ABC – Geckos

Frictionlabs chalk, available from The Castle Shop

In the spring, as climbing centres closed in line with the initial lockdown, rumours abounded that climbers’ chalk could be a source of transmitting particles of the virus, fomites, to use the jargon.

However, more recent research would suggest that these early fears were misguided. Investigations by a team at De Montfort University suggests that, on the contrary, chalk may actually help to prevent transmission. A statement has been issued by the Association of British Climbing Walls (ABC):

A model coronavirus for SARS-CoV-2, human coronavirus OC43, was used for the experiments. The presence of infectious virus on a plastic surface dusted with chalk was monitored over the course of one hour. The results indicated that the amount of infectious virus was reduced by around 99% immediately upon contact with the chalky surfaces. By comparison, the control test where no chalk dust was present, showed only a slight decline in infectious virus over these time periods.

Read the ABC press release

What about liquid chalk?

Traditional liquid climbing chalk chalk contains less than 70% alcohol, so it is below the minimum level required to kill Coronavirus. New forms of liquid chalk have a higher percentage, but the latest research suggests that it is no more effective. A chemist charged to investigate the issue concluded that:

[Liquid chalk] is completely ineffective in killing any potential viruses on the climber’s hands, and more importantly, on the holds on the wall.

Read the full report on liquid chalk and Covid-19

Conclusion…

While powder chalk may help to limit transmission, it is important to stick to the three things that we know to be effective:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based gel for at least 20 seconds
Wear a mask (over your mouth and nose) wherever and whenever possible
Maintain social distance

As of Saturday 17 October 2020, London is to be moved from Tier 1 into Tier 2, a response to the recent rise in infections in the capital. Parents of children who climb with our regular kids’ club and prospective customers may be concerned at the impact of the myriad new rules and guidelines. However, for the moment, we can continue to provide climbing activities to children and young people.

The stipulations, as they appear on the government’s website, are as follows:

In line with guidelines from national sporting bodies, you can take part in sport and physical activity outdoors.
Organised indoor exercise classes are only permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing in with people you do not live with or share a support bubble with. There are exceptions to enable disability and youth sport and physical activity indoors, in any number.

If you would like to know more, the Association of British Climbing Walls has a FAQ page.

Obviously, to minimise the risk to the children in our care and to our staff, we will continue to follow The Castle’s social distancing and hygiene policies set out in an earlier blogpost.

Garden Conditions of use

About

The garden is based on the principles of permaculture design. We reuse and recycle materials as much as possible, compost waste, use organic growing techniques and have created habitats to support wildlife and promote biodiversity. The fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in the garden are used in the centre’s café.

Please take some time to wander around; you can find out more about the different areas of our garden by reading the information boards.

Use of the Garden

Please be aware that other people may be using the garden to relax and enjoy some tranquillity.

Please respect the plants, insects and animals.

It is your responsibility to monitor the safety of your group and make sure that they are aware of the hazards.

Please take into consideration

The garden is a working garden; please keep to the paths, do not pick or eat anything, either in the beds or other in areas of the garden.

There are trip hazards, there may be construction materials stored here and occasionally there is work taking place.

Children and animals to be supervised at all times. Dogs, in particular, must be kept on a lead at all times and away from the growing beds. Please don’t allow dogs to foul in our garden- but if it does happen, please pick up and dispose the poo immediately.

There is a bee hive located between the Engine House (Café) and Boiler House (ground level) entrances. Do not disturb the bees.

There is a small pond in the SE corner of the garden- take special care in this area with small children.

Do not climb the trees.

Visitors who haven’t checked in to climb at reception are not permitted to climb in the centre or on the outdoor boulders. Children who are attending a group climbing session are only permitted to climb during the session under their instructor’s supervision.

Do not drink from the taps- some of these are untreated rainwater used for irrigation.

Please dispose of all rubbish and used dishes in the centre. If you have a large amount of recyclable material please ask reception or a duty manager who will be able to provide you with a large bag for the recyclables to go in.

There are a variety of plants in the garden, including some that sting or can make you ill- don’t touch anything you are unsure of.

Staff regularly monitor this area. Please report any incidents, problems or concerns to the Duty Manager.

There are men’s and women’s changing rooms with toilets inside the building (the women’s and an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities are on ground floor, the men’s is on the mezzanine floor).

There are water fountains in the centre.

If there is an incident or you require first aid please go to reception and they will contact the Duty Manager.

Tag: ABC

Covid-19 and climbers’ chalk

What about liquid chalk?

Conclusion…

London moves to Tier 2