Vertical caving terminology and methods > Fixed aids
Ropes, ladders, chains, cables, steps, or scaffolding that are left in situ on a traverse, pitch or climb at all times, so that you do not need to bring your own equipment to rig the pitch. Fixed ladders and fixed ropes are very common types of fixed aid. In general, a fixed aid is expected to be maintained to some level of safety standard, either officially by the group that manages the cave, or unofficially by a regular visitor of the cave. However, cavers should inspect all fixed aids for safety before use, because damage may have occurred since the last inspection. Official fixed aids may have some form of identification tag, showing their official status. Although permanent anchors are technically a fixed aid, the term is generally used to mean all of the other fixed aids, excluding anchors.
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