Martin Castle is a devoted mountaineer, climber and caver. Martin’s mountaineering and climbing career has taken him all over Britain, from southern sandstone to the Isle of Skye in Scotland. He has also climbed in the French and Italian Alps, scaling some of the highest peaks such as Grand Paradiso and Mont Blanc. Martin’s caving/mining has mainly taken place in North Wales, Peaks and Yorkshire Dales.
Martin started his career as a climbing, caving and mountain leader instructor for the ATC (Air Training Corps), taking cadets on adventure training camps all over the UK. From here, Martin moved into the construction industry as a steeplejack, installing lightening protection on high-rise buildings and repairing/maintaining tall structures such as church spires, monuments, towers and industrial chimneys. The work also involved working at significant heights using scaffolding, ladders and rope systems.
Martin's industrial rope access experience has led to working on various prominent sites such as Canary Wharf, Swiss Tower, Millennium Eye, Tower 42 and many more. Martin was a technical advisor to the Mile End Climbing Wall. He planned, managed and supervised charity abseils on key buildings in London such as Centrepoint and the Tate Modern. Martin has also designed and built climbing and ice walls for exhibitions such as the Telegraph Travel Show. Television and theatre work includes setting up and rigging safe systems for film stunts.
Most recently, Martin has been training various courses for working at height. This includes making sure trainees understand the current legislation, equipment selection, limitations and inspection. The courses include practical sessions where Martin instructs the trainees how to fit and use the equipment.
Courses that Martin trains:-
Roof Safety
IRATA Industrial Rope Access Level 1,2 & 3
Rope Rescue
Use of Fall Protection Equipment
Trade-specific Rope Access
Rescue after a Fall (suspended person)
Managing Work at Height
Climbing Tall Structures
Evacuation from Height
Inspection of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)
Tower Climbing, Rescue and Evacuation
Industrial / Fire Service Rescue
Permanent Anchors – Fixing & Testing
Confined Space Rescue
Qualifications: