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    Caving Information 2011

    Uploaded by

    Tina Dinh
    The document provides guidance for safely leading caving trips with Boy Scouts. It outlines BSA policies requiring two adult leaders for trips, limiting participation to those age 14+, and leaders having experience caving. Leaders are advised to evaluate risks, bring proper equipment like three light sources, gloves, and first aid kits, follow leave no trace principles, and clean gear between caves to prevent spreading disease. Trip plans and health forms are required.

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    Caving Information 2011

    Uploaded by

    Tina Dinh
    60 views25 pages
    The document provides guidance for safely leading caving trips with Boy Scouts. It outlines BSA policies requiring two adult leaders for trips, limiting participation to those age 14+, and leaders having experience caving. Leaders are advised to evaluate risks, bring proper equipment like three light sources, gloves, and first aid kits, follow leave no trace principles, and clean gear between caves to prevent spreading disease. Trip plans and health forms are required.

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    Caving Information 2011

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    The document provides guidance for safely leading caving trips with Boy Scouts. It outlines BSA policies requiring two adult leaders for trips, limiting participation to those age 14+, and leaders having experience caving. Leaders are advised to evaluate risks, bring proper equipment like three light sources, gloves, and first aid kits, follow leave no trace principles, and clean gear between caves to prevent spreading disease. Trip plans and health forms are required.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    60 views25 pages

    Caving Information 2011

    Uploaded by

    Tina Dinh
    The document provides guidance for safely leading caving trips with Boy Scouts. It outlines BSA policies requiring two adult leaders for trips, limiting participation to those age 14+, and leaders having experience caving. Leaders are advised to evaluate risks, bring proper equipment like three light sources, gloves, and first aid kits, follow leave no trace principles, and clean gear between caves to prevent spreading disease. Trip plans and health forms are required.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 25

    2011

    Leader Caving Introduction

    What do I need to know before


    I can lead a caving trip?
    CAVER’S MOTTO
    • TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES

    • LEAVE NOTHING BUT CAREFULLY

    • PLACES FOOTPRINTS

    • KILL NOTHING BUT TIME


    BSA GENERAL CAVING POLICY
    (Summary)

    • Caving can be a hazardous activity when the proper


    equipment, skills, and judgment are not used. Trips that
    are led by adults inexperienced in caving and trips
    containing large numbers of persons compound the
    hazards already inherent in the activity and create a
    potentially dangerous situation, and extreme liability for
    the leaders.

    BSA Caving publication, No. 19-102A.


    • All caving, other than simple novice activities, should be limited to
    adults and young people 14 and older—members of Venturing
    crews, Learning for Life Explorer posts and older Scouts in troops,
    and teams. "Simple novice activities“ means commercially
    operated cave excursions.

    • Units (troops, teams, crews) that include cave visits in their


    program, whether for one trip or many, must adhere to the
    two-deep Leadership policy of the Boy Scouts of America
    (two registered adult leaders, or one adult and a parent of a
    youth member, one of whom must be 21 or older). These
    leaders must be responsible, mature adults who are
    constantly present with the group.

    Caving publication, No. 19-102A.


    • Any cave trip must include a fully qualified leader or adult
    assistants qualified to handle all problems that might arise. These
    leaders should have had experience as active participants in a
    competent caving group.

    • They must realistically evaluate their own knowledge and


    experience and must never attempt to lead their group into a
    situation that is beyond their capability or the capability of any
    member of the group.

    • The overall capability and pace of a caving group is always that of


    the least able member of that group, and no member of the group
    should ever be encouraged or permitted to attempt a potentially
    dangerous act that is beyond their ability solely because the
    remainder of the group has the necessary ability
    Caving publication, No. 19-102B.
    • In addition to understanding these tenets, every
    participant in a caving trip must agree, without
    reservation, to follow all of the specific guidelines
    contained in: BSA's Caving publication,
    No. 19-102A & No. 19-102AB
    http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/19-102B.pdf
    REQUIRED FORMS

    • BSA TRIP PLAN

    • BSA ANNUAL HEALTH FORM


    (IF ONE IS NOT ON FILE)

    • BSA PARENTAL PERMISSION FORM


    WHO CAN GO
    “ALL CAVING”, OTHER THAN “SIMPLE NOVICE ACTIVITIES”,
    MUST BE LIMITED TO ADULTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE 14 (years old)
    AND OLDER, MEMBERS OF VENTURING CREWS, LEARNING FOR
    LIFE EXPLORER POSTS, OLDER SCOUTS (14 years of age or older) IN
    TROOPS, AND TEAMS.

    “SIMPLE NOVICE ACTIVITIES” MEANS:


    COMMERCIALLY OPERATED CAVE EXCURSIONS ONLY.

    Caving publication, No. 19-102A.


    LIABILITY FOR LEADERS

    • Registered leaders are not given immunity from


    lawsuits. Even with proper signed wavers a court can
    rule against someone that is found to be negligent.
    • (If you don’t want this liability, please don’t plan or go on
    the trip.)

    • BSA requires all BSA Trip leaders to have a copy of “A


    Guide To Safe Scouting” with them on every outing. You
    need to turn in a Tour Plan to the Utah National Parks
    Council 21 days prior to your event. You need to read
    and be familiar with all BSA caving & outing policies so
    that you are protected from claims of negligence.
    (For LDS Scout Units, as of March 2011 ANY trip requires forms from BSA and the LDS Church.)
    DANGERS OF CAVING

    These are a few of the


    DANGERS
    of caving…
    • Trip and fall – can be life threatening
    • Rock falls – can be life threatening
    • Getting lost in a cave – can be life threatening
    • Getting stuck in tight passages – can be life threatening
    • Hypothermia – can be life threatening
    • Dehydration – can be life threatening
    • Bad air – can be life threatening
    • Microorganisms – can be life threatening
    WHAT TO TAKE INTO A CAVE
    • Every caving trip requires some basic equipment and
    supplies. Each cave is unique and may require more
    than the basic supplies listed for a safe and
    comfortable trip.
    • To learn what is appropriate, ask your trip leader
    what is needed for your particular trip.
    LIGHTS
    • Carry at least three (3) independent sources of light per person.
    Mount the primary light on your helmet. The second and third light
    sources must be adequate to use as a primary source, and must fit
    on your helmet. Take three sets of extra batteries.
    • Remember Murphy’s Law; If you only have one source of light,
    IT WILL GO OUT WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST!

    HELMET
    • The ideal type of helmet for most caving activities is a climbing style
    helmet, which provides impact protection and shock absorption to
    protect the head.
    GLOVES
    • Gloves are required to protect the cave from you. Touching
    formations with your bear hands can kill the formation, due to the
    dirt and oil on your hands.

    ELBOW AND KNEE PADS


    • There are caving Knee pads; however you can use other kinds of
    knee & elbow pads for caving. Roller skating knee and elbow pads
    work well for beginners.

    FOOT WARE
    • You must wear sturdy boots with lug soles to protect your feet and
    grip securely on rocks and mud. Ankle support is very important,
    you can easily twist an ankle in a cave. Tennis/gym shoes, sandals,
    open toed shoes, flimsy shoes should not be worn in a cave.
    CLOTHING
    • Proper clothing is very important on cave trips. Utah has many
    geothermal caves (hot temps.), we also have many very cold caves.
    Plan ahead and dress appropriately. Wet clothes in a cold cave can
    cause hypothermia which can kill quickly. Except in the very driest,
    warmest caves, avoid wearing cotton clothing, because it absorbs and
    retains more water than synthetic fabrics and draws heat from your
    body.

    • Polypropylene, nylon, and polyester tend to be more


    abrasion-resistant, absorb less water, dry quickly, and
    retain heat better than cotton fabrics.

    • Know the cave conditions before you go.


    FOOD
    • Food sufficient for the length of the trip, plus extra in case the trip
    takes longer than expected. High energy foods, not sugary foods
    are best. Power bars, nuts, trail mix etc.

    • Caving trips are hard on everything so pack durable foods. Bananas


    and sandwiches get crushed during a trip but bagels and energy
    bars usually do fine. Pack foods in crush-proof boxes. You can find
    tuna in an aluminum pouch that is great for cave trips and takes up
    little space and the package is very durable.

    • Do not take crumbly or messy foods into a cave. The crumbs that
    you leave will damage the delicate ecosystem of a cave.
    DRINKS
    • Replacing fluids & electrolytes and staying hydrated is essential while
    in a cave. Bring plenty of liquid to drink! Caving can be a very physical
    activity. Don’t let yourself become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead
    to hypothermia.

    • Use a durable plastic bottle, never take glass and avoid aluminum. Do
    not bring milk or soda or carbonated drinks into a cave. The milk will
    sour and the soda will be so shaken that it will explode and damage
    the cave ecosystem.

    • Be aware of the rules for the cave you are visiting. Some caves
    prohibit food or drink of any kind to enter the cave.

    • LEAVE NO TRACE, WHAT YOU PACK IN, YOU PACK OUT!


    HUMAN WASTE

    • “Pack it in, pack it out.” Leave no trace of your presence in the cave.
    When you must relieve yourself, do so in an appropriate container or
    containers, and remove the waste from the cave. Not doing so forces
    the next caver to encounter it; even more importantly your waste will
    damage the delicate ecosystems that exist in the cave.

    • Pee Bottle & zip lock bag (Fill zip lock bag 1/3 full of kitty litter)
    FIRST AID KIT

    • We strongly recommend a personal size First Aid Kit for each person.
    You should have at least a knife, gauze pads, an Ace Bandage, garbage
    bag or space blanket, candle and water proof matches. Store your kit
    in a waterproof container, Pelican box or in several sealable plastic
    baggies to keep the contents dry.

    • KEEP THIS WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES IN A CAVE!

    • Accidents aren’t planned that is why they are


    called “accidents”.
    TRAIL MARKERS
    • Use trail markers when inside the cave. Even if you have a map and
    you know the cave well, placing markers along your way will help
    ensure that everyone will find their way out. Just in case something
    happens to the leaders, the other members can find their way out to
    get help.

    • One inexpensive idea is to put reflective tape on one end of a large


    pop-sickle stick. (White tape shows up the best.) Remember the last
    person to leave should remove the markers on the way out of the
    cave.

    • DO NOT paint, mark or otherwise damage the cave to mark the trail
    out! This is called vandalism and is illegal!
    Disposable dust masks.

    • Some caves can be very dusty, and or have a lot of guano. An


    inexpensive dust mask will make your trip much more pleasant and
    safe. Carry two masks in your helmet for easy access.
    CLEANING YOUR GEAR
    • Every time you visit a cave you should wash and clean anything that
    you took into the cave with you. This is to prevent any contamination
    of the next cave you enter.

    • WNS, White Nose Syndrome, is a disease that has decimated the bat
    population in the eastern United States and is moving west ward.
    Many caves east of Denver are now closed to caving. Caves west of
    Denver must use a decontamination protocol to make sure that WMS
    is not spread in the west. While it is not totally certain how WNS is
    spread, you must follow decontamination protocol after you visit a
    cave.

    • You will be given the information on how to properly clean your gear
    when you submit your Trip Plan.
    WHAT TO DO IN A CAVE
    • SAFETY FIRST AND ALWAYS!

    • Follow BSA Caving Policy and Caving rules.

    • No vertical caving unless ALL members have the approved training.

    • Do not run or jump on or off of anything. Depth perception


    underground is much different than above ground.

    • Do not bother, harass or touch bats, especially while they are


    hibernating. Disturbing bats will cause them to use their energy
    storage and they may die before spring.

    • Always keep your gloves on when in a cave. The oils and dirt from
    your skin will kill the part of the cave that you touch.
    • Never break formations or take anything that belongs in a cave, from
    a cave. Caves are protected by law.

    • Do not make marks in or on the cave in anyway.

    • Stay together, be aware of your surroundings.

    • Be aware of the time. “Cave time” (your perception of time) is much


    different underground. Don’t miss your check in time, unless you
    want to meet the local Search and Rescue Team.

    • Leave no trace of your presence in the cave.

    • Be respectful of the cave owner.

    • Have fun and learn a lot!

    • Cave safely, cave softly!


    WHERE TO GO CAVING
    According to BSA General Caving Policy 19-102A &19-102B Cave trips
    are divided into 2 separate groups:
    All caving, other than simple novice activities, should be limited
    to adults and young people 14 and older—members of
    Venturing Crews Learning For Life Explorer Posts and older
    Scouts in troops, and teams. "Simple novice activities“ means
    commercially operated cave excursions.

    Ages 11-13 “Simple novice activities” means commercially operated cave excursions.

    Ages 14-21 See list of approved caves and appropriate training.

    Contact the Utah National Parks Council for a list of approved caves
    If there is a cave that you think should be on the approved list, please let us know.
    Cartoons courtesy of www.angelfire.com Photos: Max Barker, Kent Forman, Debbie Spoons

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