Assessor Resource

SISOABN202A
Safeguard an abseiler using a single rope belay system

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit applies to those participating in abseiling activities.

This unit applies to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers, volunteer groups, not for profit organisations or government agencies.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to safeguard an abseiler using a single rope belay system and a bottom brake system under direct supervision. This unit applies to abseiling on either natural or artificial surfaces.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Nil


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

correctly fits equipment, such as attachment of belayer to an anchor, and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order

arranges a suitable communication system with abseiler, monitors their progress and responds to abseilers calls appropriately

follows instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate belaying techniques, such as maintaining appropriate rope tension

adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise during abseiling or belaying, such as movement restriction of the abseiler due to inappropriate rope tension, and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of abseiler

evaluates and reflects on own belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in belaying, using a single rope belay system and a bottom brake system, that is of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information regarding belaying techniques and potential hazards of artificial and natural surfaces, to plan for the activity

a suitable single pitch natural and or artificial abseiling site with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate simple abseiling and belaying skills

a qualified abseiling guide or instructor

equipment such as belay devices, prusik loops, sewn slings, ropes, harness, helmet, karabiners and safety 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:

observation of equipment usage, and safety checks to ensure correct equipment application

questioning to assess knowledge of appropriate rope tension to minimise abseiler fall distance

observation of safe participation and demonstration of belaying skills, such as communication with abseiler and constant monitoring of abseiler

observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure or change in weather

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:

SISOABN201A Demonstrate abseiling skills on natural surfaces

or

SISOABA201A Demonstrate abseiling skills on artificial surfaces


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills to interact with abseiler whilst belaying to enable safe conduct of the abseiling activity

problem-solving skills to assess and apply rope tension requirements

rope handling skills to maintain adequate rope tension when belaying.

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all activities and legal access

minimal impact codes to ensure protection of the environment

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for single rope belay systems and bottom brake systems, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

care and maintenance of abseiling equipment, such as dynamic and static ropes, to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements

common communication methods and calls used between abseilers and belayers

belay techniques and devices appropriate for single rope belay systems

technical abseiling knowledge, such as abseiling techniques and procedures to suit the features of the surface

basic weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity

emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and others.

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.

Equipment may include:

rope

belay device

prusik loops

sewn slings

karabiners

helmets

harness.

Safety checks may include:

A - anchors - secure and suitable to application

B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations

C - connector - locked, secured and orientated

D - devices - threaded correctly and secured

E - organisation specific procedures including; end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.

F - friend - cross check.

Procedures may include:

wearing of helmets

attaching to safety ropes for top belay

positioning out of direct line of rock fall.

Communication system may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Belay device may include:

plate devices

auto locking devices

tubular devices.

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.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Use equipment in a safe and efficient manner. 
Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety. 
Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks, in accordance with standard procedures prior to commencing. 
Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from belay system, and attachment of belayer to an anchor point within the system to minimise movement during a fall. 
Arrange a communication system with abseiler. 
Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to belay device that allows effective use of belay system and minimises movement during a fall. 
Maintain rope slack to ensure fall distance is minimised whilst not restricting abseiler movement. 
Monitor abseiler progress constantly and respond appropriately to abseiler calls. 
Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to the belaying device and or situation. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of the belaying activity. 
Identify improvements for future belays. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOABN202A - Safeguard an abseiler using a single rope belay system
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

SISOABN202A - Safeguard an abseiler using a single rope belay system

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: