Required skills

problemsolving skills to select appropriate anchors and belay systems for the context and conditions of the abseiling activity

rope handling and knot tying skills to rig ropes and anchors safely

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 multipitch abseiling activities

equipment types characteristics and technology used to establish belays for multi pitch abseiling on artificial surfaces

care and maintenance of equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements as advised by the manufacturers specifications and recommendations for equipment use

belay and anchor systems appropriate for multi pitch abseiling on artificial surfaces

technical abseiling and equipment knowledge to establish appropriate belay systems

types of knots their advantages and disadvantages and their impact on roping activities

emergency procedures potential hazards and obstacles relevant to the location to ensure safety of self and others

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

independently selects appropriate equipment and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order

uses discretion and judgement to determine belay system required for abseiling in multi pitch contexts and differentiates between the types of belay systems anchors and knots and their suitability to different rigging situations

determines the need for and establishes belay systems to ensure safety of self and other participants

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in rigging of anchors and equipment that is of sufficient breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

resources and information regarding abseiling and belaying equipment

suitable artificial multi pitch abseiling sites with fixed anchors and varying qualities and features that allow participant to demonstrate rigging skills

equipment such as anchors harnesses belay systems descending devices slings ropes karabiners 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 ensure safe and appropriate use of all abseiling equipment

observation of safe participation and demonstration of setting up belay systems suitable to different contexts and participants

observation of dealing with contingencies such as equipment misuse

thirdparty reports from a leader detailing performance

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended

SISOVTRA Perform vertical rescues

SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues

SISOABAA Establish ropes for abseiling on artificial surfaces

SISOABA303A Establish ropes for abseiling on artificial surfaces

Guidance information for assessment

Belay system may include:

Contextualissues may include:

Equipment may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Anchors may include:

Participants may include:

Condition of the anchors may include:

Likely load may include:

Belay device may include:

Artificial surface conditions may include:

Safety checks may include:

Knots may include:

Hazards may include:

Safety of belayer may include: