Required skills

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

problemsolving skills to

negotiate obstacles and hazards when abseiling

assess application of rope tension when belaying

arrest client falls when belaying

planning and organising skills to

select fit and use equipment and resources

perform relevant safety checks

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all abseiling and belaying activities

minimal impact abseiling codes to ensure protection of the environment

equipment types characteristics and technology used for abseiling and belaying in caves the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

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

abseiling techniques and common communication systems and calls used between abseilers and belayers to reduce risk

belay techniques and devices appropriate for single pitch surfaces in caves

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

hazards and risks that may be experienced while abseiling and belaying in caving environments

safety and emergency procedures 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 planning processes for abseiling activities including independently selecting fitting and checking equipment

arranges a suitable communication system with other participants to monitor safety and progress

negotiates simple obstacles and hazards while abseiling in a cave and adapts to problems or issues that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants

evaluates and reflects on own performance to identify strengths weaknesses and areas that need improvement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple single pitch abseiling and belaying activities in caving environments that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

resources and information regarding abseiling and belaying to plan for the activity

a suitable natural cave site with simple obstacles and vertical pitches that allow participants to demonstrate abseiling and belaying skills

other abseiling participants to belay

abseiling belaying and safety 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 abseiling and belaying activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling and belaying skills

observation of dealing with contingencies such as equipment failure or change in weather conditions

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

Industry has determined that this unit must be assessed with the following units

SISOCVEA Apply caving specific single rope techniques

SISOCVE305A Apply caving specific single rope techniques

SISOCVEA Rig ropes and establish belays in caves

SISOCVE306A Rig ropes and establish belays in caves.

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

Guidance information for assessment

Food and water requirements may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Relevant sources may include:

Weather information may include:

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Personal equipment may include:

Device may include:

Knots may include:

Belay system may include:

Safety checks may include:

Simple obstacles may include:

Relevant aspects may include: