Required skills

communication skills to inform progress and interact with belayer

problemsolving skills to identify and safely negotiate obstacles and hazards

rope handling skills to manage and retrieve ropes

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 all activities

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

knots that are appropriate to the abseiling activity to manage risk

abseiling techniques and common communication methods and calls used between abseilers and belayers to reduce risk during multi pitch abseiling on a variety of natural surfaces according to the features of the surface

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

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

arranges a suitable communication system with belayer when abseiling to monitor progress

applies abseiling techniques and negotiates obstacles and hazards during to ensure safety of self and other participants

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 multiple abseiling activities on multi pitch natural surfaces that are of sufficient duration and breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also include access to

resources and information regarding abseiling to accurately plan for the activity

a variety of multi pitch natural abseiling sites with 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 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 enable safe conduct of all abseiling activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling skills such as communicating with 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 multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces

SISOABN407A Establish ropes for multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces

SISOVTRA Perform complex vertical rescues

SISOVTR402A Perform complex vertical rescues.

Guidance information for assessment

Food and water requirements may include:

Principles of nutrition may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Natural surfaces may include:

Relevantsources may include:

Weather and environmental information may include:

Communication system may include:

Equipment may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Safety checks may include:

Descending device may include:

Belay system may include:

Abseiling techniques may include:

Obstacles may include:

Relevant aspects may include: