Required skills

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

problemsolving skills to negotiate obstacles and hazards when climbing and assess application of rope tension when belaying

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

minimal impact climbing codes to ensure protection of the environment

equipment types characteristics and technology used for 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

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

belay techniques and devices appropriate for single pitch surfaces

technical climbing knowledge such as selection and description of suitable route to take

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

hazards that may be experienced in a natural climbing 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

applies relevant processes to plan for climbing activity and describes suitable route to take

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

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

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

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 on single pitch natural surfaces to allow the participant to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

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

a suitable natural single pitch climbing site with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate climbing skills

other climbing participants to assist with belaying

equipment such as harnesses helmets belay devices ropes gloves karabiners climbing shoes 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 and 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 climbing and belaying skills such as communicating with climber 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

SISOCLNA Establish belays for climbing on natural surfaces

SISOCLN303A Establish belays for climbing on natural surfaces

SISOVTRA Perform vertical rescues

SISOVTR301A Perform 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:

Relevant sources may include:

Weather and environmental information may include:

Communicationsystem may include:

Equipment may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Safety checks may include:

Belay system may include:

Knot tying may include:

Features may include:

Route description may include:

Climbing techniques may include:

Rest positions may include:

Simple obstacles may include:

Belay device may include:

Relevant aspects may include: