N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:55-9.6 - Caving

(a) The facility shall ensure that:

1. No child or staff member who is known to be claustrophobic is taken on a caving trip;

2. All children and staff members wear helmets that are secured under the chin at all times;

3. At least three-quarters of the children on the caving trip are 12 years of age or older;

4. Children wear gloves if crawling is required;

5. Children have had at least two caving expeditions in horizontal caves before going into a vertical cave;

6. Children do not climb in vertical caves by hand-over-hand ropes methods;

7. Children and staff members do not run or jump in the cave;

8. All debris and human waste from children and staff members are carried out of the cave;

9. Animals and plants are left unharmed; and

10. No marking or vandalism is done within the cave by children or staff members.

(b) The facility shall ensure that at least one staff member on the trip:

1. Knows how to contact a local emergency rescue squad, such as the Cave Rescue Communications Network;

2. Is familiar with the terrain of the cave;

3. Carries a map of the cave, if available; and

4. Knows how to assist a child or staff member who becomes claustrophobic.

(c) For non-commercial caves, the facility shall obtain written permission to enter the cave from the owner or public authority and maintain this on file at the administrative office for two years from the date of the expedition.

(d) The facility shall ensure that the following equipment is brought along on all non-commercial caving expeditions:

1. A space blanket;

2. A whistle;

3. Three sources of light, one of which is either carbide, electric or a miner's headlamp;

4. Waterproof matches;

5. Potable water;

6. Climbing rope;

7. Emergency food;

8. Spare clothes; and

9. A first aid kit.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:55-9.6

Administrative Change, 49 N.J.R. 98a.