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 for day snow activity.

1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements  according to principles of nutrition  and the conditions  and duration  of the snow activity .

1.2. Determine an appropriate site for the snow activity according to contextual issues , relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Identify possible hazards  associated with the snow activity.

1.4. Identify the signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment of possible risks  associated with the snow activity.

2. Select and carry equipment for day snow activity.

2.1. Select equipment  after consideration of construction features and contextual issues, and check serviceability.

2.2. Pack a day pack which includes clothing and minimum supplies  for a backcountry day trip to meet safety requirements for minimising hazards and or dealing with emergencies.

2.3. Use protective clothing and apply pace of travel and other methods to reduce the possibility of hypothermia.

3. Negotiate snow conditions.

3.1. Access relevant sources  to interpret weather and environmental information  and determine activity plans.

3.2. Identify the effect of weather and snow conditions on the snowpack and the planned activity.

3.3. Identify potential avalanche terrain using knowledge of factors contributing to avalanches .

3.4. Select, where necessary, a line of travel which reduces exposure to avalanches.

4. Construct an emergency shelter.

4.1. Determine factors  to be considered when locating and building emergency shelters.

4.2. Select and justify snow shelter site and type of emergency snow shelter .

4.3. Construct an emergency snow shelter according to the site and conditions.

5. Evaluate snow activity.

5.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the activity.

5.2. Identify improvements for future snow activities and experiences.

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

Required skills 

• planning and organising skills to allocate and select relevant food, water, clothing and equipment for the snow activity
• communication skills to interact with other participants to maintain a positive and safe environment
• problem-solving skills to:

• respond to changing conditions
• navigate along safe lines
• make decisions about potential hazards
• determine activity-specific skills to use according to the conditions

• literacy skills to analyse, interpret and apply weather and environmental information, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
• self management skills to:

• review and reflect on own performance
• set goals to improve technique

• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies such as an avalanche, and personal health care.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all snowcraft activities
• Alpine Responsibility Code, safe mountain travelling, and minimal impact codes to ensure safety and protection of environment
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used for day snow activities, the advantages and disadvantages, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment
• clothing requirements for outdoor activities and factors affecting appropriate clothing selection, such as layering and protective clothing
• principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy during snow activities
• snow shelter construction techniques to locate and build a snow shelter in emergency circumstances
• signs, symptoms and first aid of common snow-related conditions such as hypothermia, to enable efficient treatment
• weather and environmental information and factors affecting snow conditions to ascertain possible impact on activities
• emergency procedures and potential hazards, such as avalanches, relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to 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 equipment and supply requirements appropriate to the conditions and duration of the snow activity
• identifies potential hazards and risks associated with the snow activity and applies knowledge of weather and snow conditions to take adequate safety precautions in potential avalanche areas
• demonstrates the construction of a range of emergency snow shelters to accommodate a small group of people
• reflects on own performance and identifies any areas requiring improvements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple snowcraft activities at a suitable snow location to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• a suitable snow location to undertake snow activities during a day trip
• activity specific, navigation, overnight, emergency, first aid and rescue equipment
• resources and information to plan and prepare for the snow activity.

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 personal safety strategies and techniques used in snow conditions
• observation of safe participation and demonstration of safe snowcraft skills, such as selecting a safe line of travel which reduces exposure to avalanches
• 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:

• SISOSKT303A Day ski tour away from a patrolled area
• SISOSKT304A Guide day ski tours
• SISOSKB302A Snowboard on intermediate terrain
• SISOSKB303A Guide day snowboarding activities.

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.

Food and water requirements  may include:

• menu planning and preparation
• range of foods.

Principles of nutrition  may include:

• food groups
• dietary guidelines
• individual food requirements and allergies.

Conditions  may include:

• surface snow
• snow stability
• steepness of slope
• run-out
• terrain features
• visibility
• wind
• sun.

Duration  may include:

• morning
• afternoon
• whole day.

Snow activity  may include:

• snowboarding activities
• skiing activities.

Contextual issues  may include:

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

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
• emergency procedures
• snowsport area signs and regulations
• Alpine Responsibility Code
• code of ethics.

Hazards  may include:

• poor visibility
• temperature extremes
• difficult snow conditions
• dense vegetation
• group management hazards.

Risks  may include:

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

Equipment  may include:

• clothing
• goggles or glasses
• activity-specific equipment
• navigation equipment
• first aid equipment
• safety and rescue equipment
• communication equipment.

Minimum supplies  may include:

• waterproof clothing
• whistle
• food and water
• first aid kit
• map and compass
• stove and fuel
• torch
• space blanket
• repair kit
• small shelter
• sleeping bag
• sleeping mat
• snow shovel
• mobile phone or ERIRB or PLB.

Relevant sources  may include:

• ski patrol
• 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.

Factors contributing to avalanches  may include:

• slope angle
• elevation
• weather
• deposition
• snowpack structure
• local instability
• topography.

Factors  may include:

• construction time
• equipment
• weather
• physical and mental state of the party
• suitability of the snow and location.

Type of emergency snow shelter  may include:

• snow mould
• igloo
• snow cave
• trench
• improvised shelter.

Relevant aspects  may include:

• objectives
• planning process
• activity site
• weather
• equipment selection
• clothing selection
• food selection
• rescue techniques employed.