PLANNING OFF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Equipment
The following equipment should be available during any caving trip:
an adequate First Aid kit
two watches
a pocket knife
a notebook and pencil
an appropriate thermal wrapping such as a thermal blanket or bivvy bay (essential in wet caves)
a repair kit for lights.
The following additional equipment is required for any vertical caving trip:
all ropes must be appropriate for caving (synthetic static kernmantle style with a manufactured
breaking strain of at least 20kN)
an appropriate rescue system including spare ‘emergency’ rope
ascending and descending equipment arranged in such a way that the direction of travel can
be quickly reversed
two points of attachment when ascending or transferring on ropes
appropriate steel wire caving ladders and attachment in conjunction with belay lines
rescue equipment including spare rope, ascenders and pulleys.
The following should be available on the surface:
spare clothing for individual cavers
additional group emergency equipment such as sleeping bags and emergency communication
equipment
a vehicle for use in case of emergency.
The following is required for all participants:
UIAA or equivalent caving helmets must be used.
In vertical caves UIAA or equivalent harnesses must be used.
Each participant must independently carry a reliable primary and secondary light source
appropriate for a cave, preferably helmet mounted and hands free.
Spare globes and batteries must be carried according to the leader’s experience and
knowledge of the group and condition.
Clothing should be overalls with woollen or thermal tops and bottoms.
Footwear should have substantial thread and be appropriate for cave conditions.
In cold or wet caves, spare dry clothing such as a thermal top and warm beanie should be
carried in a waterproof bag.
Water and emergency food should be carried.
Participants must carry personal medication and the trip leader and guide(s) must understand
why and how they are to be used.
Venues
Caves are among the most fragile ecosystems in nature, and damage caused to habitat, cave
formations or sediments may never repair; particular caution should be exercised in the choice of
cave visited.
Please refer to the online copy of this document (TASED-4-1765), located on the Tasmanian Department
of Education’s website to ensure this version is the most recent. P a g e | 57