Assessment Requirements for SISOCVE003 Abseil single pitches in caves

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for SISOCVE003 Abseil single pitches in caves

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 the following single pitch abseils in natural caves:

four descents with a belayer

two self-belayed descents

during each of the above abseils, consistently:

follow safety procedures and safely negotiate hazards to descend in a controlled manner

connect self to abseil and belay system using appropriate device and or knots

complete two additional self-belayed descents, simulating a self-arrest and self-rescue to complete the descent

belay abseilers according to safety procedures, and complete the following:

three top rope, top belayed descents

one bottom braked descent

two simulated abseiler falls, and safely and efficiently secure and release abseilers to continue.

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 caving activities

purpose, features, and correct fit for safety, of personal protective equipment for abseiling in caves to include:

clothing

footwear

gloves

caving helmets

headlamps

harnesses of different types, advantages and disadvantages

features, functions and operation of abseiling equipment used in caves:

carabiners

maillon rapides

static and dynamic rope and when each might be used

tape

sewn sling

personal attachment systems, including cow’s tails

Prusik cord

descending devices:

assisted locking

inline

plate

figure 8

tubular

improvised

belay systems:

top rope top belay

bottom brake

self-belay

belay devices:

assisted locking

inline

plate

figure 8

tubular

improvised

types of equipment and knots used, and how to tie them, when:

attaching descending devices to abseil ropes

attaching belay system to anchors

attaching self to back up belay system for self-belays

attaching self to anchor

types of personal and equipment safety checks completed prior to abseiling and belaying

caving abseiling techniques, and appropriate posture for descents to include those for:

walking backwards on wet and dry surfaces

self-belayed descents

techniques for belaying others during cave abseils to include those for:

establishing belaying position for effective and safe use of belay system

rope handling and maintaining adequate rope tension

controlling bottom brake system

arresting abseiler falls

securing abseiler, tying off belay system and releasing

reasons for attaching belayer to anchor system when belaying others including:

minimising belayer movement to retain stable position and stance

minimising effects of force of abseiler fall and risk of injury to belayer

minimising risks of belayer fall

communication protocols used between abseilers and belayers to include:

calls

hand signals

whistles

typical hazards for single pitch abseiling in caves, and techniques used to safely negotiate these:

water pools, streams and seepage

falling rocks, water, debris, gear

abrasion points

sharp edges

vertical squeezes and overhangs

strong cave breezes

darkness

rising waters

tangled rope

how to care for abseiling equipment during caving activities to avoid damage, and promote long lifespan

techniques used to minimise damage to the cave environment when abseiling in caves.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in a natural cave where single pitch abseils are completed as part of recreational caving activities.

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:

participants with whom the individual interacts during caving activities

personal protective equipment to include:

caving helmets

headlamps

gloves

harnesses

anchors which can include:

fixed artificial

naturally occurring

artificial removable

abseiling equipment to include:

carabiners

maillon rapides

rope which can include static and or dynamic rope

rope protectors

tape or sewn sling

personal attachment systems, including cow’s tails

Prusik cords

descending devices

belay devices

template safety checklists

organisational safety and emergency response procedures for caving 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 caving leader, guide or instructor, 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