The Self Rescue Group - Classes - Unstable Rock Zones

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Unstable Rock Zones

Class Prerequisites:

None

Duration:

4 Hours

Equipment Needed:

Cave Pack, with standard caving gear.

Description:

This class teaches cavers how deal with with unstable rock zones (URZs) within caves. Students will learn about the forces that create a URZ, and its composition and construction. They will learn about the mechanics of failure for breakdown piles, contact zones, keystones, slabs, fractures, and cantilevers. Cavers will learn about the hazards found in entrances, pits, large rooms, and on walls and floors. They will learn how to evaluate each type of zone for safety, and how to mitigate each area. Most importantly, they will learn how to deal with basic problems of entrapment, and rescuer access.