Talk Urbex

Urban exploration is a completely wild hobby and whilst the majority of missions experience no problems, there are occasions which might compromise your security. Here are 5 ways to help identify and reduce the risk from some of these occasions…

 

5. Consider the building structure

Many of the derelict abandonments that we like to go and explore are usually rotten and decayed, the obvious repercussion being structural and flooring collapse. There are lots of tell-tale signs that things may have decayed beyond the point of taking weight so check out the roof, is there evidence of leakage – if so, the water may have softened the floor boards. Joists are usually ran towards the wall space less than 0.5 meters, try and make a best guess and walk along the joists. Also worth checking walls before leaning/climbing, usually a body weight push will highlight any shortfalls in structure

 

4. What about injury?

Scratches, cuts, grazes are all easily dealt with – normally the issue is not the wound itself however its the high potential of infection afterwards. that causes problems Larger puncture wounds and lacerations can be much more problematic, climbing through windows, climbing buildings and walls increase the risk of a fall, land on some glass and you might have a problem. It may seem obvious however a bit of first aid awareness and a £5 first aid kit will help you out in the event, try and get one that has a roller bandage – they are great for reducing blood flow

 

3. Get stuck in…

I can remember the first time I got into an abandoned building and soon realised that I could not get out again. Luckily I could improvise however this may not always be the case – getting stuck inside a building is not fun, especially if its related to no.4! Dependant on the urbex mission, it may be worth taking a harness and rope, that way you use a couple of knots to secure your exit. Also handy for when you are walking on dodgy flooring to keep yourself secured in the event of a collapse

 

2. Hidden dangers

I recently went to a industrial site, was walking around and I came really close to walking straight into a opening for an underground cooling pump station. At a guess, these things usually hold around 10 meters squared – if I would have went in, I would not be coming out – fairly scary! Also nearly fell down a hole in another abandoned building, someone had carefully covered it with carpet – thanks for that. When you are walking around, if something looks wrong, it probably is wrong – try and stay on a track that is clear, last thing you want it to fall into an open topped sewer

 

1. Awareness of who else might be on site

Now this has to be number 1. You are on site, with expensive camera equipment, phones and whatever only to walk into some junkies. These junkies usually take a shining to goods that could be sold and spent on smack or some equivalent drug. Look for evidence that someone has been on site recently, litter, drinks cans, needles, bags, water bottles can all help. Urban exploring is great on your own, the fear is awesome however for safety – its good to have someone you totally trust to have your back covered! Other things to watch for are pikey copper/metal thieves that turn up in gangs to rob the buildings of anything that can be weighed in. None of these people are to be trusted, my recommendation is a quick explanation that you are not here to disturb them and get on your way. Best case, you walk away – worst case, you get confronted. Each situation is unique so use your wits then your feet!

Listed above is just 5 of the many potential issues urban explorers risk to get the shot – There are many more, please feel free to add yours in the comments

sophos9

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