Assessor Resource

SISOCLA406A
Apply lead climbing skills on artificial surfaces

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to those working as climbing guides or assistant guides in a range of artificial single pitch 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 apply lead climbing skills to single pitch routes on artificial surfaces. This unit also focuses on the application of second climbing and belaying skills suitable for lead climbing.

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)

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:

applies relevant processes to plan for lead climbing activity and determines suitable routes

selects and fits equipment independently and carries out personal safety checks and ensures effective working order of equipment

places quick draws at sufficient distances apart to reduce the distance of climber fall and removes and safely carries quick draws during second climbing

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

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

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple lead climbing and belaying activities on single pitch artificial surfaces to demonstrate competence and consistency of performance.

Assessment must ensure access to:

resources and information regarding lead climbing and belaying to accurately plan for the activity

suitable artificial single pitch climbing sites with obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate lead climbing skills and belaying

other climbing participants, to assist with belaying and second climbing

equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, ropes, slings, quick draws, gloves, karabiners, climbing shoes 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:

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe participation in all climbing activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of lead climbing skills, such as placing quick draws periodically and communicating with 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:

SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues

SISOCLA303A Establish belays for climbing on artificial surfaces.

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 climber and or belayer

problem-solving skills to determine type and placement of quick draw to minimise fall distance during lead climbing

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

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for lead climbing on artificial surfaces, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

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

lead climbing techniques and common communication methods and calls used between climbers and belayers to reduce risk during lead climbing on artificial surfaces

belay techniques and devices appropriate lead climbing on single pitch surfaces

climbing knowledge of appropriate types of quick draws, protection, ropes, knots and anchors used on single pitch artificial surfaces

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

hazards and fall factors that may be experienced during lead climbs on artificial surfaces

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.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

emergency procedures

code of ethics.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

equipment failure.

Artificial surfaces may include:

portable or fixed walls

fixed towers or bridges

indoor or outdoor.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

synoptic charts.

Communication system may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Features may include:

arĕtes

chimneys

corners

cracks

edges

flakes

jugs

ledges

overhangs

pockets

roofs

slabs.

Capabilities may include:

body weight or strength ratio

stamina.

Equipment may include:

helmets

karabiners

harnesses

belay device

slings

ropes

tapes

anchors

quick draws

protection

footwear

chalk bag and chalk

first aid kit.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

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- everything else including end or rope knots, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.

F - friend - cross check.

Belay system may include:

top belay

bottom belay

single rope

double rope.

Knot tying may include:

end of rope knot

midline knots

stopper knots

lock off knots.

Climbing techniques may include:

bridging

dynamic movement

heel hooks

jamming

lay backing

layaways and side pulls

mantle

pinch grips

smearing

underclings.

Obstacles may include:

ledges

overhangs

squeezes

traverses.

Fixed protection may include:

fixed hangers

fixed draws

chains.

Belaying position may include:

anchored or unanchored

bottom of the pitch.

Belay device may include:

plate device

tube device

auto locking device.

Belayer safety may include:

wearing of helmets

attaching to safety ropes

standing out of direct line of gear fall.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

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
Identify and select an appropriate activity site according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Identify associated hazards and procedures to minimise risks to climber and belayer on artificial surfaces. 
Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan, where applicable. 
Establish a suitable communication system to use while climbing and belaying with other participants. 
Identify suitable access to and egress from the climbing site, according to relevant legislation. 
Select a suitable route for the climb and inspect the position of features according to the capabilities of the climbing party. 
Provide an accurate route description for the climb. 
Select and use equipment according to manufacturer's specifications, after consideration of contextual issues. 
Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety. 
Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks, according to organisational policies and procedures prior to commencement. 
Demonstrate attachment to a suitable belay system at bottom of pitch, according to manufacturer's specifications, and apply correct rope handling and knot tying techniques. 
Apply safety procedures at climbing site. 
Display correct posture and fluent climbing techniques suitable to features and possible holds. 
Maintain effective communication between climber and belayer throughout climb. 
Locate and evaluate the main features of the climb whilst climbing. 
Apply safe climbing techniques to minimise injury in the event of a fall or gear fall. 
Locate and utilise rest positions to reduce fatigue. 
Negotiate obstacles and avoid or remove hazards to climb in a controlled manner. 
Demonstrate use of belaying system to maximise climber safety at all times. 
Remove quick draws in a manner that minimises potential for dropping of gear. 
Demonstrate accepted safety procedures, throughout the climb and whilst belaying. 
Select and use a suitable number of quick draws for the chosen climb and rack quick draws so that they are accessible during the climb. 
Use fixed protection periodically throughout the climb to reduce fall distance. 
Apply correct techniques to minimise rope drag. 
Demonstrate the ability to down climb. 
Select appropriate fixed anchors at the top of the pitch if applicable. 
Establish a belay system at the top of the pitch which maximises climber and belayer safety at all times if applicable. 
Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to chosen belay device that allows effective use of belay system. 
Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from belay system, and attachment of belayer to anchor to minimise movement during a fall if applicable. 
Perform all safety checks in accordance with organisational policies and procedures to ensure belayer safety in the event of a climber or gear fall. 
Maintain rope tension to ensure fall distance is minimised whilst not restricting climber movement. 
Monitor climber progress constantly and respond appropriately to climber calls. 
Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to the belaying device and situation. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of lead climbing and belaying. 
Identify improvements for future second and lead climbing activities. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOCLA406A - Apply lead climbing skills on artificial surfaces
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Assessment Record Sheet

SISOCLA406A - Apply lead climbing skills on artificial surfaces

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