Caving Safely
Caving: "Coming back alive!" - Continued
The best thing to do to get introduced into the caving scene, is to go on organized caving trips. Organized, meaning a nationally recognized organization or club that is solely a caving club or organization that leads trips for novice cavers and others. You can pick up some good tips, like the type of gear that works or does not work, light sources, etc.. To find out about caving organizations in your area, you can contact the National Speleological Society in Huntsville, Alabama at 205-852-1300. Also, see Caving Links for more information.
A quick checklist for caving
(The following list contains suggested items you should have to go caving. Some of the items are mandatory, no exceptions. Some items are suggested and others are for your information.)
HEAD PROTECTION You must have and wear a helmet. This can be a hardhat, bicycle or football helmet, baseball batters hat, etc.. Most safety supply houses have hardhats starting at $6.00. The helmet needs a chin strap, which can be bought or made.
LIGHTS You must have and carry three (3) sources of light. A primary light and two backup lights. The primary light is generally a battery-powered electric lamp or a carbide-fueled acetylene lamp. It is advisable that your primary light be helmet mounted. Most electric lamps have a elastic strap of some sort that allows you to mount it to your helmet. Most carbide lamps require a mounting bracket be installed on your helmet. Remember, you will need your hands free while caving, that is why it is not recommended that a hand-held flashlight of some sort be used for your primary light source. (Some people try taking a flashlight and duct-taping it to their helmet. This does not usually work. Remember, the main reason you wear a helmet is to protect your head when you accidentally bang into something. If your light is taped to your helmet and you hit your head on something, the flashlight usually will be ripped off or damaged.)
