Assessor Resource

SISOABN409A
Guide abseiling on multi pitch natural surfaces

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit applies to those working as abseiling guides. Activities are conducted in a range of natural multi pitch sites.

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 guide participants in a multi pitch abseiling activity on a natural surface. This unit focuses on the application of planning skills to make suitable arrangements to guide a group through an abseiling activity.

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:

plans activity in accordance with participants needs, relevant legislation, organisational policy and procedures

briefs, guides and monitors groups in a safe and professional manner

applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that may arise during the abseiling activity

encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure leading abseiling activities that reflect the needs of a range of participants demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document abseiling activities for a variety of participants

a natural multi pitch abseiling site suitable for the participants

a group of participants to take part in the abseiling activity

equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, descending devices, ropes, gloves, karabiners, food and water, and safety and first aid 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 interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all abseiling activities

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure

review of abseiling activity plans

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:

SISOABN407A Establish ropes for multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces.

SISOABN406A Apply multi pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces

SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues

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:

consult with participants to plan an abseiling activity that meets their need

convey information about the safety aspects of the activity

interact with participants to create a safe and positive abseiling environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan a suitable abseiling activity according to participant's needs and abilities

make decisions affecting activity such as potential hazards and impact of weather

respond appropriately to non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and natural pitch suitable for the participants

organise participants into manageable groups for abseiling and belaying

language, numeracy and literacy skills to:

produce an activity plan for the abseiling activity

perform basic calculations to determine equipment needs based on height of pitch

complete post-activity participant and self evaluations

effective and efficient personal abseiling skills to demonstrate and explain abseiling and belaying techniques to participants

rope handling, retrieval and knot tying skills to rig ropes and anchors adequately and safely

contingency and rescue skills to recover participants from abseiling incident

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of abseiling activities

minimal impact codes to ensure protection of the environment

site specific information to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential abseiling hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the area

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

clothing and footwear requirements for abseiling activities to ensure comfort and safety

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

nutritional requirements when abseiling to maintain wellbeing

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

belay systems, devices and anchors appropriate for multi pitch natural surfaces

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

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.

Condition of participants may include:

skill level

previous experience

physical capabilities and fitness level

age

injuries and illnesses.

Plan may include:

activity aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location

guide and participant ratios

resources

equipment

food and water

weather details

participant information

safety requirements

risk management plan.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

time and budget constraints

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

guide and participant ratios

emergency and safety procedures

code of ethics.

Activity objectives may include:

self improvement

meeting people

fitness targets

adventure and recreation.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Natural surfaces may include:

cliffs

boulders

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

coastal patrol or coastguard

volunteer marine rescue

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Food and water requirements may include:

perishability

packaging

storage.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Belay system may include:

top belay

bottom brake

self belay.

Appropriate authorities may include:

waterways departments

surf rescue

authorities

supervisors.

Equipment may include:

abseiling equipment:

safety equipment

rescue equipment.

Relevant information may include:

personal equipment requirements

safety procedures

possible hazards

environmental impact minimisation

abseiling and belaying techniques

objectives

rules and codes

responsible and safe behaviour.

Communicationsystem may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

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.

Participant's performance may include:

use of appropriate communication system

abseiling technique

attitude

negotiation of hazards

use of equipment.

Variable factors may include:

change of weather

equipment failure

participant's needs

abseiling conditions.

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
Determine the conditionofparticipants prior to participation in the activity. 
Develop an activity plan according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, to meet participant's needs. 
Select an appropriate activity site or location that is suitable for participants and meets activity objectives, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Identify hazards associated with abseiling on natural surfaces and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants. 
Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan. 
Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the activity. 
Determine most appropriate belay system according to participant's abilities and conditions at the site. 
Inform appropriate authorities before commencing the abseiling activity. 
Select equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures and check serviceability. 
Assess equipment for safety and suitability, and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort. 
Establish anchors and ropes, ensuring they are in correct position for the activity. 
Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and the abseil. 
Communicate instructions and relevant information about the abseiling activity in a manner suitable to the participants. 
Demonstrate correct abseiling and belaying techniques. 
Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while abseiling and belaying. 
Outline safety checks, safe areas and boundaries for the activity. 
Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the abseil. 
Provide clear and concise direction and advice to group during the activity. 
Monitor abseiling, belaying and back-up belaying techniques to ensure safety of participants. 
Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback. 
Implement appropriate modifications to activity in regard to all variable factors that are monitored. 
Use positive encouragement throughout activity, and encourage feedback and questioning from group members. 
Retrieve, inspect and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of abseiling activity. 
Identify potential areas of improvement for future abseiling activities. 
Review own performance and identify potential improvements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOABN409A - Guide abseiling on multi pitch natural surfaces
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Assessment Record Sheet

SISOABN409A - Guide abseiling on multi pitch natural surfaces

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