Required skills

problemsolving skills to select appropriate anchors and belay systems for the context and conditions of climbing activity

rope handling and knot tying skills to rig ropes and anchors adequately and safely

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 to establish belays for multi pitch climbing on natural surfaces

care and maintenance of equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements as advised by the manufacturers specifications and recommendations for equipment use

belay and anchor systems appropriate for multi pitch natural climbing surfaces

technical climbing and equipment knowledge to establish top and bottom belays

types of knots their advantages and disadvantages and their impact on roping activities

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

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

uses discretion and judgement to determine belay system required for climbing in routine and non routine multi pitch contexts

differentiates between the types of belay systems anchors and knots and their suitability to different rigging situations

determines the need for and establishes back up belay systems to ensure safety of self and other participants

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple rigging activities to demonstrate competence and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

resources and information regarding climbing and belaying equipment

suitable natural multi pitch climbing sites with fixed and natural anchors and varying qualities and features that allow participant to demonstrate rigging skills

other climbing participants to assist in belaying and rigging

equipment such as anchors harnesses belay systems belay devices slings ropes karabiners 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 ensure safe and appropriate use of all climbing equipment

observation of safe participation and demonstration of setting up belay systems suitable to different contexts and participants

observation of dealing with contingencies such as equipment failure

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 complex vertical rescues

SISOVTR402A Perform complex vertical rescues

SISOCLNA Apply multi pitch lead climbing skills on natural surfaces

SISOCLN406A Apply multi pitch lead climbing skills on natural surfaces.

Belay system may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Environmental impact may include:

Equipment may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Anchors may include:

Participants may include:

Condition of the anchors may include:

Likely load may include:

Belay device may include:

Natural surface conditions may include:

Safety checks may include:

Applied forces may include:

Knots may include:

Hazards may include:

Safety of belayer may include: