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 and delivers precise relevant information, explanations and demonstrations for single pitch lead climbing session to ensure activities are conducted safely according to participant's needs and characteristics

observes and monitors the progress of participants, provides constructive feedback and intervention and modifies instructional techniques and or activities to improve lead climbing performance

encourages and responds to feedback from participants and evaluates and reflects on own instruction performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure instruction of lead climbing activities, using a variety of instructional techniques that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants and are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must enable access to:

resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, instruct and document lead climbing sessions for a variety of participants

instructional tools such as videos, DVDs, televisions, whiteboards, books, magazines, handouts and the internet

a single pitch natural climbing site suitable for the conduct of instructional sessions

a group of participants to take part in the lead climbing session

equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, ropes, gloves, karabiners, natural, fixed and artificial anchors, protection, climbing shoes, chalk and chalk bag, 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:

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all lead climbing activities during the session

observation of safe lead climbing instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics

review of lead climbing session 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:

SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues

SISOCLN303A Establish belays for climbing on natural surfaces.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan a lead climbing session that meets their needs

convey information about the safety aspects of the session

interact with participants to create a safe and positive climbing environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan a suitable lead climbing session according to participant's needs and characteristics

address participant difficulties in developing lead climbing techniques

anticipate and respond appropriately to non routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

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

monitor and evaluate progress

organise participants into manageable groups for lead climbing and belaying

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

produce lead climbing and instructional plans for the lead climbing session

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

complete post session participant and self evaluations

apply for permission or permits to use a single pitch natural climbing site to instruct a group

instructional techniques to suit a range of participant's needs and characteristics

efficient and effective personal lead climbing skills to demonstrate and explain lead climbing and belaying techniques to participants

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response and or rescue in emergencies whilst instructing climbing on natural surfaces.

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of lead climbing session

information about local site to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential climbing hazards and any special restrictions applying to the site

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

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

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

instruction techniques and theories applicable to a range of ages and learning abilities

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

belay systems, devices, knots and anchors appropriate for lead climbing on single pitch natural surfaces

technical lead climbing knowledge, such as establishing anchors using any combination of fixed, natural and or artificial protection

basic weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their effect on the session

that may be experienced in a natural climbing 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.

Participant's needs and characteristics may include:

age

fitness level and physical capabilities

climbing skills and knowledge

injuries and illnesses.

Session's aims and objectives may include:

developing climbing on natural surface skills

education

development

therapy

fitness targets

recreation.

Instructional plan may include:

lead climbing activities and drills

duration of activities and drills.

Lead climbing plan may include:

session's aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location or site

instructor and participant ratios

resources and equipment

weather details

participant information:

safety requirements

risk management plan

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

rescue equipment

rescue and evacuation plan.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

risk management procedures

occupational health and safety

time and budget constraints

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

instructor and participant ratios

emergency and safety procedures

code of ethics.

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:

boulders

cliffs.

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

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.

Contingency plans may include:

poor communication conditions

injuries

escape or retreat options

off route possibilities.

Equipment may include:

climbing equipment

safety equipment

rescue equipment.

Resources may include:

food and water

teaching aids.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Relevant information may include:

equipment requirements, selection and use

safety procedures

risk prevention

possible hazards

risk management

lead climbing and belaying techniques

communication

objectives

rules and codes

responsible and safe behaviour.

Feedback may include:

information on participant progress

any improvements needed

verbal

written

visual.

Communication system 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

lead climbing technique

second climbing technique

belaying technique

attitude and behaviour

negotiation of hazards

use of equipment.

Instructional techniques may include:

part to whole

sequential

known to unknown

D.E.D.I.C.T:

demonstrate

explain

demonstrate

instruct

critique

test

E.D.I.C.T:

explain

demonstrate

instruct

critique

test

I.D.E.A:

introduce

demonstrate

explain

apply

orientate, enhance, synthesise.

Activity specific knowledge may include:

relevant legislation

organisational policies and procedures

lead climbing skills and techniques

placement of protection

establishment of anchors and ropes

factors to consider when planning a lead climb

minimal impact practices

risk and hazard management

equipment selection, use and maintenance

communication systems used in climbing.

Single pitch lead climbing skills may include:

lead climbing skills, including the placement of protection

single pitch lead climbing belaying techniques

second climbing skills, including removal of protection

establishment of single pitch anchors using fixed, natural and artificial protection

communication between climber and belayer

negotiation of hazards to ensure safety of self and group

use and maintenance of equipment.

knots appropriate to single pitch lead climbing

rescue procedures relevant to single pitch lead climbing

falling technique

fall factors.

Safety and rescue procedures may include:

emergency response procedures

group management in emergency situations

relevant legislation

organisational policies and procedures

emergency response equipment

understanding of safety practices.

Opportunities may include:

locations suitable to skill level

range of equipment and clothing available

climbing clubs or groups in the local area.

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.