Minimal Impact Caving Code

Introduction
The need for a Minimal Impact Caving Code (MICC) has evolved over many years as cavers have realised the impact that they have on caves. That impact is so diverse and varied that it has become necessary to devise a caving code that ensures that cavers are aware of the measures that are necessary to reduce their impact on caves. To those of you who have just become Australian Speleological Federation (Inc) (ASF) members it is important that you understand that a MICC IS necessary because cavers are one of the major sources of damage to caves. Read the MICC carefully and apply it to all of your caving - it will not completely stop cavers damaging caves but it will certainly reduce their impact on the cave environment. This MICC was devised by cavers FOR CAVES - please assist the Caves of Australia by using these simple MIC techniques. This MICC should be used in conjunction with the ASF Code of Ethics.
General
This code is divided into two sections. One relating to the exploration of a newly discovered cave or section of cave and the other relating to general cave visitation. The following practices may fall into both sections and may be modified depending on the type of cave being visited. It should be stated that we are discussing here a code which will ensure that cavers have a minimal impact on the cave they are visiting. In many instances the practices may not apply as the impact that cavers have, may be minuscule, compared to the impact of flooding of the entire cave, for example. These practices are generally intended to apply in caves where cavers are likely to have a detrimental impact on the cave purely by entering the cave. In-cave marking refers to the use of a variety of materials to define tracks, routes and barricades in a cave. These measures should be taken to protect sensitive areas, confine caver foot damage, make cavers aware that a sensitive (it may be an unobvious cave animals' territory) area exists. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS CODE - SURVEYORS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, SCIENTISTS, EXPLORER'S ETC ARE ALL SUBJECT TO THIS CODE.
General Cave Visitation
1.	Remember EVERY caving trip has an impact. Is this trip into this cave necessary? If it is just for recreation, is there another cave that is less vulnerable to damage that can be visited? Make this assessment depending on the purpose of your visit, the size and experience of the proposed party, and IF THE TRIP IS LIKELY to damage the cave.
2.	Where possible the party leader should have visited the cave previously and hence should be aware of sensitive features of the cave, the best anchor points, and generally reduce the need for unnecessary exploration.
3.	Cave slowly. You will see and enjoy more, and there will be less chance of damage to the cave and to yourself. This especially applies when you are tired and exiting a cave.
4.	If there are beginners on a trip, make sure that they are close to an experienced caver, so that the experienced caver can help them when required, e.g. in difficult sections. Ensure that the party caves at the pace of the slowest caver.
5.	Keep your party size small - 4 is a good party size.
6.	Cave as a team - help each other through the cave. Don't split up unless impact is reduced by doing so.
7.	Constantly watch your head placement AND that of your party members. Let them know before they are likely to do any damage.
8.	Keep caving packs as small as possible or don't use them in sensitive caves or extensions.
9.	Ensure that party members don't wander about the cave unnecessarily.
10.	Stay on all marked or obvious paths. If no paths are marked or none is obvious - define ONE!
11.	Learn to recognise cave deposits or features that may be damaged by walking or crawling on them. Examples are:- Drip Holes, Stream Sediments, Paleo soils, Soil Cones, Crusts, Flowstone, Cave Pearls, Asphodilites, Bone material, Potential Archaeological sites, Cave Fauna, Coffee & Cream, Tree Roots
12.	Take care in the placement of hands and feet throughout a cave.
13.	Wash your caving overalls and boots regularly so that the spread of bacteria and fungi are minimised.
14.	If a site is obviously being degraded examine the site carefully to determine if an alternative route is possible. Any alternative route MUST not cause the same or greater degradation than the currently used route. If an alternative is available suggest the alternative route to the appropriate management authority and report the degradation.
15.	Carry in-cave marking materials while caving and restore any missing markers. Tape off sensitive areas you believe are being damaged and report the damage to the appropriate management authority.
16.	If it is necessary to walk on flowstone in a cave remove any muddied boots and or clothing before proceeding OR DON'T PROCEED! Sometimes it is better to assess the situation and return at a later date with the appropriate equipment.
17.	Treat the cave biota with respect, watch out for them, and avoid damaging them and their "traps", webs, etc. Also avoid directly lighting cave biota if possible.
18.	If bone material is found on existing or proposed tracks it should be moved off the track to a safer location if at all possible. Collection should only be undertaken with appropriate permission.
19.	If you eat food in a cave ensure that small food fragments are not dropped as this may impact the cave biota. One way is to carry a plastic bag to eat over and catch the food fragments. This can then be folded up and removed from the cave.
20.	Ensure that all foreign matter is removed from caves. This includes human waste. If long trips are to be made into a cave ensure that containers for the removal of liquid and solid waste are included on the trip inventory.
21.	When rigging caves with artificial anchors, e.g. traces, tapes, rope etc, ensure that minimal damage occurs to the anchor site by protecting the site. For example protect frequently used anchors, e.g. trees, with carpet, packs, cloth, etc. Bolts should only be used where natural anchors are inappropriate.
22.	CAVE SOFTLY!
New Cave or Extension Explorations
1.	The existing microbiology of the new cave, both fungi, bacteria, and a world of protozoa, will almost certainly be irreversibly contaminated on the first trip into the cave! If you consider cave microbiology has not been investigated in the area of this new cave, if cave microbiologists are available, then please consider including them on initial explorations so that they may collect uncontaminated samples.
2.	Do not enter the new area if you do not have the equipment required to undertake the minimal activities. Surveying equipment and in-cave markers.
3.	The minimal activity should be in-cave marking and surveying. Not purely exploration.
4.	Ensure that all alternative routes are examined, by completing the cave survey, prior to crossing sensitive areas. It may not be necessary to enter some areas as they can be by-passed.
5.	Having determined that a sensitive area is to be crossed it should ALWAYS be marked. Reduce future damage by defining a distinct, minimal width track.
6.	Discuss in-cave marking within the party and ensure that all ideas are evaluated before marking is undertaken.
7.	CAVE SOFTLY!
©Australian Speleological Federation Inc. Without limiting the rights under copyright legislation, no part of the Code may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior permission of the copyright owner. In the first instance enquiries should be directed to the ASF General Secretary. The copyright owner will normally grant a licence without charge to reproduce the Minimal Impact Caving Code, provided that the copyright holder is acknowledged. All requests should be directed to the Secretary.

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Preface
This Minimal Impact Rescue Code (the MIRC) is to guide rescue squads in the conservation, protection and sustainable use of appropriate caves being accessed by rescue organizations unfamiliar with the Australian Speleological Federation Inc. codes for cave protection and conservation. This code is derived from and closely follows the ASF Code of Ethics and the ASF Minimal Impact Caving Code (MICC). This MIRC should be used in conjunction with the ASF Code of Ethics and the ASF Minimal Impact Caving Code (the MICC) and not as a substitute. 

The need for a Minimal Impact Rescue Code (MIRC) has evolved over many years as cavers and cave managers have realised the impact that they have on caves. The impact that practice cave rescues have are so diverse and varied that it has become necessary to devise a code that ensures that rescue operators are aware of the measures that are necessary to reduce their impact on caves in a practice rescue. 

It is important that you understand that a MIRC for Cave Rescue, is necessary because rescue operators operating in caves can be a major source of damage to caves. Read the MIRC for Cave Rescue carefully and apply it to all practice cave rescues - it will not completely stop damage to caves but it will certainly reduce the impact on the cave environment. This MIRC was devised by cavers and cave rescue operators for Cave rescue practices and authentics - please assist the caves of Australia by using these simple techniques. 

We are discussing here a code which will ensure that practice cave rescues have a minimal impact on the cave they are set in. In many instances the practices may not apply as the impact that they have may be minuscule compared to natural impacts on the cave - such as flooding of the entire cave for example. These practices are intended to apply in caves where rescue operators are likely to have a detrimental impact on the cave purely by entering the cave. 

In-cave marking refers to the use of a variety of materials to define tracks, routes and barricades in a cave. These measures are taken to protect sensitive areas, confine foot damage, make rescue teams aware that a sensitive (it may be a less obvious cave animal's territory) area exists. 

There are no exceptions to this code - surveyors, photographers, scientists, explorers, cave rescue operators etc are all subject to this code. 

Introduction 
1. Although their primary aim is the provision of rescue services and training for rescue in and from caves, nevertheless rescue operators will actively promote cave conservation and sound management practices through example, education, advice and training. 

2. This code establishes a minimum standard of conservation to be undertaken by any rescue operator.

3. Higher standards may be required by management authorities for particular caves or karst regions, in which case those standards will be adhered to.

General Ethics
1. Landowners, Management authorities and their staff or representatives will be treated with courtesy and respect.

2. All rescue personnel must have specific or tacit approval from the landowner and/or management authority before entering any property or reserve, must follow only agreed routes and must not visit forbidden areas. 

3. The prevailing procedures regarding gates on properties and reserves will be followed and care taken to cause no damage to stock, crops, equipment or landscape features.

4. No cave excavation, including the use of explosives will be undertaken with out the permission of the landowner and/or management authority and the controlling authority of the rescue organization and only after an assessment of environmental effect. 

5. Recognised codes for minimum impact camping will be observed with particular emphasis on complete removal of rubbish and, wherever possible, avoidance of camping on karst catchment areas. 

6. Reports on rescue practices and caving activities are to be accurate, avoiding sensationalism or exaggeration.

7. Consideration should be given before publishing an article disclosing a cave's location, as to the intended wishes of the landowner and/or management authority, and subsequent effect on the cave. 

8. When visiting an area frequented by another caving body, the rescue organiser will cooperate fully with the caving trip leader. 

General Cave Rescue
1. Remember every exercise in a cave has an impact. Is this exercise in this cave necessary? If it is for cave rescue training, is there another cave that is less vulnerable to damage that can be made use of? Make this assessment depending on the purpose of your visit, the size and experience of the trainees/rescue operators, and if the practice is likely to damage the cave---do not use the cave. 

2. Where possible above and underground controllers should have visited the cave previously and hence should be aware of sensitive features of the cave, the best anchor points, and generally reduce the need for unnecessary access to other sections of cave. 

3. Cave slowly. There will be less chance of damage to the cave and to yourself. This especially applies when you are tired. All rescue personnel should be in the cave for no more than 3 hours then relieved by fresh personnel. 

4. Keep operating team size small - 4 to 6 is a good team size. Generally the maximum size of any rescue team should be limited to the expertise required (no more than two trainees to one experienced operator).

5. If there are trainees on a trip, make sure that they are teamed with experienced operators, so that the expertise can be passed to them when required, eg. in difficult situations. Ensure that the team operates at the pace of the slowest team member. 

6. Operate as a team - help each other to minimize damage to the cave. Don't split up unless impact is reduced by doing so. 

7. Ensure that team members don't wander about the cave unnecessarily. 

8. Constantly watch your head placement and that of your team members. Let them know before they are likely to do any damage the cave. 

9. Keep gear packs as small as possible and don't use sensitive caves or extensions to the cave.

10. Stay on all marked or obvious paths. If no paths are marked or none is obvious - define one with flagging tape (don't forget to remove the tape at the end of the exercise). 

11. Learn to recognise cave deposits or features that may be damaged by walking or crawling on them. Examples are:- Drip Holes, Stream Sediments, Paleo Soils, Soil Cones, Crusts, Flowstones, False Floors, Cave Pearls, Asphodilites, Bone Material, Potential Archaeological Sites, Cave Fauna, Coffee &Cream and Tree Roots. 

12. Take care in the placement of hands and feet through the cave. 

13. If an area of cave is obviously being degraded examine the site carefully to determine if an alternative route is possible. Any alternative route MUST not cause the same or greater degradation than the currently used route. If an alternative is available suggest the alternative route to the appropriate management authority and report the degradation. 

14. Note any missing marking materials while in the cave so it may be restored later. Tape off sensitive areas prior to the practice. If you believe damage is occurring during a practice stop the proceedings till damage has been overcome and report any damage to the appropriate management authority.

15. If it is necessary to walk on flowstone in a cave remove any muddied boots and or clothing before proceeding or don't proceed! Sometimes it is better to assess the situation and not damage any cave feature. 

16. Treat the cave biota with respect, watch out for them, and avoid damaging them and their "traps", webs, etc. Also avoid directly lighting cave biota if possible. No disturbance should be caused to maternity or over-wintering roosts of bats.

17. Wash your caving overalls and boots regularly so that the spread of bacteria and fungi are minimised. 

18. If bone material is found it should be reported to the appropriate management authority, do not touch or remove if termination of a practice is necessary do so. 

19. Do not eat inappropriate food in a cave (such as biscuits or cake as it is difficult to avoid leaving crumbs). If it necessary to eat ensure that small food fragments are not dropped as this may impact the cave biota. One way to stop this is to carry a plastic bag to eat over or spread a large plastic sheet on the ground to catch the food fragments. This can then be folded up and removed from the cave. 

20. Rescue operators will not smoke in any cave. 

21. Camping will not occur in a cave, unless absolutely necessary to achieve a specific rescue training objective. 

22. Ensure that all foreign matter is removed from caves. This includes human waste. If long trips are to be made into a cave ensure that containers for the removal of liquid and solid waste are included on the trip inventory. 

23. When rigging caves with artificial anchors, eg. tapes, rope etc, ensure that minimal damage occurs to the anchor site by protecting the site. For example protect frequently used anchors, eg. trees, with carpet, packs, cloth, etc. Bolts should only be used in an authentic rescue situation if natural anchors are inappropriate. Traces should not be used. 

24. Rescue activity must be conducted in a manner responsible to the cave environment, taking particular care to avoid damage to speleothems, sediments, biota and other natural phenomena. 

25. Cave entrances and passages should not be excavated/enlarged, water levels in sumps should not be modified and stream flows should not be diverted until all possible effects are assessed and the appropriate permission gained. Any modification must be the minimum required. 

26. Establish routes and mark them for other operators; a Michiephone cable or phone cable may be appropriate, single tracks should be followed and care taken to avoid needless deposition of mud. Mud-throwing or modeling is unacceptable. 

27. Caves must not be disfigured by unnecessary marking (including direction arrows).

28. The use of metal stretchers will only be undertaken in an authentic rescue if no other is available, metal stretchers will never be used in a practice rescue. Cave softly 

New Cave or New Extension to a Known Cave
1. The existing microbiology of the new cave, fungi, bacteria, and a world of protozoa, will almost certainly be irreversibly contaminated on the first trip into the cave!

2. Do not enter a new area if you do not have the equipment or skills required to undertake the minimal activities. 

3. The minimal activity should be in-cave marking and surveying---not purely exploration. 

4. Ensure that all alternative routes are examined before any damage occurs. It may not be necessary to enter some areas as they can be by-passed. 

5 Having determined that a sensitive area is to be crossed it should always be marked. Reduce future damage by defining a distinct, minimal width track. 

6. Discuss in-cave marking within the party and ensure that all ideas are evaluated before marking is undertaken. 

7. Cave softly.

©Australian Speleological Federation Inc.

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Important Cautions 
Please read EACH of the following important messages BEFORE reading the Cave Safety Guidelines: 
1. Liability of ASF, etc.: If you visit any cave, canyon, cliff or karst area or feature, YOU DO SO ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
2. Caving, cave diving, canyoning, single rope technique and other like activities are INHERENTLY DANGEROUS AND RISKY ACTIVITIES.
3. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THE Cave Safety Guidelines.
4. Notwithstanding anything in these Guidelines or any other guidelines or document, any representation or anything else, the Australian Speleological Federation Inc., its servants, officers, members and agents SHALL NOT BE LIABLE for any of the following:
(a) any NEGLIGENCE in the preparation, adoption, publication, re-publication or other promulgation of these Guidelines; 
(b) any loss, damage, injury, death, accident or other misadventure arising out of, sustained during or as a consequence of, or in any way relating to any act(s) or omission(s) occurring during or prior to any visit to any cave, canyon, cliff, or karst feature or area; or 
(c) any consequence of any failure properly to have regard to and understand these important cautions.
5. In each of these important cautions, "these Guidelines" shall be deemed to include every copy, draft or revision of these Guidelines, and any copy or part thereof.
6. If you do not completely understand these important cautions, you should seek your own, INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE.

Contents 
1. General
2. Planning 
3. Party Leader's Responsibilities
4. Team Member's Responsibilities
5. Above Ground Organisation
6. Equipment to be Carried Underground
7. Climbing and Calls
8. Single Rope Techniques
9. Caving in Foul Air
10. Cave Diving
11. Free Diviing

Introduction 
As cavers we enter an environment that provides physical and mental challenges and the satisfaction of personal discovery. It is also an environment that can be unremitting in its hostility to the unprepared, incapacitated or injured. Emergency medical support that is readily available to participants in other regional activities may take many hours to get to a casualty in a cave. Getting such aid to the casualty is only the start to what can often be the long and difficult task of returning the injured person to the surface.

Risks can be reduced to acceptable levels but never eliminated. The way to minimise risks is to undertake caving with an attitude of self-reliance, responsibility and preparedness. In practical terms this means careful planning, competent organisation, appropriate provisioning and thorough training. 

1. General 
1.1 Minimum independent party size is four. This is the smallest group that is able to muster sufficient physical resources for effective self rescue and provide adequate care should a member become injured or incapacitated. 

1.2 At least one member of the party should hold an approved first aid certificate and all members to know basic emergency procedure in case of an accident. 

1.3 Every member of the party should know the correct procedure to follow in summoning help in an emergency.

2. Planning 
The points under this heading are the sorts of things a good leader would consider, irrespective of the scale of the trip. When planning more ambitious trips, the procedure would be formalised by discussion with deputy leaders and other party members; whereas on more routine trips these points would be covered almost as a mental check list. 

2.1 Determine what known hazards exist in the cave(s) to be visited. 

2.2 Notify any `local' speleological groups of the trip intentions, giving sufficient notice so they can assist in identifying any hazards or needs for special equipment. 

2.3 Decide minimum equipment requirements (including emergency equipment and provisions), in the light of expected hazards and what you plan to do in the cave. Consider if you have sufficient equipment available for the trip or will the scope of the trip need to be revised. 

2.4 Ascertain the levels of knowledge, skill and physical abilities of all intending trip members. 

2.5 Determine the extent of self-rescue that could be effected by the party with the equipment available and the time delay to be expected before a full rescue operation could be expected in case of mishap.

2.6 Having regard for the items above, consider the need for `lead up' training for members, especially if attempting demanding caves in remote areas. 

2.7 Identify members to act as second or deputy leaders in case the party has to be split. 

2.8 Decide under what circumstances the party will be split. 

2.9 Determine critical factors that would mean abandoning the trip or turning back e.g. weather conditions. 

2.10 Decide at what stages of a trip (especially long trips) assessment of continuing or turning back is to be made. 

2.11 Decide on communication procedures to be used underground. 

2.12 Decide expected time for completion and route to be followed. Add a factor for unexpected delays and nominate a realistic return time as well as a `commence search and rescue' time. 

2.13 Leave trip details with the appropriate responsible authority for the region where the trip is planned. 

3. Party Leader's Responsibilities 
3.1 Ascertain that each member of the party has the knowledge, abilities, skill and equipment to safely attempt the trip. 

3.2 Conduct the trip in such a way that the party remains as an interconnected group and the leader is aware of each member's position and condition. 

3.3 Ensure that members do not get into situations beyond their capabilities. 

3.4 Check all equipment intended for use in hazardous situations for suitability and serviceability before every trip. 

3.5 Ensure all members know the accepted communications procedures and calls before each trip. (see `Climbing and Calls') 

4. Team Member's Responsibilities 
The points under this heading are the sorts of things a team member would consider, irrespective of the scale of the trip. When planning more ambitious trips the procedure would be formalised by discussion with the leader or deputy leader. 

4.1 To inform the party leader: a) of any medical condition that may affect performance. b) if under any medication, detail dosages, times to be take, location of medication among equipment, and effects if dosages are missed.

4.2 Do not enter a cave if under the influence of alcohol or other performance-altering drug. 4.3 Indicate any uncertainty about procedures or equipment use before entering a cave. 

4.4 Know how to use all the safety/vertical equipment needed for the trip. 

4.5 Inspect rigging and associated vertical equipment before using. (You have the right to ask for extra back-up, or re-rig the pitch after consulting with the party leader. Any re-rigging must be checked and OK'd by another party member, ideally the leader or the person who did the rigging.) 

4.6 Ensure that you are properly equipped for the trip. 

4.7 Accept that the party leader has the final decision as to who is considered properly equipped, trained and physically fit to be included on the trip.

4.8 Accept that the party leader may request to inspect personal equipment and provisions for suitability. 

5. Above Ground Organisation 
5.1 The following items should be within easy reach of the cave entrance: 
a) Fully equipped first aid kit. 
b) A sleeping bag and sleeping mat. 
c) Food, fuel stove, and water. 
d) Tent (which can be erected in the cave). 

5.2 All members of the party must be able to gain access to cars carrying support equipment. 

6. Equipment to be Carried Underground 
6.1 Mandatory personal equipment
a) Helmet with rigid chin strap (ie not elastic). 
b) Reliable and independent primary and secondary light sources, which should be carried on the person at all times. 
c) Adequate clothing for cave attempted. 
d) Adequate footwear - boots are recommended. 
e) Waist tape (5m x 50mm webbing is recommended). f) Small first aid kit. 
g) Whistle and penknife. 
h) Spare globes & batteries.

6.2 Other recommended personal equipment 
a) Third light source. b) Self-rescue hardware (ascenders & pulleys) if vertical caving. 
c) Prussik loops. 
d) Extra clothing.
e) Space blanket. 
f) Triangular bandage and/or compression bandage. 

6.3 Mandatory party equipment (should be carried by the leader): 
a) First Aid Kit - leave at the entrance or in the car for short trips; take along on longer trips. 
b) Food and water if the cave warrants it. 
c) Notebook and pencil. 
d) Rescue rope and hardware (ascenders & pulleys) if vertical caving. 
e) A watch. 
f) Pocket knife (Swiss army instant repair kit!). 

7. Climbing and Calls 
* Note that most caving accidents are falls from unbelayed climbing.* 

7.1 Any member of a caving party always has the right to request and receive a safety line. 

7.2 Safety lines (belays) should be used on all pitches where a ladder is more than just a hand-hold. 

7.3 There should only be one person at a time on a climb.

7.4 Climbing calls should always be used. The Party Leader should ensure that everyone understands and agrees on proposed calls before going underground. Recommended calls are the "UP, DOWN, STOP" system, as detailed: 
"UP" means "I want to come up", "take up slack", "haul up", etc
"DOWN" means "I'm coming down", "pay out more rope", etc "OK" should be used for any affirmative. 
"STOP" means quit whatever you are doing - stop feeding out line, stop hauling up, stop ascending, hold line taut - and wait for further communication. 
"BELOW!" is a warning that anything is falling down toward those below. It does NOT mean "look up"! 

An example is as follows:
Climber: "UP" or "DOWN" as appropriate (meaning `I want to come up/down') 
Belayer: "OK" meaning `on belay, come up/down' Climber: "SAFE" when finished climbing & off safety line 

NB: The word "slack" should NOT BE USED in calls, as it is ambiguous, and could mean either "up" or "down". Similarly for the word "rope", which is also ambiguous.

7.5 Whistle signals should be used on pitches where voices cannot be heard (e.g.. near waterfalls). If different whistle signals are used because of `local rules', each member of the party should be told what the communication will be before entering the cave. 

Recommended signals are: 
One blast STOP 
Two blasts UP 
Three blasts DOWN 
Four blasts OK/SAFE 
One very long HELP! 

8. Single Rope Techniques 
8.1 Minimum skills required -- 

8.1.1 Any person engaging in vertical caving must be able to tie the following knots" 
a) Tape knot
b) Figure Eight 
c) Double Fisherman's 
d) Prussik knot 

8.1.2 All SRT cavers should be able to tie and use a two-knot prussik system for use in emergencies. 

8.1.3 Cavers must be familiar with equipment and be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following: 
a) Fitting of SRT harness and correct attachment of equipment.
b) Crossing re-belays, rope-protectors and re-directions. 
c) Changing from descent to ascent and vice versa. d) Crossing knots - both ascending and descending. 

8.2 Equipment --

8.2.1 A spare (emergency) rope should always be available when engaging in vertical caving.

8.2.2 Each member of the party should have their own personal equipment - sharing is unacceptable. 

8.2.3 A helmet with a four-point attachment CHINSTRAP should be worn for any vertical work, whether above ground or below. A construction worker's helmet is not suitable for SRT work.

8.2.4 Gloves should always be worn when engaging in SRT work.

8.2.5 A knife and whistle on a breakable lanyard should be carried when engaging in vertical caving. 

8.2.6 Both ascending AND descending equipment should always be carried, irrespective of which direction you are heading. The gear should be so arranged that it is ready to be used to reverse direction without delay. 

8.2.7 Two or more ascenders must be attached independently to the seat harness in an ascending rig, such that if either fails or is accidentally disengaged, the caver will remain upright. 

8.2.8 There must be TWO POINTS OF ATTACHMENT AT ALL TIMES when ascending. Therefore, a third ascender/cowstails should be used when crossing rebelays, rope protectors, or transferring to tails at pitch tops.

8.2.9 For abseiling, the use of variable friction devices is recommended, such as rappel racks and bobbins. Figure 8, Harpoon devices and the "classic" style are NOT recommended. 

8.2.10 If karabiner/brake-bar devices are used, then a large steel screw-gate karabiner and extended length piton should be used.

8.3 Safety Checks/Procedures -- 

8.3.1 Long hair must be tied back for vertical work and jewellery should be removed.

8.3.2 Rigged ropes should have a knot tied in the end to prevent accidentally abseiling off the end. A double Figure-8 with a loop large enough to put your foot in is recommended. 

8.3.3 Every person descending a pitch should check the rigging for soundness. Pay particular attention to anchor points, karabiner gates, knots, rope protection and free hang. 

8.3.4 Calls should be used for both ascending and descending.

Recommended code is: 

Descending 
Abseiler: "DOWN" When abseiler is clipped into rope and ready to descend 
Belayer: "OK" When bottom belayer is ready. If belay is not being used, then "buddy" gives this response. 
Abseiler: "SAFE" Once unclipped from rope and clear of the pitch bottom. 

Ascending 
Ascender: "UP" When caver is attached to rope and wishes to ascend.
"Buddy": "OK" If safe to ascend. 
Ascender: "SAFE" To cavers at bottom when ascent is complete and caver is off rope and clear of pitch head. 


9. Caving in Foul Air 
9.1 General Comments 

Foul air is an atmosphere which contains greater than 0.5% CO2 and/or lower than 18% O2 by volume. 

Brief exposure to foul air will cause a rapid increase in the heart and breathing rates. 

Prolonged exposure may have some or all of the following effects on party members: 
a) Increased heart and breathing rate b) Lack of attention to details 
c) Clumsiness 
d) Fatigue 
e) Anxiety
f) Severe headaches and in some cases nausea 

Exposure to atmospheres containing greater than 6% CO2 and/or less than 11% O2 can result in unconsciousness with prolonged exposure - leading to suffocation and death. These gas concentrations may vary a couple of percent, depending on the tolerance of the individual, however nobody is immune to the effects of foul air. 

The above physiological signs are a good indication of foul air. The flame extinction test is a simple test which can confirm the presence of foul air which is dangerous to human life. The relative O2 concentration by volume that will cause a flame to extinguish is approximately 15% or less. In general a low O2 concentration which will not support combustion is associated with an elevated CO2 concentration. An elevated CO2 concentration is generally the most life threatening foul air scenario found within limestone caves. The flame test can be undertaken by lighting a match or butane cigarette lighter or carrying a lit candle into suspected foul air. If the flame is extinguished, foul air is present. Where possible a butane cigarette lighter should be used to reduce unpleasant fumes emitted from matches burnt by people testing air quality in the confines of a cave. 

9.2 As soon as foul air is suspected, a test should be made by striking a butane lighter. If it will not remain alight, then the party should immediately begin to exit, but should NOT PANIC OR RUSH.

9.3 If ascending vertical pitches, great care and thorough checking should be carried out to ensure equipment is properly attached. 

9.4 If abseiling into a cave suspected of containing foul air the following procedures should be followed; 
a) The first person down should use a trailing ascender held open or a similar device which will lock if the person is overcome by foul air. Alternatively the person can be slowly lowered by a single top rope.
b) The abseil or lowering rope must be able to be changed to a retrieval system in the event that the abseiler is overcome by foul air. 
c) The first person down the pitch should have foul air experience. They should make regular checks by stopping and lighting a butane lighter every few metres of descent and communicate constantly with those above. 

9.5 Beginners or other suffering fatigue and /or anxiety should be guided, watched and encouraged until out of the cave. 

9.6 All cavers, and most particularly Party Leaders, should recognise the fact that exposure to foul air has an effect on a person’s ability to function normally. The likelihood of an accident is therefore greatly increased. All care and precautions should be taken. 

9.7 Under special circumstances such as search and recovery operations, exploration and scientific work, it may be decided to enter into foul air deliberately. Under such circumstances the following is recommended:- 

9.7.1 In mild foul air where breathing rate is up
a) A CO2 tester should be carried - if nothing else is available, use a lit candle or frequently test with a butane cigarette lighter. If the flame goes out - get out slowly. 
b) Cavers with no experience of foul air should be introduced to it gradually by an experienced leader. 

9.7.2 In foul air where the flame test fails only experienced foul air cavers should enter these regions. In addition to the recommendations in 9.7.1; 
c) A CO2 tester must be carried eg. a Draeger Gas Analyser. 
d) An "oxygen rebreathing" apparatus should be taken (one kit to four people). The rebreather set should go down the cave with the first person. 

9.7.3 In cave atmospheres containing greater than 6% CO2 and/or less than 11% O2, self contained breathing apparatus is necessary and all the precautions against equipment failure taken in mines rescue and cave diving should be followed. 

10. Cave Diving 
Cave Diving is defined as the diving of water filled passages/caverns using SCUBA or other supplied breathing apparatus, and guidelines. All persons attempting cave diving should be properly trained and certified by a body such as the Cave Divers Association of Australia (CDAA).

Safety Guidelines for cave diving are contained in the ASF Cave Diving - Code of Practice (1988). 


11. Free Diving 
Free diving is defined as breath-held diving of (relatively) short water filled passages, without the use of supplied breathing apparatus, and is most commonly practised in the "free diving of sumps". Just as with Cave Diving, the use of guide lines is mandatory. 

Safety Guidelines for free diving are contained in the ASF Free Diving - Code of Practice. 

©Australian Speleological Federation Inc.

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