Assessment Requirements for SISOABS006 Establish ropes for single pitch abseiling on natural surfaces

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for SISOABS006 Establish ropes for single pitch abseiling on natural surfaces

Modification History

Not applicable.

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

select and set up belay systems and ropes suitable for single pitch abseils at three different natural pitches

collectively set up the following types of systems:

single rope

releasable abseil line

rope systems suitable for single rope techniques

top rope top belay

bottom brake belay

self-belay

collectively select and use these different types of anchors:

fixed artificial

naturally occurring

artificial removable

collectively select and tie at least four different types of knots suitable for the system type established, and appropriate for the intended load and function

identify and tag three different types of faulty equipment.

Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

organisational procedures for safety and serviceability checks

how the following factors affect selection of descent and ascent routes for natural surfaces including:

season of operation, weather and environmental conditions

participant characteristics including age, size, weight, fitness and abseiling skill level

group objectives and size

environmental hazards specific to abseiling on natural surfaces and how these affect:

safe access to and egress from the pitch

choice of descent and ascent routes for safety of abseiler

positioning of top or bottom belay systems for safety of belayer

features, functions, advantages and disadvantages of different types of anchors used for abseiling on natural surfaces including:

fixed artificial:

threads

bolts

chains

concrete bollards

naturally occurring:

trees

boulders

artificial removable:

spring loaded camming devices

nuts, wires and hexes

pitons

issues that are assessed when selecting anchors and likely impacts of poor condition on performance under load:

wear and abrasion due to age and use

corrosion

decay

dislodgment

underlying stability of structural features and presence of:

cracks

deformities

fissures

meaning of the following terms, and principles which apply when rigging anchors and ropes:

equalisation of load

single point of failure

anchor redundancy

angle of separation

shock loading

cross loading and cyclical loading of carabiners

mis-alignment of carabiners

closing the system, including advantages, disadvantages and methods used

types of forces (upwards, downwards) generated during abseiling and belaying, and how to calculate load on anchors and ropes for these circumstances:

top rope top belay

bottom brake belay

self-belay

abseiler descending under control

abseiler fall

belayer arresting falls

the effects of rope stretch during operations and implications if not minimised:

abrasions

rope bounce

undue stress on the anchor system

potential for abseiler to impact with hazards, or become entangled

features, functions, advantages and disadvantages of the following abseiling and belay equipment used on natural surfaces:

abseiling and belay systems for:

single rope

releasable abseil line

rope systems suitable for single rope techniques

top rope top belay

bottom brake belay

self-belay

descending devices:

assisted locking

inline

plate

figure 8

tubular

improvised

belay devices:

assisted locking

inline

plate

figure 8

tubular

improvised

carabiners

harnesses of different types

static and dynamic rope and when each might be used

rope protectors

tape

sewn sling

Prusik cord

how the following factors affect the selection and rigging of above equipment:

site characteristics including position of rub points

weather and environmental conditions

participant size, weight, and abseiling ability

cumulative load for group size and number of abseils

abseiling techniques to be used

distance, height and angle of anchor relative to top edge of abseil

manufacturers’ specifications for equipment use

techniques used to establish belay systems for safety of belayer:

rigging belays for performance of rescues

attaching to anchor or self belay safety system

situations requiring back up belay systems

when different knots are used, advantages and disadvantages, and how to tie them:

fixed eye

mid line tied in the bight

end to end joining

termination

load control hitches

slide and grip hitches

types of safety checks completed for rigging of equipment

how to care for abseiling equipment when rigging to avoid damage, and promote long lifespan

potential environmental impacts of rigging for abseils on natural surfaces including cliff faces and techniques used to minimise damage.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in an outdoor environment where rigging is completed for recreational single pitch abseils on natural surfaces. Pitches can feature:

undercut edges

low anchors at start

vertical and near vertical surfaces.

The following resources must be available to replicate industry conditions of operation:

first aid equipment

communication equipment for emergency response

rescue equipment.

Assessment must ensure use of:

personal protective equipment to include:

abseiling or climbing helmets

harnesses

gloves, as required

anchors to include:

fixed artificial

naturally occurring

artificial removable

abseiling equipment to include:

carabiners

rope which can include static and or dynamic rope

rope protectors

tape or sewn sling

Prusik cords

descending devices

belay devices

template safety checklists

organisational procedures for safety and serviceability checks.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations requirements for assessors, and:

have a collective period of at least three years’ experience as an abseiling activity leader or rigger, where they have applied the skills and knowledge covered in this unit of competency; the three years’ experience can be part time or full time experience.

Links

Companion Volume Implementation Guides - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=1ca50016-24d2-4161-a044-d3faa200268b