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. Prepare for abseiling activity.

1.1. Identify associated hazards  and procedures to minimise risks  for abseiling on artificial surfaces , as advised by the leader.

1.2. Comply with relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

2. Select and utilise appropriate equipment.

2.1. Identify, select and use equipment  in a safe and efficient manner.

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 including belay systems used , prior to commencing descent.

3. Demonstrate abseiling technique.

3.1. Demonstrate correct posture and technique while abseiling, using single and or double rope.

3.2. Demonstrate use of effective communication  between abseiler and belayer using standard calls and procedures.

3.3. Negotiate simple obstacles  and avoid hazards  safely, to descend in a controlled manner.

4. Evaluate the abseiling activity.

4.1. Receive feedback on performance from leader.

4.2. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the abseiling activity.

4.3. Identify personal 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 belayer
• problem-solving skills to negotiate obstacles and hazards when abseiling

Required knowledge 

• relevant organisational policies and procedures to enable safe participation in abseiling activities
• identification and use of personal abseiling equipment.
• care of abseiling equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements
• abseiling techniques and common communication methods and calls used to reduce risk during an abseiling activity on an artificial surface
• hazards that may be experienced in an artificial 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:

• selects and fits abseiling equipment, and carries out personal safety checks
• follows written and verbal instructions to apply knowledge and demonstrate controlled abseiling techniques on an artificial surface
• negotiates obstacles and hazards during the abseiling activity, and communicates effectively with the belayer or leader to ensure safety of self and others
• Receives feedback from leader and evaluates and reflects on own abseiling performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in abseiling activities that are of sufficient duration to allow the participant to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources and information regarding abseiling techniques and potential hazards of the artificial surface
• a suitable artificial abseiling site with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate simple abseiling skills
• a qualified leader
• abseiling 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:

• oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of organisational policies and procedures to enable safe participation in abseiling
• observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling skills and techniques, such as communicating with belayer and descending in a controlled manner
• observation of dealing with contingencies
• third-party reports from a leader detailing performance.

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

• SISOABN202A Safeguard an abseiler using a single rope belay system

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.

Hazards  may include:

• Fitting and fixtures
• Surface irregularities
• dangerous animals and insects
• Slippery surfaces

Risks  may include:

• Emotional risk
• injuries
• exhaustion
• equipment and misuse

Artificial surfaces  may include:

• portable or fixed wall
• fixed tower or bridge
• indoor or outdoor
• single pitch.

Relevant legislation  may include:

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

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• operating procedures and company or enterprise policies
• use of equipment
• communication protocols
• emergency procedures
• code of ethics.

Equipment  may include:

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

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.

Belay and Descending devices  may include:

• auto locking devices
• figure 8 devices
• plate devices
• tubular devices
• inline devices.

Belay system  may include:

• top belay
• bottom brake
• self belay.

Communication  may include:

• calls
• radio
• hand signals
• whistles.

Obstacles  may include:

• ledges
• overhangs
• squeezes.

Relevant aspects  may include:

• objectives
• equipment selection
• clothing selection
• instructional content
• instructional technique
• assessment technique
• group feedback
• directing techniques.