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 equipment for belay system.

1.1. Select a belay system  that minimises environmental impact , according to contextual issues .

1.2. Identify and select equipment  according to 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 , and stability of surroundings.

1.5. Choose a belay device  that is suitable to the surface conditions and belayer's ability.

1.6. Place protection  in a manner to create an anchor.

1.7. Complete all necessary equipment 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. Establish a belay that maintains safety of belayer and minimises movement of the belayer in the event of a fall.

2.5. Avoid or remove belay hazards  to maintain safety of belayer .

2.6. Determine the need for, and establish back up belay systems.

3. Rig rope pitches.

3.1. Identify safe access to and egress from the site according to relevant legislation.

3.2. Determine descent route according to organisational policies and procedures and contextual issues.

3.3. Tie knots that are suitable for the type of system established and for potential retrieval or rescue situations.

3.4. Construct an abseil rig in routine and non-routine multi pitch contexts.

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

Required skills 

• problem-solving skills to:

• minimise and or eliminate hazards
• select anchors and belay systems for the context and conditions of canyoning activity

• complex rope handling and knot tying skills to rig ropes and anchors
• 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 safe conduct and legal access of all belaying activities conducted in a canyon
• minimal impact canyoning codes to ensure protection of the environment
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used to establish complex belays for abseiling in canyons
• care and maintenance of equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements, as advised by the manufacturer's recommendations for equipment use
• belay and anchor systems appropriate for multi pitch natural surfaces
• technical abseiling and equipment knowledge to establish top and bottom belays
• advantages and disadvantages of different knots, and their impact on roping activities
• 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 equipment and conducts safety checks to ensure effective working order
• identifies factors affecting the stability and selection of fixed, natural and or artificial anchors, and selects anchors for simple, complex, single and multi-pitch abseils that are suitable for differing participant abilities and rigging situations in a canyon environment
• determines the need for, and establishes, back up belay systems to ensure safety of self and other participants.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure establishment of multiple complex belays in canyon environments to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• suitable canyoning locations with vertical multi pitches, a variety of anchors, hazards, obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate a variety of rigging skills
• equipment required for the establishment of complex belays.

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 selecting equipment according to contextual issues
• observation of safe participation and demonstration of setting up a broad range of belay systems and anchors suitable to different contexts and participants
• observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, and factors affecting the stability and selection of fixed, natural and or artificial anchors for simple, complex, single and multi-pitch abseils
• 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:

• SISOCAY405A Apply advanced vertical canyoning skills
• SISOVTR402A Perform complex 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.

Belay system  may include:

• top of a pitch
• bottom of the pitch
• self belay.

Environmental impact  may include:

• rock dislodgement
• compacting of soil
• effect on other users of the site
• damage to flora, fauna, and the environment.

Contextual issues  may include:

• weather conditions, including times
• season
• transport
• location
• trip distance and duration
• group objectives
• group size.

Equipment  may include:

• ropes
• tape slings
• karabiners
• rope protectors
• belay devices
• descending devices.

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 and maintenance of equipment
• communication protocols
• safety and emergency procedures
• code of ethics.

Anchors  may include:

• natural
• fixed
• artificial.

Participants  may include:

• experienced
• inexperienced
• adults
• children.

Condition of the anchors  may include:

• age
• location
• wear
• decay
• corrosion
• environmental stress
• insect damage.

Likely load  may include:

• group size
• set up
• type of abseil conducted
• abseiler ability
• possible forces generated during a fall.

Belay device  may include:

• plate devices
• auto-locking devices
• tubular devices
• Prusik cord and suitable friction hitch.

Protection  may include:

• artificial
• fixed
• natural.

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 - everything else including end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.
• F - friend - cross check.

Knots  may include:

• end-of-rope knots
• mid-rope knots
• rope joining knots
• tape knots.

Hazards  may include:

• temperature extremes
• slippery or unstable terrain
• dangerous animals and insects
• stinging trees and nettles
• dense vegetation
• group management hazards.

Safety of belayer  may include:

• attachment to anchor or alternate safety system
• positioning out of direct line of rock or equipment fall.