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. Select and 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 , prior to commencing abseiling and or belaying.

1.4. Attach descending device  to the abseil rope being used.

1.5. Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk.

2. Demonstrate abseiling technique.

2.1. Display correct posture and technique while abseiling, using single and double rope.

2.2. Maintain effective communication systems  between abseiler and belayer throughout the descent.

2.3. Apply safe and correct abseiling techniques , to minimise injury in the event of a fall.

2.4. Negotiate simple obstacles  and avoid or remove hazards to descend in a controlled manner.

2.5. Demonstrate techniques that minimise damage to the environment while abseiling.

3. Demonstrate belaying technique.

3.1. Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to belay device  that allows effective use of belay system .

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

3.3. Maintain rope tension to ensure fall distance is minimised whilst not restricting abseiler movement.

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

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

3.6. Identify a situation where a self belay system or bottom brake system would be required.

3.7. Demonstrate use of a self belay or bottom brake system to maintain safety in the event of a fall.

4. Evaluate abseiling activity.

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of abseiling and belaying.

4.2. Identify improvements for future abseiling activities.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to inform progress and interact with abseiler and or belayer whilst participating in activity
• problem-solving skills to:

• negotiate obstacles and hazards when abseiling
• assess application of rope tension when belaying

• rope handling skills to maintain adequate rope tension when belaying
• self belaying or bottom brake skills to maintain personal safety in the absence of top rope belay
• Tie off skills to protect or safeguard abseilier when belayer escapes from system.

Required knowledge 

• minimal impact codes to ensure protection of the environment
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used for abseiling on natural surfaces, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment
• care and maintenance of abseiling equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements
• abseiling techniques and common communication methods and calls used between abseilers and belayers to reduce risk during abseiling on single pitch natural surfaces
• belay techniques and devices appropriate for single pitch surfaces
• technical abseiling knowledge, such as 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
• hazards that may be experienced in a natural abseiling environment
• emergency procedures, potential hazards and obstacles relevant to the location to ensure safety of 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 independently and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
• arranges a suitable communication system with abseiler, when belaying, to monitor progress
• negotiates obstacles and hazards during abseiling, and adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants
• evaluates and reflects on own abseiling and belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in abseiling and belaying activities on single pitch natural surfaces that are of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• a cliff with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate abseiling skills
• other abseiling participants, to assist with belaying
• equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, descending devices, ropes, gloves and karabiners.

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 safe participation and demonstration of abseiling and belaying skills, such as communicating with abseiler or belayer to inform of progress
• 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:

• SISOABN304A Establish ropes for single pitch abseiling on natural surfaces
• SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues.

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:

• helmets
• protective clothing
• karabiners
• harnesses
• gloves
• belay device
• rope
• anchors
• footwear.

Safety checks  may include:

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

Descending device  may include:

• auto locking devices
• circular devices
• plate devices
• tubular devices
• improvised devices
• inline devices.

Communication system  may include:

• calls
• radio
• hand signals
• whistles.

Abseiling techniques  may include:

• walking backwards
• bouncing backwards
• forward rundowns.

Obstacles  may include:

• ledges
• trees
• water
• overhangs.

Belay device  may include:

• plate devices
• auto locking devices
• tubular devices.

Belay system  may include:

• top belay
• bottom brake
• self belay.

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
• natural surface features
• abseiling techniques.