Required skills

communication skills to enable safe interaction with belayer whilst climbing

problemsolving skills to decide on possible route to take and techniques to use according to surface features and climbing skill level

rope handling skills to maintain adequate rope tension when belaying

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 and legal access

minimal impact climbing codes to ensure protection of the environment

equipment types characteristics and technology used for toprope climbing on natural 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

common communication methods and calls used between climbers and belayers

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

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

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

selects and correctly fits equipment such as a harness and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order

follows written and verbal instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate 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 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 multiple climbing and belaying activities using a top rope set up on a natural surface to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must ensure access to

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

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

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 relevant legislation and policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of skills and techniques such as underclings and side pulls in climbing and guiding and braking in belaying

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

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

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

Route description may include:

Features may include:

Natural surface may include:

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Equipment may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Safety checks may include:

Climbing techniques may include:

Rest positions may include:

Communication may include:

Belaying position may include:

Belay devices may include:

Belay system may include:

Belayer safety may include:

Relevant aspects may include: