Pioneering Guide 08
Inspecting, Testing, & Dismantling Projects
Inspection
A project is not finished when the last knot is tied. Before use, it must be inspected and tested. While it is in use, it must be monitored. When the activity ends, it must be dismantled in a controlled way and the site must be restored.
Pre-Use Inspection
- The correct lashing is used at every joint.
- Wraps lie neatly and pull the poles together; fraps are tight where required.
- Starting and finishing knots are correct, secure, and visible for inspection.
- Poles remain sound and have not split, crushed, or shifted.
- A-frame and tripod legs are spread as designed.
- Braces create the required triangles and the frame does not rack.
- Guylines are attached correctly, protected from abrasion, and tensioned evenly.
- Stakes and anchors have not shifted and are not damaged.
- No weaker rope, smaller pole, improvised hardware, or unapproved design change has been substituted.
- The operating rules, user limit, load limit, and stop conditions are understood.
Progressive Testing
Test a project gradually instead of suddenly applying its full intended load. Start with a visual check, then apply a small controlled force while watching joints, poles, feet, guylines, and anchors. Increase only within the approved test plan. Recheck lashings after they settle.
End the test or close the project if a pole bends unexpectedly, a lashing moves, an anchor shifts, a guyline becomes slack, the frame racks from side to side, or unusual cracking or movement occurs.
Monitor the Project While It Is in Use
- Keep the number of users and the load within the predetermined limit.
- Watch for changes in soil, mud, wind, rain, visibility, or traffic around the project.
- Check whether users are following the operating rules instead of climbing, swinging, or loading the project in an unintended way.
- Reinspect guylines, anchors, and frequently loaded joints after the project has been used for a while.
- Close the project if the weather, equipment, or behavior changes beyond the plan.
Dismantling Safely
- Close the project to users and remove all equipment and other loads.
- Identify which ropes, braces, and anchors are still holding strain.
- Release tension slowly and only on the project leader’s command.
- Keep everyone outside the direction in which a pole could fall, roll, or swing.
- Lower tall parts under control; do not simply push the structure over.
- Pull stakes carefully and repair disturbed ground as the site permits.
- Untie, inspect, dry, coil, and store every rope.
- Count poles, ropes, stakes, tools, and hardware before leaving.
- Remove every piece of cord, tape, flagging, marking, and litter.
Restore the Site and the Equipment
Good pioneering ends with the site as good as or better than it was found. Fill or repair holes as permitted, remove markings and trip hazards, return borrowed materials, and set aside damaged equipment for repair or retirement. A clean closeout protects the campsite and ensures the next crew starts with equipment that is ready to use.
