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. Rig ropes and ladders.

1.1. Select suitable anchors  for the activity.

1.2. Tie knots  according to the equipment and situation.

1.3. Rig ladders and ropes for ease of use and safety, using rigging equipment  and ladders according to manufacturer's specifications and organisational policies and procedures .

1.4. Identify pitch hazards  and minimise or eliminate, where possible.

2. Set up a belay system.

2.1. Select and use a suitable belay system  for the situation and participant ability.

2.2. Set up the belay to allow the belayer to safely escape from the system.

3. De-rig ropes and ladders.

3.1. De-rig ladders and ropes safely according to manufacturer's specifications and organisational policies and procedures.

3.2. Pack ladders and ropes for appropriate transport away from the pitch.

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

Required skills 

• problem-solving skills to:

• select anchors and belay systems for the context and conditions of the activity
• identify and eliminate hazards
• rig and de-rig ropes and ladders safely

• self management skills to take responsibility for the rigging and de-rigging of ropes and ladders
• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all rigging activities
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used to rig ropes and ladders for caving activities
• care and maintenance of equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements, as advised by the manufacturer's specifications for equipment use
• ladders, ropes, and belay and anchor systems required to rig and de-rig ladder pitches for caving activities
• caving techniques, situations and activities requiring use of ladder pitches
• types of knots, their advantages and disadvantages, and their impact on rigging activities
• safety systems and emergency procedures relevant to the location and situation 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:

• selects and uses anchors, knots, belay techniques and rigging equipment within a known range of predictable caving contexts
• sets up belay systems suitable to the situation and abilities of those participating
• identifies and eliminates or minimises hazards where required.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in rigging and de-rigging of ropes and ladders on multiple occasions in caving environments that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• suitable natural cave sites with the potential for rigging ladders and belays
• rigging equipment and natural or fixed anchors to rig ladder pitch.

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 rigging and de-rigging ladder pitches within a caving context
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe and appropriate use of rigging equipment
• observation of dealing with hazards throughout the rigging and de-rigging process
• 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:

• SISOCVE304A Apply laddering skills.

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.

Anchors  may include:

• natural
• fixed.

Knots  may include:

• end-of-rope knots
• mid-rope knots
• friction knots
• stopper knots
• rope-joining knots.

Rigging equipment  may include:

• wire traces - all surfaces except limestone or formations
• bolts
• climbing protection
• caving ladders
• ropes
• rope protectors
• belay devices
• karabiners.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• use, maintenance and storage of equipment
• communication protocols
• minimal impact environmental and caving codes
• Australian Speleological Federation Codes and Guidelines
• code of ethics.

Hazards  may include:

• water pools and streamways
• falling rocks, water, debris and or gear
• abrasion points
• tangled ladder
• rope passing through ladder
• loose gear, clothing and hair
• jewellery
• strong cave breezes
• vertical squeezes.

Belay system  may include:

• top and bottom belays
• self belays