The Standards

We pride ourselves on not only meeting but exceeding industry standards when constructing our courses, so you can have peace of mind that your course will be safe, and a robust investment.

Inside Out Ropes Courses Standards

At Inside Out Ropes Courses we strive for excellence, in part, due to our dedicated and diligent approach to ropes course construction and our continual drive for improvement evident at all levels within the company.

• All designs undergo rigorous structural assessments, including drawings and a structural report.
• All critical materials used in the construction are tested and certified to ensure they meet the relevant European Standards.
• The sharp edges on every ferrule used on our courses are filed to ensure they can be handled safely
• All our woodwork is outdoor pressure treated, strength tested and certified
• All our cut ends of timber are treated to ensure they are weather proofed
• All the rope we use is 18mm combination (wire core with nylon outer) for improved handling and superior durability and strength.
• We aim to exceed the European Standards below and to give you peace of mind all our courses are independently inspected.

The European Ropes Course Association (ERCA)

The European Ropes Course Association (ERCA) is an umbrella organisation that oversees the standards relating to construction, operation and inspection of ropes courses. All Inside Out Ropes Courses courses are inspected on completion by an Independent ERCA type A inspector to give you peace of mind that the course exceeds relevant standards and ensures compliance with EN 15567 part 1 & 2.

Inside Out Ropes Courses is an ERCA member and as such is bound to comply with the ERCA professional code of conduct.

EN15567: Part 1 Sports and Recreational Facilities: Ropes Courses

This standard relates to construction and safety requirements for ropes courses. It is intended to ensure that the design and construction of the facility is undertaken using appropriate materials; is constructed to minimum standards; and is externally inspected by an independent ERCA type A inspector. (An Individual that does not build or maintain ropes courses and can therefore make an impartial assessment having no vested interest in the outcome of the inspection).

EN15567: Part 2 Operational Requirements

This relates to the operational aspect of ropes course facilities and is intended to ensure the construction company passes on the necessary operational and risk assessment document to the user of the structure. It incorporates aspects such as; supervision levels; signage; participant requirements; risk assessment; maintenance and inspection regimes. This documentation is assessed during the inaugural inspection on completion of the construction by the ERCA type A inspection.

EN12572: Artificial Climbing Structures

This standard relates to construction and safety standards for artificial climbing structures. It is intended to ensure that the design, construction process and materials used are compliant with the minimum standards.