RAMS - Vertical Caving

Hazard management strategies

Brief students on risks

Students to follow all instructions

Ensure that all students are competent swimmers, put non swimmers near trip leaders

Communication systems to be established before entering the cave with a leader and tail end Charlie being

identified and the understanding that we are to always stay together

Time allowed for brief and debrief

Pre-trip medical form to be completed by each participant and any medical conditions to be made know to

instructors by head teacher prior to entering the cave. Personal medications to be taken

Challenge by choice philosophy, allow students to choose which passageways they would like to go through

Brief participants on what they are about to experience before they enter the cave and give them the opportunity

to disclose any fears/issues before entering the cave so that the leaders can better support them

Give participants time to a just to the darkness when they first enter

Instructors to set an achievable walking/crawling pace for the level of groups fitness. Spare thermals to be carried

Practice rope skills at school. If students do not show competence then they do not go on the trip

Educate students on correct use of equipment. All students to be fitted with helmet and head lamp and briefed

to wear it at all times when inside the cave

Hazard management strategies

All students issued with helmets, waterproof lights, caving overalls, & caving gumboots

Remind students to bring a warm clothing, not to wear any cotton

Instructor to check first aid kits are replenished and packed prior to trip

SRT kit's to be checked for any damage, cows tails tails are long enough, carabiners are responsive

Charge headlights before every cave trip

Check and report all rope damage before, during, and after trips

Hazard management strategies

Instructor to check weather leading up to trip and check water levels before trip, if there has been rain.

Postpone trip if water levels may be too high.

Activity leader to be aware of areas where cell phone coverage can be established

Participants’ to be briefed on what they are going into. Issued with lights. Students bring thermal wear.

Brief to include the need to take your time, only walking in the caves and letting each other know where the

ground is uneven, unstable or slippery

Before entering the cave brief the participants why and how we respect the cave environment

Brief students of all the creatures found in caves and talk about it before entering

Notify students that there is no toilet on site prior to leaving school so that they can best plan/take care of business

Try not to spend too much time under waterfalls

Students to use their safety lines if going near cliff edges

Use caution when climbing around sharp rock