Required skills

communication skills to interact with abseiler whilst belaying to enable safe conduct of the abseiling activity

problemsolving skills to assess and apply rope tension requirements

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 and legal access

minimal impact codes to ensure protection of the environment

equipment types characteristics and technology used for single rope belay systems and bottom brake systems the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

care and maintenance of abseiling equipment such as dynamic and static ropes to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements

common communication methods and calls used between abseilers and belayers

belay techniques and devices appropriate for single rope belay systems

technical abseiling knowledge such as abseiling techniques and procedures to suit the features of the surface

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

emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to 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

correctly fits equipment such as attachment of belayer to an anchor and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order

arranges a suitable communication system with abseiler monitors their progress and responds to abseilers calls appropriately

follows instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate belaying techniques such as maintaining appropriate rope tension

adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise during abseiling or belaying such as movement restriction of the abseiler due to inappropriate rope tension and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of abseiler

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in belaying using a single rope belay system and a bottom brake system that is of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

resources and information regarding belaying techniques and potential hazards of artificial and natural surfaces to plan for the activity

a suitable single pitch natural and or artificial abseiling site with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate simple abseiling and belaying skills

a qualified abseiling guide or instructor

equipment such as belay devices prusik loops sewn slings ropes harness helmet karabiners and safety 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

observation of equipment usage and safety checks to ensure correct equipment application

questioning to assess knowledge of appropriate rope tension to minimise abseiler fall distance

observation of safe participation and demonstration of belaying skills such as communication with abseiler and constant monitoring of abseiler

observation of dealing with contingencies such as equipment failure or change in weather

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

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

SISOABNA Demonstrate abseiling skills on natural surfaces

SISOABN201A Demonstrate abseiling skills on natural surfaces

or

SISOABAA Demonstrate abseiling skills on artificial surfaces

SISOABA201A Demonstrate abseiling skills on artificial surfaces

Equipment may include:

Safety checks may include:

Procedures may include:

Communication system may include:

Belay device may include:

Relevant aspects may include: