Required skills

communication skills to inform progress and interact with abseiler and or belayer whilst participating in activity

problemsolving skills to

negotiate obstacles and hazards when abseiling

assess application of rope tension when belaying

rope handling skills to maintain adequate rope tension when belaying

self belaying or bottom brake skills to maintain personal safety in the absence of top rope belay

Tie off skills to protect or safeguard abseilier when belayer escapes from system

Required knowledge

minimal impact codes to ensure protection of the environment

equipment types characteristics and technology used for abseiling on natural surfaces the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment 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 between abseilers and belayers to reduce risk during abseiling on single pitch natural surfaces

belay techniques and devices appropriate for single pitch surfaces

technical abseiling knowledge such as 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

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

correctly fits equipment independently and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order

arranges a suitable communication system with abseiler when belaying to monitor progress

negotiates obstacles and hazards during abseiling and adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in abseiling and belaying activities on single pitch natural surfaces that are of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

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

other abseiling participants to assist with belaying

equipment such as harnesses helmets belay devices descending devices ropes gloves 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

observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling and belaying skills such as communicating with abseiler or belayer to inform of progress

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 Establish ropes for single pitch abseiling on natural surfaces

SISOABN304A Establish ropes for single pitch abseiling on natural surfaces

SISOVTRA Perform vertical rescues

SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues.

Guidance information for assessment

Equipment may include:

Safety checks may include:

Descending device may include:

Communication system may include:

Abseiling techniques may include:

Obstacles may include:

Belay device may include:

Belay system may include:

Relevant aspects may include: