N.B. the widely carried reflective foil sheets provide minimal protection and should only be used in conjunction with a bag. A small personal first aid kit is recommended. This may consist of a medium or large wound dressing, or a triangular bandage and separate dressing, some waterproof tape, and a strip of plaster all sealed in a waterproof bag or small waterproof bottle. Some strong pain-killers may also be added. Small, rugged AA cell torches can be attached to the helmet by thick rubber bands or bungee cord threaded through holes in the helmet but the latter can protrude into the helmet increasing the risk of skull injury in a fall or impact.
Holes can also weaken the helmet.
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.