Required skills

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

problemsolving skills to

determine type of protection to use and where to place it to minimise fall distance during lead climbing

select a suitable route to match participants ability

rope handling rigging and knot tying skills to maintain adequate rope tension when climbing and belaying on a single pitch site

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 enable protection of the environment

equipment types characteristics and technology used for lead 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

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

belay techniques and devices appropriate for single pitch surfaces

technical climbing knowledge of various types of protection ropes knots and anchors used on single pitch natural 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 climbs on natural 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

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

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

places protection at sufficient distances apart to reduce the distance of climber fall and removes and safely carries protection during second climbing

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 problems or issues 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 for improvement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple lead climbing and belaying activities on single pitch natural surfaces to demonstrate competence and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

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

suitable natural single 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 protection nut tools 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 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 placing protection periodically and 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

SISOVTRA Perform vertical rescues

SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues

SISOCLNA Establish belays for climbing on natural surfaces

SISOCLN303A Establish belays for climbing on natural surfaces.

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:

Communication system may include:

Contingency plans may include:

Unforeseen circumstances may include:

Features may include:

Capabilities may include:

Route description 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:

Rest positions may include:

Obstacles may include:

Anchors may include:

Protection may include:

Belaying position may include:

Belay device may include:

Belayer safety may include:

Relevant aspects may include: