Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to independently abseil in single pitch situations on artificial surfaces. This unit includes the application of belaying skills for the protection of self and others. It does not cover setting up or rigging an abseil.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to those working as abseiling guides or assistant guides in a range of controlled artificial conditions. This unit also applies to outdoor recreation leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Pre-Requisites
Nil
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
1. Plan for the abseiling activity. |
1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to the duration of the activity. 1.2. Identify and select an appropriate activity site after consideration of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures . 1.3. Identify associated hazards and procedures to minimise risks to abseiler and belayer on artificial surfaces . 1.4. Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan, where applicable. 1.5. Establish a suitable communication system to use while abseiling and belaying with other participants. |
2. Select and utilise appropriate equipment. |
2.1. Select and use equipment in a safe and efficient manner, after consideration of contextual issues . 2.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety. 2.3. Select and attach descending device to the rope and tie knots suitable to the belay system being used. 2.4. Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks prior to commencing abseiling and or belaying. 2.5. Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk. |
3. Demonstrate abseiling technique. |
3.1. Display correct posture and technique while abseiling, using single and double rope. 3.2. Maintain effective communication between abseiler and belayer throughout the descent. 3.3. Apply safe and correct abseiling techniques . 3.4. Negotiate simple obstacles and avoid or remove hazards to descend in a controlled manner. 3.5. Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk. |
4. Demonstrate belaying technique. |
4.1. Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to belay device that allows effective use of belay system. 4.2. Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from a belay system, and attachment of belayer to an anchor to minimise movement during a fall. 4.3. Maintain rope tension to ensure fall distance is minimised whilst not restricting abseiler movement. 4.4. Monitor abseiler progress constantly and respond appropriately to abseiler calls. 4.5. Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to the belaying device and situation. 4.6. Demonstrate attachment to alternate belay or safety system when self-belaying to maintain safety in the event of a fall. 4.7. Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk. |
5. Evaluate abseiling activity. |
5.1. Receive feedback on performance from leader. 5.2. Evaluate relevant aspects of abseiling and belaying. 5.3. Identify improvements for future abseiling activities. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the following is essential:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure participation in abseiling and belaying activities on single pitch artificial surfaces, that are of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance. Assessment must also include access to:
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Method of assessment |
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
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Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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Food and water requirements may include: |
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Relevant legislation may include: |
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Organisational policies and procedures may include: |
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Hazards may include: |
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Risks may include: |
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Artificial surfaces may include: |
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Relevant sources may include: |
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Weather and environmental information may include: |
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Communication system may include: |
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Equipment may include: |
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Contextual issues may include: |
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Safety checks may include: |
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Descending device may include: |
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Knots may include: |
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Belay system may include: |
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Abseiling techniques may include: |
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Simple obstacles may include: |
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Belay device may include: |
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Safety Procedures may include: |
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Relevant aspects may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
Abseiling artificial surface