This morning five team members travelled to Bowland and Pennine Mountain Rescue Team Base at Ray Lane, Garstang to attend the MPSRO organisers, MREW recognised Fall Protection Equipment Inspectors Course delivered by Oldham Mountain Rescue Team member and Company Director of Height Safety Consultants, Phil Beard.

Catering and Base Officer Chris Tennant, Steve Kenworthy, John Fletcher, Equipment Officer (Stretchers and Ropes) Nick Berry and Training Officer Elaine Gilliland all welcomed the bacon and sausage butties and steaming cups of coffee on arrival before Phil spent the morning giving a well structured presentation on the general duty of Mountain Rescue Teams to ensure that any Fall Protection Equipment is suitable, sufficient for task and fit for its intended purpose, and that the “inspector” of such equipment is competent to inspect.

The afternoon was spent undertaking practical inspections of equipment both sufficient and inefficient to identify the process of inspection and what “inspectors” should be looking for.

All attendees were then given an assessment and we are delighted to say that owing to the content and context of the course all five Bolton Mountain Rescue Team members passed with flying colours.

The course was attended by representatives from MPSRO member teams and was organised, with thanks by MPSRO training officer and BPMRT member Kevin Camplin.

All five members would like to thank Phil Beard for the excellently run programme and relaxed delivery and also the Bowland and Pennine Team members who spent the day providing excellent facilities and catering.