Engaging with partners and affiliates on a local level is an important part of the BMC's work. The BMC Technical Officer reports on a recent event in Cumbria where the BMC, regional AMI group and the Cumbria Bolt Fund all came together to exchange ideas and share knowledge.
I'd been asked to help by the Chair of the Cumbria Bolt Fund, Dan Robinson. It seemed an ideal opportunity to test the new core drilling kit out - the existing bolts at the site needed removing if possible. The workshop was arranged by the local group of AMI - the Association of Mountaineering Instructors, and we had a good turnout of 10 people. The mission was to teach some of the skills needed to bolt safely, and to re-equip the belays at the venue at the same time.
After a brief discussion of the different bolt technologies available, we quickly moved on to extracting the existing bolts. The core drill worked very well, albeit slowly and messily. It is currently about the only way to re-use an existing bolt placement. Following this, the holes were drilled out and cleaned prior to installing long-life resin anchors.
A great deal was learnt by all who attended, and a good start to what will hopefully be further joint events in the future.
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