Assessment Requirements for SISOBWG003 Bushwalk in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for SISOBWG003 Bushwalk in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments

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:

complete three walks, including one lasting for a minimum of three days

during each walk:

maintain an effective walking rhythm by:

maintaining same stride and pace

allowing natural body swing

avoiding jerky movements or springing

use techniques to ascend steps and slopes:

placing feet down flat with a deliberate step

resting heels on any available projections

zig-zagging

using walking aids and ropes as handlines

use techniques to descend steps and slopes:

placing toes against projections to avoid overstriding

avoiding placing feet down heavily

flat-footed or stiff-heeled technique

using walking aids and ropes as handlines

use walking techniques specific to the environmental terrain

consistently follow safety procedures and safely negotiate hazards.

Knowledge Evidence

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

organisational safety and emergency response procedures for walking activities

contents of the Australian Walking Track Grading System, in particular the specifications for grade 5 tracks

suitable clothing and footwear for the particular region or locality in which outdoor recreational walks are delivered:

types of clothing and fabrics that protect against the effects of local weather conditions including sun, temperatures, winds, and precipitation of different levels and extremes

reasons for layering clothes

effective fabrics/materials, design and construction features of waterproof gear and walking boots suitable for walking in extremely difficult tracked environments

gaiters and their purpose

as relevant, purpose and features of specialist aids

purpose, features, advantages and disadvantages of walking poles

effective design and construction features of back packs

techniques used to effectively pack items for ease of access and maximum usage of space

waterproofing and stowing techniques used to keep clothing, food and resources dry during walking activities

how to care for clothing, footwear, backpacks and other equipment during and after activities to avoid damage, and promote long lifespan

safe manual handling techniques used to:

lift and carry backpacks of various weights

haul backpacks to negotiate hazards

communication protocols for group walks in extremely difficult tracked environments to include:

calls

hand signals

whistles

radio

how to maintain an effective walking rhythm:

maintaining same stride and pace

allowing natural body swing

avoiding jerky movements or springing

techniques used to ascend prolonged steep slopes:

placing feet down flat with a deliberate step

resting heels on any available projections

zig-zagging

keeping weight over feet, not leaning into the slope

using walking aids and ropes as handlines

techniques used to descend prolonged steep slopes:

placing toes against projections to avoid overstriding and fatigue

avoiding placing feet down heavily

flat-footed or stiff-heeled technique

using walking aids and ropes as handlines

factors that affect the selection of tie-off points and anchors for handlines, knots and how to tie them

typical hazards for walking in extremely difficult tracked environments, and techniques used to safely negotiate these:

roots

rocks

fallen tree logs

unstable track surface: slippery, rocky or loose tread

dense and overhanging vegetation

water crossings

hazardous flora and fauna

temperature extremes

exposure to storms, heavy rain, hail and strong wind

techniques used to minimise damage to the natural environments when walking

for the particular region or locality in which outdoor recreational walks are delivered which may include those for bushland, arid, alpine, tropical or other environments:

specific walking techniques used for the environmental terrain

specific hazards and techniques used to safely negotiate these

specific environmental considerations and minimal impact techniques when walking.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in a setting where bushwalking activities are delivered in extremely difficult tracked or untracked environments. Tracks and environments must feature the following:

be rough unformed tracks with no modification to the natural surface

have surfaces that are variable and challenging with prolonged unstable sections

have constant natural obstacles such as rocky or loose tread, roots, rocks, fallen tree logs and dense vegetation

have steep sections and very arduous climbs

have no signage or route markers at any point.

If in an alpine region, assessment can occur if ground is covered by snow.

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

first aid equipment

communication equipment for emergency response.

Assessment must ensure use of:

a group of participants with whom the individual interacts during walking activities

backpacks

food, water, tents and camping supplies as required for the duration of assessment

clothing and footwear suitable for the conditions

compasses

rope for handlines

Users Guide to the Australian Walking Track Grading System

activity plans to include details of planned route

walking route maps and guides

organisational safety and emergency response procedures for walking activities.

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

have a collective period of at least three years’ experience as a bushwalking leader, guide or instructor, where they have applied the skills and knowledge covered in this unit of competency; the three years’ experience can incorporate full and or part time experience.

Links

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