Assessor Resource

SISOABN303A
Apply single pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit applies to those working as assistant abseiling leaders or support staff under supervision in a range of controlled natural conditions.

This unit may also apply 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 independently abseil in single pitch situations on natural surfaces. This unit includes the application of belaying skills for the protection of self and others. It does not cover setting up or rigging an abseil.

No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

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 independently and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order

arranges a suitable communication system with abseiler, when belaying, to monitor progress

negotiates obstacles and hazards during abseiling, and adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in abseiling and belaying activities on single pitch natural surfaces that are of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a cliff with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate abseiling skills

other abseiling participants, to assist with belaying

equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, descending devices, ropes, gloves and karabiners.

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 safe participation and demonstration of abseiling and belaying skills, such as communicating with abseiler or belayer to inform of progress

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:

SISOABN304A Establish ropes for single pitch abseiling on natural surfaces

SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues.

Guidance information for assessment

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 inform progress and interact with abseiler and or belayer whilst participating in activity

problem-solving skills to:

negotiate obstacles and hazards when abseiling

assess application of rope tension when belaying

rope handling skills to maintain adequate rope tension when belaying

self belaying or bottom brake skills to maintain personal safety in the absence of top rope belay

Tie off skills to protect or safeguard abseilier when belayer escapes from system.

Required knowledge

minimal impact codes to ensure protection of the environment

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for abseiling on natural surfaces, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

care and maintenance of abseiling equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements

abseiling techniques and common communication methods and calls used between abseilers and belayers to reduce risk during abseiling on single pitch natural surfaces

belay techniques and devices appropriate for single pitch surfaces

technical abseiling knowledge, such as 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

hazards that may be experienced in a natural abseiling environment

emergency procedures, potential hazards and obstacles relevant to the location to ensure safety of 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:

helmets

protective clothing

karabiners

harnesses

gloves

belay device

rope

anchors

footwear.

Safety checks may include:

A - anchors - secure and suitable to application

B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations

C - connectors - locked, secured and orientated

D - devices - threaded correctly and secured

E - everything else including end of rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured

F - friend - cross check.

Descending device may include:

auto locking devices

circular devices

plate devices

tubular devices

improvised devices

inline devices.

Communication system may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Abseiling techniques may include:

walking backwards

bouncing backwards

forward rundowns.

Obstacles may include:

ledges

trees

water

overhangs.

Belay device may include:

plate devices

auto locking devices

tubular devices.

Belay system may include:

top belay

bottom brake

self belay.

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

natural surface features

abseiling techniques.

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, prior to commencing abseiling and or belaying. 
Attach descending device to the abseil rope being used. 
Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk. 
Display correct posture and technique while abseiling, using single and double rope. 
Maintain effective communicationsystems between abseiler and belayer throughout the descent. 
Apply safe and correct abseiling techniques, to minimise injury in the event of a fall. 
Negotiate simple obstacles and avoid or remove hazards to descend in a controlled manner. 
Demonstrate techniques that minimise damage to the environment while abseiling. 
Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to belay device that allows effective use of belay system. 
Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from belay system, and attachment of belayer to an anchor to minimise movement during a fall. 
Maintain rope tension 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 situation. 
Identify a situation where a self belay system or bottom brake system would be required. 
Demonstrate use of a self belay or bottom brake system to maintain safety in the event of a fall. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of abseiling and belaying. 
Identify improvements for future abseiling activities. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOABN303A - Apply single pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces
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

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Assessment Record Sheet

SISOABN303A - Apply single pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces

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

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