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− | <TD><p>The constitution | + | <TD><p>The constitution is temporarily offline pending changes.</P> |
<p>CUCC has several members who graduated several years ago but live in the Cambridge area. | <p>CUCC has several members who graduated several years ago but live in the Cambridge area. | ||
In addition, there is a greater number who remain in contact through the Ex-Cambridge Speleologists | In addition, there is a greater number who remain in contact through the Ex-Cambridge Speleologists | ||
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strongly discouraged, as are trips with fewer than an experienced leader and | strongly discouraged, as are trips with fewer than an experienced leader and | ||
seconder. | seconder. | ||
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appear dangerous. The caves will still be there for another day.</li> | appear dangerous. The caves will still be there for another day.</li> | ||
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CUCC adheres to this; guidebooks are always consulted before each trip if | CUCC adheres to this; guidebooks are always consulted before each trip if | ||
there is any doubt. | there is any doubt. | ||
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party members are safely out of the cave.</li> | party members are safely out of the cave.</li> | ||
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CUCC use the call-out boards provided by caving huts, arrangements specific to a | CUCC use the call-out boards provided by caving huts, arrangements specific to a | ||
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possible.</li> | possible.</li> | ||
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− | <p>CUCC has prepared a | + | <p>CUCC has prepared a [[Checklist]] to assist in this process.</P> |
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− | <p>See the NCA's | + | <p>See the NCA's [http://web.ukonline.co.uk/nca/canda/concode.htm Cave Conservation Code].</P> |
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− | <p>Details of CUCC's Tackle Store can be found | + | <p>Details of CUCC's Tackle Store can be found [[Tackle Store|here]].</P> |
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− | <p>A separate document describes the | + | <p>A separate document describes the [[Tackle Store|operation |
− | of the Tackle Store | + | of the Tackle Store]]. Basically, ropes are washed and inspected |
between each weekend away from Cambridge. Any rope where significant | between each weekend away from Cambridge. Any rope where significant | ||
damage is found has the damaged section cut out. Where damage to a | damage is found has the damaged section cut out. Where damage to a |
Latest revision as of 20:37, 17 September 2007
CUCC and the NCA Guidelines
This document describes our activities in each of the areas covered by the National Caving Association's guidelines of August 1996.
The Guidelines | CUCC Activities |
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IntroductionThese guidelines have been prepared in response to a large number of requests to the National Caving Association (NCA) from university and college caving clubs and authorities for a code or set of guidelines that they can use to promote safe caving. There is a broad range of university or college based clubs in the country ranging from the well established and respected with a good continuity of members and experience to those with enthusiasm but with a less experienced membership. In many clubs it is the large annual change of membership that, in the main, causes problems. Caving by university and college caving clubs should be seen as fitting into the tradition of British caving and the established principles of good practice to ensure both safety and concern for the cave environment. These guidelines should be seen as suitable for any group of cavers seeking to establish a caving club or an existing club of recent formation or with members of relatively little experience. It is the adventurous nature of caving, potholing and the exploration of abandoned mines that is one of its attractions. The accident rate in caving is thankfully low but from time to time serious and fatal accidents do occur. It is therefore important that beginners who seek to go caving are aware of and accept the element of risk and take responsibility for their own actions. Traditionally the NCA sees formal leadership systems as undesirable in recreational caving conducted by adults, which should have as its essence, individual competence and the companionship of friends unfettered by unnecessary rules and regulations. It is therefore the intention of these guidelines to set down a broad framework for the establishment and operation of university and college clubs within the informal environment of recreational caving. CAVING SAFETYGeneral Points for consideration | |
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The constitution is temporarily offline pending changes. CUCC has several members who graduated several years ago but live in the Cambridge area. In addition, there is a greater number who remain in contact through the Ex-Cambridge Speleologists group. |
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CUCC is a member of the NCA and the Council of Northern Caving Clubs (CNCC). Although we have no formal associations with individual caving clubs, some of our members are also members of other clubs. Use is often made of the caving hut accomodation offered by other clubs. |
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CUCC uses the experience of its older members in this role. See also notes on training below. |
It is the adventurous nature of caving, potholing and the exploration of abandoned mines that is one of its attractions. The accident rate in caving is thankfully low but from time to time serious and fatal accidents do occur (usually attracting a large amount of publicity). It is therefore important that beginners who join clubs are aware of this element of risk. The relatively low rate of accidents should not be allowed to give rise to any sense of complacency, indeed a disproportionate number of rescue call-outs are to assist members of those clubs with least experience and in most need of a set of guidelines. Club members should ensure that they understand the following points and if they do not they should be encouraged to ask questions of the more experienced members before agreeing to go on trips. More experienced members should take responsibility for ensuring that everyone is properly briefed for the trip. Experienced members who choose to take on responsibility for beginners should be aware of what this involves. |
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Note: Qualifications for leaders such as the NCA Cave Instructor Certificate (CIC) or Local Cave/Mine Leader Assessment (LCMLA) schemes were not intended for recreational caving and are not considered appropriate within the club environment. However, the syllabuses are excellent guides to training and standards of personal competence within the club environment.
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CUCC has requested a copy of the syllabuses from the NCA Training Officers. |
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CUCC trips involving novices have one designated leader with previous experience of the cave and usually more than a year of membership. Trips where novices outnumber more experienced cavers by more than 3:1 are strongly discouraged, as are trips with fewer than an experienced leader and seconder. |
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CUCC adheres to this; guidebooks are always consulted before each trip if there is any doubt.
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CUCC use the call-out boards provided by caving huts, arrangements specific to a particular cave system, and/or telephone contacts. The use of the 'recursive call-out' is discouraged. |
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Practice sessions are held above ground in Cambridge. |
Safety during a trip
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CUCC has prepared a Checklist to assist in this process. |
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In addition to normal tackle, a spare sling or short length of rope will often be carried for use as an impromptu handline. However, members must take care: the absence of a handline or other aid does not imply the absence of danger: a slip anywhere has the potential to cause injury, even walking along a road. |
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See notes on training below. |
Other points to be considered
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CUCC has long operated a satisfactory system whereby new members can learn from members with several years' experience. However, to counter the 'chinese whispers' effect and help foster awareness within the club of modern caving best-practice, we are hoping to send some members on any NCA training courses which may be organised in the future, funds permitting. |
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It is therefore essential that respect for the conservation of the underground environment should be encouraged on all trips. All cavers whether novice or experienced should be aware of and adhere to the NCA Conservation Code.
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See the NCA's Cave Conservation Code. |
All equipment for traverses, ladder pitches and SRT should be suitable and in good condition. Advice on the selection, use and maintenance of equipment may be sought from specialist caving shops, technical catalogues or the NCA. A suitable system of cleaning and storage of these items after trips should be put in place. |
Details of CUCC's Tackle Store can be found here. |
A system of regular inspections, testing and discarding of items that have been damaged or are at the end of their safe life should be put in place. This should cover all safety items i.e. ropes, ladders, slings, lights, helmets etc. Written records should be kept which will require the individual identification of key safety items, e.g. ropes.
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A separate document describes the operation of the Tackle Store. Basically, ropes are washed and inspected between each weekend away from Cambridge. Any rope where significant damage is found has the damaged section cut out. Where damage to a rope is noticed during use, a knot will be tied to remove the damaged section from use. This knot is left so the rope inspection team will find the damage more easily. All ropes are discarded after 5 years, or earlier if they show excessive wear. |
LIABILITYCavers should remember that they owe a duty of care to other cavers in their own party and people that they meet in the course of their trip. Leaders should be aware that they have a special responsibility to act prudently when leading novices. Information on caving insurance can be obtained from the addresses given below. |
All CUCC members (including novices on trial membership) are covered by the third party BCRA insurance. |