Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to independently select fixed anchors for the attachment of ropes and equipment for belays, such as tapes and karabiners. These anchors are to be used to establish belay systems and rope pitches on single-pitched artificial abseiling surfaces, and must be able to accommodate different belayer and abseiler abilities.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to those required to establish ropes for abseiling activities. This may include those working as abseiling guides or assistant guides in a range of controlled artificial conditions.
This unit may also apply to 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. Select suitable equipment for belay system. |
1.1. Select a belay system according to contextual issues of the activity. 1.2. Identify and select equipment after consideration of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures . 1.3. Select anchors that meet the requirements of the abseil and abilities of the participants . 1.4. Assess condition of the anchors , including performance under likely load . 1.5. Choose a belay device that is suitable to the artificial surface conditions and belayer's ability. 1.6. Complete all necessary safety checks , according to organisational policies and procedures. |
2. Set up belay system. |
2.1. Rig multiple anchors, ensuring equalisation and minimal shock loading. 2.2. Tie knots and rig ropes suitable for the type of belay system established. 2.3. Establish a belay from which the belayer is able to escape and safely perform a rescue. 2.4. Avoid or remove belay hazards , to maintain safety of belayer . 2.5. Complete all necessary safety checks, according to organisational policies and procedures. |
3. Rig rope pitches. |
3.1. Identify safe access to and egress from the site according to relevant legislation. 3.2. Identify descent route appropriate to context. 3.3. Select and tie knots suitable for the type of system established and for potential retrieval or rescue situations. 3.4. Minimise the risk of cross loading and cyclical loading of karabiners. |
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 rigging of equipment that is of sufficient breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance. Assessment must also ensure 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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Belay system may include: |
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Contextual issues may include: |
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Equipment may include: |
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Relevant legislation may include: |
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Organisational policies and procedures may include: |
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Anchors may include: |
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Participants may include: |
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Condition of the anchors may include: |
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Likely load may include: |
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Belay device may include: |
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Artificial surface conditions may include: |
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Safety checks may include: |
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Knots may include: |
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Hazards may include: |
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Safety of belayer may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
Abseiling artificial surface