Underground Exploring - What equipment do I need?

Vanoord
54.4% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

17 years ago

This is intended as a basic guide to the sort of equipment you may need for underground exploring. If anyone has any observations, please add them below and we'll update the list as appropriate.

*****

Before you go

Always tell someone where you're going and what time you'll be out - they'll be the ones to call out the rescue services if there's a problem. Set a time for when you'll be out and an 'endstop' time for when to call for help. Make sure you're out in time to avoid false call-outs. Remember: it's far better to be found on the Saturday evening than on Monday after you've failed to turn up for work because you've been trapped for 48 hours.

Basic personal kit

1. Lighting
Mines are dark, so you must provide the light! A good headlamp/torch is vital, as is at least one backup. A headlamp is ideal as it keeps hands free. Spare batteries are a must plus a couple of lightsticks for use in emergencies.

2. Head protection
At very least, a cheap builders helmet will do, but for serious underground its worth buying a good helmet with a chinstrap.

3. Footwear
Sturdy wellies or boots are a must. Good grip is vital as mines are often damp and slippy.

4. Gloves
Gardening gloves are fine for dryish mines and will prevent hands being cut on sharp rock. Neoprene or waterproof gloves are a good idea for wet places.

5. Clothing
Warm clothing is vital, especially in case of emergencies when you might be stationary for a long time. Some level of waterproofing is a good idea as mines are often wet, but bear in mid that anything valuable may get damaged. It's also worth having a complete change of clothing in the car for afterwards, as well as a waterproof bag/box to put wet kit in.

Basic group kit

1. Map / Survey
A map or survey is ideal if you're unsure. String or spray paint should not be used, ever. A compass is a good idea if the system is complex.

2. Food & Water
Water should be carried, as well as food - at a bare minimum a couple of chocolate bars for emergency use.If it's a longer trip, you should be wary of blood sugar levels dropping, so energy drinks and sugary food can be used to recover more quickly.

3. First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit should be carried between a group - minimum contents should include wound dressing (shell dressing type), plasters, painkillers, absorbent dressings, wipes, bag/space blanket - all packed in a waterproof container. It may also be sensible to keep a full First Aid kit in the car.

Photography

Underground photography can require a lot of equipment, but most cameras will be suitable for basic photography. Some form of padded camera case will protect it and a waterproof case may be required in wet areas. For anything other than basic photography, a tripod, flash unit and other lights will be needed. A pen/pencil and paper to record notes and where pictures were taken is good idea.

Buying more kit

On top of the basic kit, there's plenty more to get hold of, including:

1. Lighting
There's plenty of discussion on AditNow about lighting - and you'll soon discover that a £15 headlamp is not sufficient. LED headlamps such as the Silva and Petzl ranges are often used, while at the higher end of the market are virtually indestructable lights like the Stenlight http://www.excellentstuff.co.uk

2. Clothing
Some mine explorers favour a dedicated oversuit such as a Warmbac http://www.warmbac.com/home.html or a boilersuit.

3. SRT
For more advanced exploring, Single Rope Technique gives access to places you otherwise couldn't reach. It requires specialised equipment and training is an absolute must.

Further information:

St.John Ambulance - First Aid http://www.sja.org.uk/

Hello again darkness, my old friend...

Barney
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

17 years ago

#2

Rather than tell people where i am going, i text the grid reference and the name of the place. Reason? because not many people can remember Welsh names and even the slightest mis-pronounciation can throw the rescue squad miles out. With a text, the person can at least spell it out if required.

Learner
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

17 years ago

#3

As I am fairly new to all this and have mainly been on guided tours, can anyone suggest any basic training that would be useful/necessary please?

Vanoord
54.4% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

17 years ago

#4

"Learner" wrote:
As I am fairly new to all this and have mainly been on guided tours, can anyone suggest any basic training that would be useful/necessary please?

Hello and welcome to Aditnow :)

Basic training? I'm not sure that such a thing exists, although as you've visited show mines, then you're likely to have a good idea of what you're dealing with.

I'm sure we can suggest a list of easier mines to have a look around - it depends slightly on what level of physical exertion you want and how big a mine you want to look at: and indeed where you are!

Hello again darkness, my old friend...

Clunk
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

17 years ago

#5

I think you should do a video of the 'what I need' in the style of a 1940's bbc public information video. Then release it on youtube.

"Learner" wrote:
As I am fairly new to all this and have mainly been on guided tours, can anyone suggest any basic training that would be useful/necessary please?

If ever you are in Wiltshire, I would be happy to show you around.

Learner
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

17 years ago

#6

Thanks to everyone for their responses, a couple of starter suggestions from you would be most welcome.

Vanoord
54.4% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

17 years ago

#7

Certainly! 🙂 Where in the country would you like to see?

Hello again darkness, my old friend...

Learner
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

17 years ago

#8

I am fairly central and have transport, so location isnt a problem, whatever you think would suit a beginner.

Clunk
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

17 years ago

#9

This could sound quite rude, but are you able bodied and of a relatively fit nature?
It probably is a rather rude question to ask, but I for one don't want to prepare a trip that is mainly crawling if you are 90 and in a wheel-chair. I am just trying to get a practical assessment of you. Personally, I think you should try a local (to you) mine or two. Derbyshire got a few. Then work your way out from that. Speak to the Midlands regional editor (Barney I think?) and see what he suggests.

chriscambo25
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

16 years ago

#10

[photo]Personal-Album-117-image-018[/photo] still missing a few vital pieces. 😉

Vanoord
54.4% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

16 years ago

#11

That phone won't work underground! :lol:

Hello again darkness, my old friend...

sparty_lea
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

16 years ago

#12

Useful in the car, but I never take mine any further than that since I drowned one when I forgot it was in my pocket :lol:

There are 10 types of people in the world.

Those that understand binary and those that do not!

first in first aid
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

16 years ago

#13

"Vanoord" wrote:
This is intended as a basic guide to the sort of equipment you may need for underground exploring. If anyone has any observations, please add them below and we'll update the list as appropriate.

*****

Before you go

Always tell someone where you're going and what time you'll be out - they'll be the ones to call out the rescue services if there's a problem. Set a time for when you'll be out and an 'endstop' time for when to call for help. Make sure you're out in time to avoid false call-outs. Remember: it's far better to be found on the Saturday evening than on Monday after you've failed to turn up for work because you've been trapped for 48 hours.

Basic personal kit

1. Lighting
Mines are dark, so you must provide the light! A good headlamp/torch is vital, as is at least one backup. A headlamp is ideal as it keeps hands free. Spare batteries are a must plus a couple of lightsticks for use in emergencies.

2. Head protection
At very least, a cheap builders helmet will do, but for serious underground its worth buying a good helmet with a chinstrap.

3. Footwear
Sturdy wellies or boots are a must. Good grip is vital as mines are often damp and slippy.

4. Gloves
Gardening gloves are fine for dryish mines and will prevent hands being cut on sharp rock. Neoprene or waterproof gloves are a good idea for wet places.

5. Clothing
Warm clothing is vital, especially in case of emergencies when you might be stationary for a long time. Some level of waterproofing is a good idea as mines are often wet, but bear in mid that anything valuable may get damaged. It's also worth having a complete change of clothing in the car for afterwards, as well as a waterproof bag/box to put wet kit in.

Basic group kit

1. Map / Survey
A map or survey is ideal if you're unsure. String or spray paint should not be used, ever. A compass is a good idea if the system is complex.

2. Food & Water
Water should be carried, as well as food - at a bare minimum a couple of chocolate bars for emergency use.If it's a longer trip, you should be wary of blood sugar levels dropping, so energy drinks and sugary food can be used to recover more quickly.

3. First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit should be carried between a group - minimum contents should include wound dressing (shell dressing type), plasters, painkillers, absorbent dressings, wipes, bag/space blanket - all packed in a waterproof container. It may also be sensible to keep a full First Aid kit in the car.

Photography

Underground photography can require a lot of equipment, but most cameras will be suitable for basic photography. Some form of padded camera case will protect it and a waterproof case may be required in wet areas. For anything other than basic photography, a tripod, flash unit and other lights will be needed. A pen/pencil and paper to record notes and where pictures were taken is good idea.

Buying more kit

On top of the basic kit, there's plenty more to get hold of, including:

1. Lighting
There's plenty of discussion on AditNow about lighting - and you'll soon discover that a £15 headlamp is not sufficient. LED headlamps such as the Silva and Petzl ranges are often used, while at the higher end of the market are virtually indestructable lights like the Stenlight http://www.excellentstuff.co.uk

2. Clothing
Some mine explorers favour a dedicated oversuit such as a Warmbac http://www.warmbac.com/home.html or a boilersuit.

3. SRT
For more advanced exploring, Single Rope Technique gives access to places you otherwise couldn't reach. It requires specialised equipment and training is an absolute must.

Further information:

St.John Ambulance - First Aid http://www.sja.org.uk/

Quote:

www.firstinfirstaid.org.uk run special courses for caving, based in northern England. HSE & QCA very hands on courses.
[i]

Rossony
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

16 years ago

#14

I have heard this asked many times. The question is mainly "What equipment do I need, and what equipment should I buy?". The suggestions may be good, but the main ingredient is often overlooked because because old mine exploration is treated as a hobby.

The main rerquirements are the person(s) participating and their common sence!

I have worked as an exploration geologist for plus 50 years where I have worked first at an operating mine and later investigating ancient mines in dating back to old Inca mines and on occasion "lost" mines. Through experience I have had a few misshaps and made mistakes, and learnt from all of them.

I do not care what equipment you want to buy, but I will mention some pointers that you may need to know.

1. Any mine, active, ancient or this century should be explored with caution. Rock fails, the ledges at stopes may fail, the back (roof) may collapse, etc. Step carefully and test your weight, especially in wet mines.

2. Observe the condition of the back at all times in case of scaling or possible falls - the major cause of accidents in mines.

3. In old abandoned mines be aware of the air. In old days miners with even with carbide lamps carried canaries in cages to give the first signs of bad air. These days, and especially with electric head lamps, carry a lighter or matches to test the air. You will not notice when you first get lethargic from lack of oxygen. If your candle is burning low, get the hell out of there !!!

4. Many people do not realise this, but a unless you have worked often in a mine that has used explosives, you may get "powder headaches" after a while underground or slightly later. Unpleasant and a temporay inconvenience.

5. If you think that the air is a bit "off" but still good, rerstrict your time underground.

6. Be sufficiently fit and alert, so that if a misshap happens you can get out of it.

The above cautions are more important than what equipment you buy.

If it cannot be grown, it has to be mined.

woodburnercaving
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

15 years ago

#15

a good sense of direction helps backed up by a study of the relevant mine abandenment plans prior to your trip, there is normaly some one with prior knowledge localy to most underground workings, and it pays to ask around first and not to enter any workings with out permission.

L F Joynson

grover dave
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

15 years ago

#16

with reference to wood burning caving asking permission will not get you in a mine yes check about locally buy the books check the web sites you are on one now there are people who are willing to take novices underground just ask and keep checking the site,

allways look on the bright side