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. Plan a lead climbing session.

1.1. Establish participant's needs and characteristics .

1.2. Assess participant's current climbing knowledge in order to determine the session's aims and objectives .

1.3. Determine an appropriate instructional plan  according to participant's needs and characteristics.

1.4. Develop a lead climbing plan  according to participant's needs and characteristics, relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.5. Identify potential hazards  associated with lead climbing on multi pitch natural surfaces  and minimise risks , according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.6. Access relevant sources  to interpret detailed weather and environmental information  and determine contingency plans .

2. Select and organise equipment and resources.

2.1. Select and access equipment  and resources  according to contextual issues  and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability.

2.2. Check equipment for safety and suitability, according to manufacturer's recommendations and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.

2.3. Check contents of first aid and repair kits to ensure suitability to the location and activity.

3. Brief participants.

3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information  about the lead climbing session in a manner appropriate to the participants.

3.2. Encourage participants to seek clarification, information and feedback  as required during the session.

3.3. Establish a suitable communication system  for participants to use while lead climbing and belaying.

3.4. Inform participants of known and anticipated hazards, safety checks  and appropriate behaviour.

3.5. Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the session.

4. Instruct a multi pitch lead climbing session.

4.1. Conduct introductory activities for participants, to reduce the risk of injury.

4.2. Monitor individual participant's performance  during lead climbing session.

4.3. Provide positive encouragement and or feedback to each participant throughout session, and encourage feedback and questioning.

4.4. Apply clear and accurate instructional techniques  to impart activity specific knowledge , multi pitch lead climbing skills and safety and rescue procedures .

4.5. Observe participants during lead climbing and belaying and adjust or refine individual and or group technique as required.

4.6. Inform participants of opportunities  to further develop their lead climbing skills and knowledge.

5. Complete post session responsibilities.

5.1. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.

5.2. Provide opportunities for participants to identify their personal progress and satisfaction with the session, and give feedback as required.

5.3. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the lead climbing session, and determine the level of learning achieved.

5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future lead climbing instructional sessions.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• consult with participants to plan a lead climbing session that meets their needs
• convey information about the safety aspects of the session
• interact with participants to create a safe and positive climbing environment

• problem-solving skills to:

• plan a suitable lead climbing session according to participant's needs and characteristics
• address participant difficulties in developing lead climbing techniques
• anticipate and respond appropriately to non-routine situations

• planning and organising skills to:

• source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a multi pitch natural site suitable for the participants
• monitor and evaluate progress
• organise participants into manageable groups for lead climbing and belaying

• language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

• produce lead climbing and instructional plans for the lead climbing session
• perform basic calculations to determine equipment needs based on height of pitch
• complete post session participant and self evaluations
• apply for permission or permits to use a multi pitch natural climbing site to instruct a group

• instructional techniques to suit a range of participant's needs and characteristics
• effective and efficient personal lead climbing skills to demonstrate and explain lead climbing and belaying techniques to participants
• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response and or rescue in emergencies whilst instructing climbing on natural surfaces.

Required knowledge 

• relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of lead climbing session
• information about local site to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential climbing hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the site
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used for lead climbing on multi pitch natural surfaces, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment
• clothing and footwear requirements for climbing activities to ensure comfort and safety
• care and maintenance of climbing equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements
• instruction techniques and theories applicable to a range of ages and learning abilities
• lead climbing techniques and common communication methods and calls used between climbers and belayers to reduce risk during multi pitch lead climbing on natural surfaces
• belay systems, devices, knots and anchors appropriate for lead climbing on multi pitch natural surfaces
• technical lead climbing knowledge, such as establishing anchors using any combination of fixed, natural and or artificial protection
• weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the session
• hazards that may be experienced in a natural climbing 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:

• plans and delivers precise relevant information, explanations and demonstrations for multi pitch lead climbing session to ensure activities are conducted safely according to participant's needs and characteristics
• observes and monitors the progress of participants, provides constructive feedback and intervention and modifies instructional techniques and or activities to improve lead climbing performance
• encourages and responds to feedback from participants and evaluates and reflects on own instruction performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure instruction of lead climbing activities, using a variety of instructional techniques that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, instruct and document lead climbing sessions for a variety of participants
• instructional tools such as videos, DVDs, televisions, whiteboards, books, magazines, handouts and the internet
• a multi pitch natural climbing site suitable for the conduct of instructional sessions
• a group of participants to take part in the lead climbing session
• equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, ropes, gloves, karabiners, natural, fixed and artificial anchors, protection, climbing shoes, chalk and chalk bag, food and water, and safety and first aid 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 or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all lead climbing activities during the session
• observation of safe lead climbing instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics
• review of lead climbing session plans
• 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:

• SISOVTR402A Perform complex vertical rescues
• SISOCLN407A Establish belays for multi pitch climbing on natural 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.

Participant's needs and characteristics  may include:

• age
• fitness level and physical capabilities
• climbing skills and knowledge
• injuries and illnesses.

Session's aims and objectives  may include:

• developing climbing on natural surface skills
• education
• development
• therapy
• fitness targets
• recreation.

Instructional plan  may include:

• lead climbing activities and drills
• duration of activities and drills.

Lead climbing plan  may include:

• session's aims and objectives
• date, time and duration
• location or site
• instructor and participant ratios
• resources and equipment
• weather details
• participant information:
• safety requirements
• risk management plan
• relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
• rescue equipment
• rescue and evacuation plan.

Relevant legislation  may include:

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

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• risk management procedures
• occupational health and safety
• time and budget constraints
• use and maintenance of equipment
• communication protocols
• confidentiality of participant information
• instructor and participant ratios
• emergency and safety procedures
• code of ethics.

Hazards  may include:

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

Natural surfaces  may include:

• boulders
• cliffs.

Risks  may include:

• hypothermia
• heat exhaustion
• injuries
• exhaustion
• lost party or party member
• equipment failure.

Relevant sources  may include:

• Bureau of Meteorology
• media
• land managers or agencies
• local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information  may include:

• satellite images
• daily and weekly forecasts
• maximum and minimum temperatures
• weather warnings
• event warnings
• river levels
• synoptic charts
• high and low tide predictions.

Contingency plans  may include:

• poor communication conditions
• injuries
• escape or retreat options
• off route possibilities.

Equipment  may include:

• climbing equipment
• safety equipment
• rescue equipment.

Resources  may include:

• food and water
• teaching aids.

Contextual issues  may include:

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

Relevant information  may include:

• equipment requirements, selection and use
• safety procedures
• risk prevention
• possible hazards
• risk management
• lead climbing and belaying techniques
• communication
• objectives
• rules and codes
• responsible and safe behaviour.

Feedback  may include:

• information on participant progress
• any improvements needed
• verbal
• written
• visual.

Communication system  may include:

• calls
• radio
• hand signals
• whistles.

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.

Participant's performance  may include:

• use of appropriate communication system
• lead climbing technique
• second climbing technique
• belaying technique
• attitude and behaviour
• negotiation of hazards
• use of equipment.

Instructional techniques  may include:

• part to whole
• sequential
• known to unknown
• D.E.D.I.C.T:

• demonstrate
• explain
• demonstrate
• instruct
• critique
• test

• E.D.I.C.T:

• explain
• demonstrate
• instruct
• critique
• test

• I.D.E.A:

• introduce
• demonstrate
• explain
• apply

• orientate, enhance, synthesise.

Activity specific knowledge  may include:

• relevant legislation
• organisational policies and procedures
• lead climbing skills and techniques
• placement of protection
• establishment of anchors and ropes
• factors to consider when planning a lead climb
• minimal impact practices
• risk and hazard management
• equipment selection, use and maintenance
• communication systems used in climbing.

Multi pitch lead climbing skills  may include:

• lead climbing skills, including the placement of protection
• multi pitch lead climbing belaying techniques
• second climbing skills, including removal of protection
• establishment of multi pitch anchors using fixed, natural and artificial protection
• communication between climber and belayer
• negotiation of hazards to ensure safety of self and group
• use and maintenance of equipment.
• knots appropriate to multi pitch lead climbing
• rescue procedures relevant to multi pitch lead climbing
• falling technique
• fall factors.

Safety and rescue procedures  may include:

• emergency response procedures
• group management in emergency situations
• relevant legislation
• organisational policies and procedures
• emergency response equipment
• understanding of safety practices.

Opportunities  may include:

• locations suitable to skill level
• range of equipment and clothing available
• climbing clubs or groups in the local area.

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.