Required skills

communication skills to inform progress and interact with climber and or belayer

problemsolving skills to

select an appropriate climbing route

determine placement of quick draws and protection to minimise fall distance

leadership skills to safely and confidently lead a climbing party on a chosen route

planning and organising skills to arrange climbers at belay stations

rope handling skills to maintain adequate rope tension when belaying

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe participation of climbing activities

equipment types characteristics and technology used for lead climbing on artificial surfaces the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

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

lead climbing techniques and common communication methods and calls used between climbers and belayers to reduce risk during lead climbing on artificial surfaces

belay techniques and devices appropriate for multi pitch artificial surfaces

technical climbing knowledge of types of quick draws protection ropes knots and anchors used on multi pitch artificial surfaces

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

hazards and fall factors that may be experienced during lead climbing on multi pitch artificial surfaces

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

communicates effectively to monitor progress when belaying and to organise climbing group at belay stations safely and efficiently

negotiates obstacles and hazards during lead climbing and adapts quickly to unforeseen circumstances that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants

evaluates and reflects on own lead 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 multiple lead climbing and belaying activities on multi pitch artificial surfaces to demonstrate competence and consistency of performance

Assessment must ensure access to

resources and information regarding lead climbing and belaying to accurately plan for the activity

suitable artificial multi pitch climbing sites with obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate lead climbing skills and belaying

other climbing participants to assist with belaying and second climbing

equipment such as harnesses helmets belay devices ropes slings quick draws karabiners and climbing shoes

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 climbing activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of lead climbing skills such as placement of quick draws and protection and communicating with belayer to inform of progress

observation of dealing with contingencies such as equipment misuse 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

SISOCLAA Establish belays for multi pitch climbing on artificial surfaces

SISOCLA408A Establish belays for multi pitch climbing on artificial surfaces.

Guidance information for assessment

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Artificial surfaces may include:

Relevant sources may include:

Weather and environmental information may include:

Communication system may include:

Contingency plans may include:

Unforeseen circumstances may include:

Features may include:

Capabilities may include:

Equipment may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Safety checks may include:

Belay system may include:

Knot tying may include:

Climbing techniques may include:

Obstacles may include:

Anchors may include:

Fixed protection may include:

Belaying position may include:

Belay device may include:

Belayer safety may include:

Relevant aspects may include: