Advocating 'Safety in Adventure'
for cable-access adventure systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AZTEC was created as an advocate for participants

who entrust their lives into the hands of the

people operating cable access systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is an obvious ethical obligation to ensure the

safety of all participants.  Therefore, owner/operators

must be willing to invest the capital necessary to

meet the minimum standards. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We owe it to the public to ensure our industry is

compliant with established safety standards.

AZTEC exists to serve that purpose.

 

 

 

 

 

AZTEC’s intent is to help operators gain certification.

 

 

 

 

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DISCLAIMER:

AZTEC was created to serve the Philippines.
However, the inquiries we have received from operators
in other countries asking for our assistance
has been overwhelming.

AZTEC has no intention to compete or to
compare itself in any way with ACCT
(Association of Challenge Course Technology) or
any other US-based cable access certifying organization.

The aim of AZTEC is to establish safety standards respective
of the particular needs of Asia rather than 'importing'
US-based standards that may not be relevant. 
Furthermore, we've added important and significant technical
standards that are not published by other organizations.

The promotion of safety in this industry is of paramount
concern and AZTEC exists to be an avenue for such
within its sphere of influence; primarily Asia.

 

 

 

Copyright 2009-2010

AZTEC is managed by;
PROJECT CHALLENGE FOUNDATION INC.
2nd Floor Palacay Bldg.
Circumferential Rd, Marfori Heights Subd.
Davao City 8000 Philippines
Tel. 82.224.5855

 

  
Certification

The act of attesting or bestowing Certification is to provide assurance to the Philippine canopy walk/zip line market that established standards are guiding the industry.

Certification is one the most effective methods of helping to lessen risks and reduce the possibility of injury involving participants.

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Certification Overview

In order to become AZTEC certified, the canopy walk/zip line tour facility must submit to an onsite inspection and review.  The review can be completed in one or two days followed by a summary of AZTEC’s findings including an official Certification if the canopy walk/zip line tour complies with AZTEC’s standards. 

Certification FEE: P10,000 (Travel expenses not included)

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AZTEC’s intent is to help operators gain certification. The certification process is not beaucratic in nature nor does it require owner/operators to navigate through a maze of unrealistic standards.

AZTEC desires to work closely with operators providing recommendations and support, to make sure they can indeed meet the minimum standards that ultimately protect the safety of all participants. 

Ultimately, AZTEC was created as an advocate for participants who entrust their lives into the hands of the people operating these cable access systems. Generally, participants trust operators often without question, assuming the systems are safe. We owe it to the public to ensure that our industry is compliant with established safety standards. - AZTEC exists to serve this purpose.


 

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Certification Introduction
System Certification is designed to offer the following benefits:

  1. Risk Management:
    There is an inherent risk associated with any adventure-based program that involves a participant to be suspended off the ground using safety equipment.  Although reports show a low incidence of accidents and injuries there are risks associated with these types of activities. AZTEC seeks to help owner/operators to effectively manage those risks.  Certification is one the most effective methods of helping to manage those risks and reduce the possibility of injury.
  2. Networking:
    AZTEC’s on-site reviews allows for sharing ideas and promoting professionalism in the field. 
  3. Quality Assurance:
    Certification is designed to provide assurance to the Philippine canopy walk/zip line tour industry that established standards are guiding the industry.
  4. Credibility:
    Upon final Certification, AZTEC’s name may prominently be display on the respective canopy walk/zip line tour marketing and promotional products that validates credibility. 

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Certification Process

STEP 1.  Application
Upon request an application form will be mailed to the owner/operator that will include the specifications listing minimum standards for Certification. 

 

STEP 2.  Onsite Inspection
The onsite review will involve two qualified AZTEC personnel visiting your site. The inspection process will take at least one day.  The visit will include;

  • Inspection of infrastructure.
  • Observation of staff's ability to safely and effectively operate the zipline.
  • Safety equipment assessment to ensure all particpant equipment meets UIAA standards.
  • Discuss and review Emergency Action Plan.
  • Review staff in-service ongoing training schedule and objectives.
  • Assess staff Core Competencies

Note:  AZTEC can provide specific training if your staff are unfamiliar with industry terminology or if they need training regarding system operation. An extra fee is involved for training and may take an additional 1-2 days.  Please view our Training Link for more information.

STEP 3. Inspection Summary
After the onsite inspection is completed  AZTEC will carefully and judiciously review its assessment and a summary of findings related to the site inspection will be forwarded to the owner/operator within 10 days.

The report will include an assessment of the strengths, weaknesses and recommendations for modifications if AZTEC determines improvement is necessary.

However, please be advised that AZTEC will work with the operator during the inspection to help assure that improvements may be implemented immediately.

STEP 4. Certification
Owner/operators need to understand that Certification is conditional. Once AZTEC is assured the infrastructure and operations are compliant then an official AZTEC Certification will be issued.

AZTEC Certification is good for three (3) years afterwhich it must be renewed.


Disclaimer and Acknowledgement of Risk

  • AZTEC recognizes that no single strategy including 'Certification' can eliminate all risk.
  • AZTEC cannot guarantee that the procedures and safety practices observed during the on-site visit will be consistently maintained for the three-year period following the review.
  • Owner/operators are responsible for maintaining on-going compliance with accreditation standards and should contact AZTEC if there are any significant changes in the program that could affect compliance with the accreditation standards

 

Insurance Note: Owner/operators have a moral and ethical obligation to carry liability insurance (TPL) in case of an accident. AZTEC requires proof of such insurance as a final requirement for Certification. Please be advised that insurance carriers generally do not include coverage for staff which is a specific exclusion as it relates to 'extreme sports'. Owners should consider Phil Health as an option for staff members.