SINGAPORE: Comprehensive checklists for height-based activities in schools are required by exterior instructors, a requirement that was made standard in response to severe safety incidents involving students.
The document, known as the pre-use checklist, examines the state of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) like harnesses and helmets as well as reviewing the high elements involved in the activities.  ,
Two incidents have been reported in the outdoor experience knowledge sector where instructors failed to properly supervise or test students while engaging in height-based activities.  ,
A nine-year-old female fell four flooring from a flying rabbit structure and suffered fractures last month, and a former freelancing instructor received a two-month prison sentence.
A month prior, a voluntary teacher was given six months ‘ jail , over the death of a 15- year- ancient student in a higher- element obstacle course.
In response to CNA’s queries, the Ministry of Education ( MOE ) said it formalised the prior- use checklists in February 2023,  , when elevation- based activities for college programmes resumed after a two- time pause due to the 15- year- old’s death.
The lists will assist trainers in” systemically” checking challenge course materials and equipment before conducting actions at MOE’s Outdoor Adventure Learning Centers and universities with challenge course materials.
Additionally, the process adheres to the criteria developed by the International Trade Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), an international business relationship.
Before the two incidents, there was no required checklist, although it was “best practice” in the industry to conduct checks before carrying out any activity, said secretary- general of the Outdoor Learning &, Adventure Education Association ( OLAE ) Delane Lim.
He added that teachers must not simply pass the exams “without real wedding.”  ,
Michael Lim, a freelancer, added that the inspections have expanded in scope.
” After the instances, everything has been stepped off. We … quickly get another hour more just to verify the equipment, go through the paperwork, going through the list to make sure that every one thing is checked for”, said the 46- year- ancient, who has been an instructor for about 30 years.  ,
Lye Yen Kai, the co-founder and managing director of Blackbox Outdoor Education, said MOE’s demands have grown more stringent since the occurrences.
All operators offering height-based activities for MOE students may ensure their facilities are routinely accredited by a National Sports Association or a local outdoor adventure learning specialized body in accordance with enhanced safety measures announced by the ministry in November 2022.
Schools must only work with reputable operators and vetted instructors, such as those with ACCT certifications.
” Since the accidents, MOE has really been pushing the bar higher”, said Mr Lye, whose company trains outdoor educators.  ,
” We can also understand as an industry because it’s children. The school has a duty of care, we have a duty of care”.