Heritage Open Days at Dewsbury Minster : Safety

Staircase and Tower. Safety and Precautions

Climbing the tower can be easy for the experienced spiral staircase and ladder climber,
but could be difficult and dangerous for others.

With care and patience a successful visit can be assured.

The tower is dusty, so expect clothes to collect some dust.

There are 24 stone steps to ascend to the Belfy from the Nave.
Then another 18 steps to the clock room
The ladder in the Belfry is 10 steps

We need to consider safety on the staircase and ladders

Precaution	Reason
DO NOT TOUCH Bells. Rope or other equipment	Bells may be set for ringing hence dangerous to non-ringers
Cover limbs Long sleeve jumper and trousers	Risk of grazing knees and elbows
Properly fitting footwear	Footwear must be stable on ladders and steps High heels not recommended
Maintain distance between people	Risk of heels of one person hitting the face on ascent. Also kicking back of head on descent
Nothing to be carried	Risk of falling items
Check pockets for loose items	Risk of falling items
Use hands on steps to stabilize ascent and descent	More stable than handrails
Look out ahead	There are places where the height is low and obstructions impose on the route
Ladder climbing precautions	Please respect the advice of the Stewards

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Last Updated 24^th September 2022