If a reserve torch is to be handheld a wrist lanyard or neck loop should be attached. If spare carbide is carried it should be in a waterproof plastic bottle or spare generator base with lid, in reasonably dry caves it can be carried in a 'pig', a section of motorcycle tyre sealed at both ends with strong rubber bands. If this is done a second pig should be carried to carry spent carbide out of the cave. Carrying carbide in steel 'ammo cans' should be avoided as it is possible for these to fill with an explosive mixture of air and acetylene which can be detonated by knocking the box. This is usually more frightening than dangerous but does carry a small risk.
All lighting is functional, including reserve lighting.
In the U.K. one of the most common causes of fatalities in caving is flooding. Even the most simple cave can, in a flood become lethal. In 1994 a caver was drowned in Old Ing cave, a favorite location for novice trips when small steps in the cave became a treacherous cascade. Further fatalities and rescues have occured in the popular Kingsdale Master cave when it has become impassible due to the volume of water. During the rescue attempt water backed up 2 metres on the cliff face in which the entrance stream sinks.