Assessor Resource

SISOCVE303A
Rig a ladder pitch

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to those working as caving guides or instructors either autonomously or as part of a team in familiar and unfamiliar situations within a range of natural cave locations with simple obstacles and vertical single pitches that may require the use of a ladder pitch.

This unit also applies to outdoor recreation 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 rig a ladder pitch for use in caving activities. It includes anchor selection and setting up the belay in predictable situations. It does not cover ascending or descending a ladder.

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:

selects and uses anchors, knots, belay techniques and rigging equipment within a known range of predictable caving contexts

sets up belay systems suitable to the situation and abilities of those participating

identifies and eliminates or minimises hazards where required.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in rigging and de-rigging of ropes and ladders on multiple occasions in caving environments that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

suitable natural cave sites with the potential for rigging ladders and belays

rigging equipment and natural or fixed anchors to rig ladder pitch.

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 rigging and de-rigging ladder pitches within a caving context

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe and appropriate use of rigging equipment

observation of dealing with hazards throughout the rigging and de-rigging process

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:

SISOCVE304A Apply laddering skills.

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

problem-solving skills to:

select anchors and belay systems for the context and conditions of the activity

identify and eliminate hazards

rig and de-rig ropes and ladders safely

self management skills to take responsibility for the rigging and de-rigging of ropes and ladders

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

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all rigging activities

equipment types, characteristics and technology used to rig ropes and ladders for caving activities

care and maintenance of equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements, as advised by the manufacturer's specifications for equipment use

ladders, ropes, and belay and anchor systems required to rig and de-rig ladder pitches for caving activities

caving techniques, situations and activities requiring use of ladder pitches

types of knots, their advantages and disadvantages, and their impact on rigging activities

safety systems and emergency procedures relevant to the location and situation 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.

Anchors may include:

natural

fixed.

Knots may include:

end-of-rope knots

mid-rope knots

friction knots

stopper knots

rope-joining knots.

Rigging equipment may include:

wire traces - all surfaces except limestone or formations

bolts

climbing protection

caving ladders

ropes

rope protectors

belay devices

karabiners.

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, maintenance and storage of equipment

communication protocols

minimal impact environmental and caving codes

Australian Speleological Federation Codes and Guidelines

code of ethics.

Hazards may include:

water pools and streamways

falling rocks, water, debris and or gear

abrasion points

tangled ladder

rope passing through ladder

loose gear, clothing and hair

jewellery

strong cave breezes

vertical squeezes.

Belay system may include:

top and bottom belays

self belays

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
Select suitable anchors for the activity. 
Tie knots according to the equipment and situation. 
Rig ladders and ropes for ease of use and safety, using rigging equipment and ladders according to manufacturer's specifications and organisational policies and procedures. 
Identify pitch hazards and minimise or eliminate, where possible. 
Select and use a suitable belay system for the situation and participant ability. 
Set up the belay to allow the belayer to safely escape from the system. 
De-rig ladders and ropes safely according to manufacturer's specifications and organisational policies and procedures. 
Pack ladders and ropes for appropriate transport away from the pitch. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOCVE303A - Rig a ladder pitch
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

SISOCVE303A - Rig a ladder pitch

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: