Required skills

communication skills to enable safe interaction with belayer during climb

problemsolving skills to determine appropriate route and techniques

rope handling skills to maintain adequate rope tension when belaying

Required knowledge

organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe participation in top rope climbing activities

identification and use of personal climbing equipment care of climbing equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements

common communication methods and calls used between climbers and belayers

belay techniques and devices appropriate for top rope climbing on artificial surfaces

climbing techniques and procedures such as selecting a climbing technique to suit the features of the wall

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

applies relevant processes to plan and select an appropriate route for the context and duration of the climb and provides a route description

selects and fits equipment such as a harness and carries out safety checks before demonstrating climbing and belaying techniques such as maintaining appropriate rope tension when belaying

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

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in climbing and belaying using a top rope set up on an artificial surface on multiple climbs that are of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

resources and information such as climbing and belaying techniques and feature description of the artificial climbing surface to accurately plan the route for the climb

a suitable artificial single pitch climbing site for top rope climbing with features that allow participant to demonstrate simple climbing skills

a qualified leader

equipment such as a harness helmet climbing shoes karabiners and belaying devices

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 of organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of skills and techniques communicating arresting a climbers fall belaying

observation of dealing with contingencies such as equipment misuse or change of route

thirdparty reports from a leader detailing performance

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

Guidance information for assessment

Features may include:

Artificial surface may include:

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Safety procedures may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Equipment may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Safety checks may include:

Climbing techniques may include:

Communication may include:

Belaying position may include:

Belay devices may include:

Belay system may include:

Relevant aspects may include: