Unit of competency details

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. Utilise appropriate equipment.

1.1. Use equipment  in a safe and efficient manner.

1.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety.

1.3. Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks , in accordance with standard procedures  prior to commencing.

1.4. Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from belay system, and attachment of belayer to an anchor point within the system to minimise movement during a fall.

2. Demonstrate suitable belaying technique.

2.1. Arrange a communication system  with abseiler.

2.2. Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to belay device  that allows effective use of belay system and minimises movement during a fall.

2.3. Maintain rope slack to ensure fall distance is minimised whilst not restricting abseiler movement.

2.4. Monitor abseiler progress constantly and respond appropriately to abseiler calls.

2.5. Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to the belaying device and or situation.

3. Evaluate the belaying activity.

3.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the belaying activity.

3.2. Identify improvements for future belays.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to interact with abseiler whilst belaying to enable safe conduct of the abseiling activity
• problem-solving skills to assess and apply rope tension requirements
• rope handling skills to maintain adequate rope tension when belaying.

Required knowledge 

• relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all activities and legal access
• minimal impact codes to ensure protection of the environment
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used for single rope belay systems and bottom brake systems, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment
• care and maintenance of abseiling equipment, such as dynamic and static ropes, to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements
• common communication methods and calls used between abseilers and belayers
• belay techniques and devices appropriate for single rope belay systems
• technical abseiling knowledge, such as abseiling techniques and procedures to suit the features of the surface
• basic weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity
• emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and others.

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.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• correctly fits equipment, such as attachment of belayer to an anchor, and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
• arranges a suitable communication system with abseiler, monitors their progress and responds to abseilers calls appropriately
• follows instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate belaying techniques, such as maintaining appropriate rope tension
• adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise during abseiling or belaying, such as movement restriction of the abseiler due to inappropriate rope tension, and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of abseiler
• evaluates and reflects on own belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in belaying, using a single rope belay system and a bottom brake system, that is of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources and information regarding belaying techniques and potential hazards of artificial and natural surfaces, to plan for the activity
• a suitable single pitch natural and or artificial abseiling site with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate simple abseiling and belaying skills
• a qualified abseiling guide or instructor
• equipment such as belay devices, prusik loops, sewn slings, ropes, harness, helmet, karabiners and safety equipment.

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:

• observation of equipment usage, and safety checks to ensure correct equipment application
• questioning to assess knowledge of appropriate rope tension to minimise abseiler fall distance
• observation of safe participation and demonstration of belaying skills, such as communication with abseiler and constant monitoring of abseiler
• observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure or change in weather
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SISOABN201A Demonstrate abseiling skills on natural surfaces

or

• SISOABA201A Demonstrate abseiling skills on artificial surfaces

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.

Equipment  may include:

• rope
• belay device
• prusik loops
• sewn slings
• karabiners
• helmets
• harness.

Safety checks  may include:

• A - anchors - secure and suitable to application
• B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations
• C - connector - locked, secured and orientated
• D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
• E - organisation specific procedures including; end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.
• F - friend - cross check.

Procedures  may include:

• wearing of helmets
• attaching to safety ropes for top belay
• positioning out of direct line of rock fall.

Communication system  may include:

• calls
• radio
• hand signals
• whistles.

Belay device  may include:

• plate devices
• auto locking devices
• tubular devices.

Relevant aspects  may include:

• objectives
• planning process
• activity site
• weather
• equipment selection
• clothing selection
• food selection
• instructional content
• instructional technique assessment technique
• group feedback
• directing techniques
• rescue techniques employed.