Required skills

communication skills to inform of progress and interact with belayer whilst abseiling

problemsolving skills to negotiate obstacles and hazards when abseiling

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all activities and legal access

equipment types characteristics and technology used for abseiling on natural surfaces and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

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

abseiling techniques and common communication methods and calls used to reduce risk during an abseiling activity on a natural surface

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 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

fits equipment such as a harness and helmet and carries out safety checks

follows verbal instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate controlled abseiling techniques on a natural surface

negotiates obstacles and hazards during the abseiling activity and communicates effectively with the belayer and or supervisor to ensure safety of self and others

evaluates and reflects on own abseiling performance to identify strengths weaknesses and areas that need improvement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in abseiling activities that are of a sufficient duration to allow the participant to demonstrate competency

Assessment must also ensure access to

a cliff with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate simple abseiling skills

equipment such as a harness helmet and karabiners

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 and or written questioning to assess knowledge to enable the safe conduct of all activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling skills and techniques such as communicating with belayer and descending in a controlled manner

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

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

Guidance information for assessment

Equipment may include:

Safety checks may include:

Descending device may include:

Communication system may include:

Obstacles may include:

Relevant aspects may include: