a fact you probably can easily get a cold/flu from holds. Though like i say, nothing can be done.
Typical UKC ott responses
In reply to GingerBread22:
OTT? Not really. Do you climb in gloves outdoors? Or do you expect rock to be sanitised too!!
OTT? Not really. Do you climb in gloves outdoors? Or do you expect rock to be sanitised too!!
In reply to Ava Adore: I never said i expected anywhere to be, i was just wondering if holds were cleaned now and again.
When holds are removed from the wall for routsetting they are thoroughly cleaned.
Cleaning in-situ between re-sets would be totally impracticle, but is done if a specific hold is contaminated (usually from dirty footwear).
As others have said the risk of contracting something nasty from bodily fluids is tiny, and TBH in terms of more general bugs/germs probably no higher than from door handles.
Also the fact that a combination of sweat/chalk/rubber leaves your hands visibly dirty after a climbing session probably makes you more likely to wash them before eating.
Cleaning in-situ between re-sets would be totally impracticle, but is done if a specific hold is contaminated (usually from dirty footwear).
As others have said the risk of contracting something nasty from bodily fluids is tiny, and TBH in terms of more general bugs/germs probably no higher than from door handles.
Also the fact that a combination of sweat/chalk/rubber leaves your hands visibly dirty after a climbing session probably makes you more likely to wash them before eating.
In reply to GingerBread22:
Terrifying isn't it! I've long held that all climbing holds should contain a small Cobalt60 gamma emitter to keep them sterile, these things are a serious biohazard!!!
Seriously? They're climbing holds, it's not as if you have to lick them!
jk
> ...Worrying, particularly if someones cuts themselves, common just above the nails and bleeds onto a hold..
Terrifying isn't it! I've long held that all climbing holds should contain a small Cobalt60 gamma emitter to keep them sterile, these things are a serious biohazard!!!
Seriously? They're climbing holds, it's not as if you have to lick them!
jk
In reply to GingerBread22:
Most walls stick them through the dishwasher when they reset a circuit.
Judging by the number of people I see leaving the loos without washing hands, I'd say there's probably plenty of faecal bacterial on the starting holds of most problems...
Not that it bothers me. My immune system was founded on encountering the pooey and snotty germs of others.
Most walls stick them through the dishwasher when they reset a circuit.
Judging by the number of people I see leaving the loos without washing hands, I'd say there's probably plenty of faecal bacterial on the starting holds of most problems...
Not that it bothers me. My immune system was founded on encountering the pooey and snotty germs of others.
In reply to Reach>Talent:
Snap, but it was tea not snot in my case!
> (In reply to grumpybearpantsclimbinggoat)
> SQABASSCOOMN!*
>
> (*Snigger quite a bit and some snot came out of my nose)
> SQABASSCOOMN!*
>
> (*Snigger quite a bit and some snot came out of my nose)
Snap, but it was tea not snot in my case!
In reply to GingerBread22:
Gosh. I'm never putting my hand on a door handle again.
I really never thought about the danger lurking in every corner. How did I make 46?!
> (In reply to Wonko The Sane) Putting your hand on a hold, then on your mouth a few hours later if you forget to wash them?
>
> Flu is transferred from hundreds of products in exactly that way. Keyboards/phones for example.
>
> Flu is transferred from hundreds of products in exactly that way. Keyboards/phones for example.
Gosh. I'm never putting my hand on a door handle again.
I really never thought about the danger lurking in every corner. How did I make 46?!
In reply to GingerBread22: I wash my hands after climbing. That'll do I reckon. Not that I've died the times I've forgotten.
In reply to Ava Adore:
Outdoors tends to be sanitised by:
i) cold
ii) UV
And not get the same traffic that an indoor wall gets.
Hand sanitiser gel dispensers might not be a bad idea at a wall; before and after. Maybe combined with something like 'Climb On'...
> Do you climb in gloves outdoors? Or do you expect rock to be sanitised too!!
Outdoors tends to be sanitised by:
i) cold
ii) UV
And not get the same traffic that an indoor wall gets.
Hand sanitiser gel dispensers might not be a bad idea at a wall; before and after. Maybe combined with something like 'Climb On'...
In reply to captain paranoia:
Hand sanitiser gel dispensers might not be a bad idea at a wall; before and after.
Given that a large proportion of hospital staff can't use them properly I really don't see the point.
Hand sanitiser gel dispensers might not be a bad idea at a wall; before and after.
Given that a large proportion of hospital staff can't use them properly I really don't see the point.
In reply to captain paranoia:
yes cause I'm going to sanitize my shoes before I put my foot on a hold too
> Hand sanitiser gel dispensers might not be a bad idea at a wall; before and after.
yes cause I'm going to sanitize my shoes before I put my foot on a hold too
In reply to jkarran:
We play a game that you can only use a hold that you can lick from where you are,
> (In reply to GingerBread22)
> Seriously? They're climbing holds, it's not as if you have to lick them!
>
> jk
What, you're not meant to lick the holds>
> jk
We play a game that you can only use a hold that you can lick from where you are,
In reply to GingerBread22: Lets hope some bureaucratic t*at from Brussels isn't reading this.
In reply to GingerBread22:
You brits may want to read this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19834975
You brits may want to read this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19834975
In reply to GingerBread22:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151277023542289&set=pb.2064978...
This from my local wall... Grim!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151277023542289&set=pb.2064978...
This from my local wall... Grim!
In reply to GingerBread22:
I think the biggest risk comes from women climbing in those weird high heel rock shoes.If they stand on your hand it really smarts. And you don't half bleed a lot.
I think the biggest risk comes from women climbing in those weird high heel rock shoes.If they stand on your hand it really smarts. And you don't half bleed a lot.
In reply to GingerBread22:
Not just an indoor thing....Take if you happen to come across a granite crack and the leader bleed all over the place because you both forgot climbing tape.
One way I look at it is....though I accept it as quit flawed...viruses are generally what I'm worried about. Bacteria are much more hardy. I rarely get bacterial infections in cuts, so I imagine I never get viral infections introduced through cuts.
Interesting question though. How long does aids live at room temperature in dried blood?
Not just an indoor thing....Take if you happen to come across a granite crack and the leader bleed all over the place because you both forgot climbing tape.
One way I look at it is....though I accept it as quit flawed...viruses are generally what I'm worried about. Bacteria are much more hardy. I rarely get bacterial infections in cuts, so I imagine I never get viral infections introduced through cuts.
Interesting question though. How long does aids live at room temperature in dried blood?
In reply to captain paranoia:
Bollocks to all that. A bit of muck and germs does wonders for your immune system, sanitizing everything is counter productive long term.
Bollocks to all that. A bit of muck and germs does wonders for your immune system, sanitizing everything is counter productive long term.
In reply to captain paranoia:
I've always been a bit confused about the action of coldness. At the very cold end it can keep some things alive indefinitely (curiously some frogs can be frozen and live).
Generally the colder it is, the slower the decay. Not sure how that applies to viral and bacterial survivability.
I've always been a bit confused about the action of coldness. At the very cold end it can keep some things alive indefinitely (curiously some frogs can be frozen and live).
Generally the colder it is, the slower the decay. Not sure how that applies to viral and bacterial survivability.
In reply to GingerBread22: Better delete this thread before the HSE get hold of it!
In reply to GingerBread22:
You do know that cold and flu are spread by inhaling airborne droplets, right? No danger from licking holds. Norovirus, on the other hand, that's the one you want to be worried about
> (In reply to Ava Adore)
> Though it's a fact you probably can easily get a cold/flu from holds. Though like i say, nothing can be done.
>
> Though it's a fact you probably can easily get a cold/flu from holds. Though like i say, nothing can be done.
>
You do know that cold and flu are spread by inhaling airborne droplets, right? No danger from licking holds. Norovirus, on the other hand, that's the one you want to be worried about
In reply to jkarran:
You don't have to lick them, but the taste is exquisite so worth doing!
> (In reply to GingerBread22)
>
> [...]
They're climbing holds, it's not as if you have to lick them!>
> [...]
>
> jk
> jk
You don't have to lick them, but the taste is exquisite so worth doing!
In reply to NicholasHart: Dolphin parts or frozen penguin chunks?
In reply to GingerBread22:
Most walls clean their holds when they reset routes/problems. Result: initial 'soapy' feel when the new routes are set, until such time as they're chalked/sweated into regular shape.
Frankly, IMO life's too short to worry about such delicate matters.
Most walls clean their holds when they reset routes/problems. Result: initial 'soapy' feel when the new routes are set, until such time as they're chalked/sweated into regular shape.
Frankly, IMO life's too short to worry about such delicate matters.
In reply to GingerBread22:
Have you considered the alternative hypothesis that your original and subsequent posts came across a bit OCD thus inviting a gentle ribbing?
Just a thought. Best get back to my oxygen tent now.
> (In reply to Ava Adore)
>
> Typical UKC ott responses
>
> Typical UKC ott responses
Have you considered the alternative hypothesis that your original and subsequent posts came across a bit OCD thus inviting a gentle ribbing?
Just a thought. Best get back to my oxygen tent now.
In reply to catt:
Well there is but it's awfully dirty. Oxygen tents are so IN this year.
> (In reply to Dave Kerr)
>
> Shit! There's not enough oxygen in the air??!
>
> Shit! There's not enough oxygen in the air??!
Well there is but it's awfully dirty. Oxygen tents are so IN this year.
In reply to Trangia:
Yeah, I hate when I see people walk into the toilets with their climbing shoes on. Urinals generally have an area of 'splash back' that is then trodden onto all the holds. This is probably an irrational dislike (isn't urine sterile?) but I don't like the idea of it at all!
Yeah, I hate when I see people walk into the toilets with their climbing shoes on. Urinals generally have an area of 'splash back' that is then trodden onto all the holds. This is probably an irrational dislike (isn't urine sterile?) but I don't like the idea of it at all!
In reply to RockSteady:
Urine is sterile (unless suffering an infection), but the toilet floors probably are not.
Was getting changed once, and a rather large set fellow walked out of a cubicle after what sounded like an epic deposit. Didn't bother with washing his hands - next I see he is climbing the routes I had my eye on. But this happens all over the place, as stated above, door handles, keyboards etc.
Another pet hate is people bouldering with bare sweaty cheesy feet.
Just make sure you give your hands a good wash after climbing!
Urine is sterile (unless suffering an infection), but the toilet floors probably are not.
Was getting changed once, and a rather large set fellow walked out of a cubicle after what sounded like an epic deposit. Didn't bother with washing his hands - next I see he is climbing the routes I had my eye on. But this happens all over the place, as stated above, door handles, keyboards etc.
Another pet hate is people bouldering with bare sweaty cheesy feet.
Just make sure you give your hands a good wash after climbing!
In reply to GingerBread22:
Back at Uni, when we were taking the freshers for their first climb at the local bouldering wall, most people were climbing in their normal outdoor shoes.
One of them had dog shit on their shoes. I found this out the hard way, by putting my hand in some. The culprit was not found (One can only assume he/she had managed to scrape it all off on the holds)
Being the one who found it, it somehow fell to me to go around with a brush and a bucket of disinfectant trying to find all the shitty holds.
Back at Uni, when we were taking the freshers for their first climb at the local bouldering wall, most people were climbing in their normal outdoor shoes.
One of them had dog shit on their shoes. I found this out the hard way, by putting my hand in some. The culprit was not found (One can only assume he/she had managed to scrape it all off on the holds)
Being the one who found it, it somehow fell to me to go around with a brush and a bucket of disinfectant trying to find all the shitty holds.
In reply to DynamoCL:
I always carry a little anti-bacterial spray when climbing. Adds a bit of time onto the ascent but I haven't fallen ill yet so it must work
I always carry a little anti-bacterial spray when climbing. Adds a bit of time onto the ascent but I haven't fallen ill yet so it must work
In reply to GingerBread22: I should stop licking my way up routes then?
At the height of the AIDS paranoia the Michael Sobell Centre wall even had a small disclaimer notice about patrons catching AIDS from the holds.
In reply to captain paranoia:
> (In reply to Ava Adore)
>
> [...]
>
> Outdoors tends to be sanitised by:
>
> i) cold
> ii) UV
> iii) Bird shit
> And not get the same traffic that an indoor wall gets.
>
> Hand sanitiser gel dispensers might not be a bad idea at a wall; before and after. Maybe combined with something like 'Climb On'...
>
> [...]
>
> Outdoors tends to be sanitised by:
>
> i) cold
> ii) UV
> iii) Bird shit
> And not get the same traffic that an indoor wall gets.
>
> Hand sanitiser gel dispensers might not be a bad idea at a wall; before and after. Maybe combined with something like 'Climb On'...
In reply to DynamoCL:
I think that's only while it's - ahem - in its 'container'!
Agreed - completely!
> (In reply to RockSteady)
>
> Urine is sterile
>
> Urine is sterile
I think that's only while it's - ahem - in its 'container'!
> Another pet hate is people bouldering with bare sweaty cheesy feet.
Agreed - completely!
In reply to Bulls Crack:
Maybe there is a market for anti-bacterial chalk.
> (In reply to DynamoCL)
>
> I always carry a little anti-bacterial spray when climbing. Adds a bit of time onto the ascent but I haven't fallen ill yet so it must work.
>
> I always carry a little anti-bacterial spray when climbing. Adds a bit of time onto the ascent but I haven't fallen ill yet so it must work.
Maybe there is a market for anti-bacterial chalk.
In reply to GingerBread22:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomite
objects do spread diseases. as long as you don't lick things like handles & holds & wash your hands before eating or rubbing your eyes etc, you'll be alright.
I have seen blood on holds indoors & out. and I washed my hands after....
Yes, we all need a little dirt, but usually we get this as kids.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomite
objects do spread diseases. as long as you don't lick things like handles & holds & wash your hands before eating or rubbing your eyes etc, you'll be alright.
I have seen blood on holds indoors & out. and I washed my hands after....
Yes, we all need a little dirt, but usually we get this as kids.
In reply to GingerBread22:
They are probably as unhygienic as toilet door knobs, or bar peanuts.
> I'm looking for replies from climbing wall staff primarily.I was speaking to a friend today about plastic climbing holds and how unhygienic they probably are
They are probably as unhygienic as toilet door knobs, or bar peanuts.
In reply to Lukeva: I think I did actually have to use my tongue when climbing once, it was an outdoor route somewhere, with a balancy move like 3 pebble slab, but at stanage, carnt remember which route though *stumped*
In reply to GingerBread22:
Don't fret about the climbing holds. It's the door handles that are out to get you!
> Hi All,
>
> A slightly odd question but I'd be grateful for any responses, none the less.
>
> I'm looking for replies from climbing wall staff primarily.I was speaking to a friend today about plastic climbing holds and how unhygienic they probably are, my brief question is:
>
> Is this actually controlled or measured/tested by either the wall or the BMC or such bodies? Is there a requirement to keep the holds hygienic?
>
>
> A slightly odd question but I'd be grateful for any responses, none the less.
>
> I'm looking for replies from climbing wall staff primarily.I was speaking to a friend today about plastic climbing holds and how unhygienic they probably are, my brief question is:
>
> Is this actually controlled or measured/tested by either the wall or the BMC or such bodies? Is there a requirement to keep the holds hygienic?
>
Don't fret about the climbing holds. It's the door handles that are out to get you!
In reply to GingerBread22:
Having face planted a volume on Thursday maybe I should be more concerned about hygiene
Having face planted a volume on Thursday maybe I should be more concerned about hygiene
In reply to GingerBread22:
Are you for real?!
Sx
> Hi All,
>
> A slightly odd question but I'd be grateful for any responses, none the less.
>
> I'm looking for replies from climbing wall staff primarily.I was speaking to a friend today about plastic climbing holds and how unhygienic they probably are, my brief question is:
>
> Is this actually controlled or measured/tested by either the wall or the BMC or such bodies? Is there a requirement to keep the holds hygienic?
>
> GB
>
> A slightly odd question but I'd be grateful for any responses, none the less.
>
> I'm looking for replies from climbing wall staff primarily.I was speaking to a friend today about plastic climbing holds and how unhygienic they probably are, my brief question is:
>
> Is this actually controlled or measured/tested by either the wall or the BMC or such bodies? Is there a requirement to keep the holds hygienic?
>
> GB
Are you for real?!
Sx
I hear most walls are signing up to Kim and Aggie's new series, "How clean is your hold" this should solve many issues around wall hygene.
Naturally, this is great news for HLA members (hold lickers anonymous)
Naturally, this is great news for HLA members (hold lickers anonymous)
In reply to GingerBread22:
City Block is far too dirty for germs, never mind climbers!!...... great problems though. leave your brush at home and take some industrial cleaning spray plus full body gear like in Breaking Bad!!
City Block is far too dirty for germs, never mind climbers!!...... great problems though. leave your brush at home and take some industrial cleaning spray plus full body gear like in Breaking Bad!!
In reply to GingerBread22:
This reminds me of this clip from That Mitchell and Webb look...
youtube.com/watch?v=TA-0nki_XL8&
This reminds me of this clip from That Mitchell and Webb look...
youtube.com/watch?v=TA-0nki_XL8&
In reply to needvert:
I'm doing a PhD on HIV biology. You have very little to worry about. HIV has a lipid membrane: drying it out effectively kills it. You should only worry if you somehow get fresh, liquid blood into a wound of your own but the chances of this happening are very small I should imagine!
> (In reply to GingerBread22)
>
> Interesting question though. How long does aids live at room temperature in dried blood?
> Interesting question though. How long does aids live at room temperature in dried blood?
I'm doing a PhD on HIV biology. You have very little to worry about. HIV has a lipid membrane: drying it out effectively kills it. You should only worry if you somehow get fresh, liquid blood into a wound of your own but the chances of this happening are very small I should imagine!
In reply to GingerBread22:
I strongly recommend climbing at Reading Climbing Centre, my local. They have a wonderful system of bathing all holds that come off the wall in mild acid and scrubbing off all the chalk, rubber - and sweat, grease and skin!
The result is that the wall is super clean in appearance and feel of holds. The bouldering area is in the process of a full reset of come the weekend it will be sparkly.
Although I guess a trip to the climbing mecca of Reading is not exactly what everyone wants to be doing! Pay attention other walls! cleaning really works!
I strongly recommend climbing at Reading Climbing Centre, my local. They have a wonderful system of bathing all holds that come off the wall in mild acid and scrubbing off all the chalk, rubber - and sweat, grease and skin!
The result is that the wall is super clean in appearance and feel of holds. The bouldering area is in the process of a full reset of come the weekend it will be sparkly.
Although I guess a trip to the climbing mecca of Reading is not exactly what everyone wants to be doing! Pay attention other walls! cleaning really works!
In reply to andymoore83:
I am off to the climbing mecca that is Reading on sunday to see your lovely clean holds. I will give feed back on how soft the boulder mat is when falling from under the roof section as well, of course this is all for everyone else's safety
And not as you all might think, and just a day for me to go climbing.
I am off to the climbing mecca that is Reading on sunday to see your lovely clean holds. I will give feed back on how soft the boulder mat is when falling from under the roof section as well, of course this is all for everyone else's safety
And not as you all might think, and just a day for me to go climbing.
In reply to GingerBread22: My wall uses a hold wash that reacts with the rubber and stuff called Benky Wash and then dishwash them after for a good rinse everytime they are removed for resetting. Come out pretty clean and new looking afterwards.
In reply to GingerBread22: I did actually read a study (possibly carried out by UIAA) addressing the risks of infection spreading through blood or other dirt left on climbing holds. Their conclusion was that the chances of it happening were laughably remote and it could only really happen if someone left fresh blood on a hold and you then placed an open wound of your own in the exact same place within 1 or 2 seconds. Even then you would have to be very unlucky to catch anything.
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