Required skills

problemsolving skills to

identify and safely negotiate cave features obstacles and hazards while laddering

safely descend and ascend single pitch vertical drops

minimise damage to the environment during laddering

planning and organising skills to source and allocate equipment to enable safe laddering

communication skills to use established communication system while laddering to ensure safe descent and ascent

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 the safe conduct and minimal impact of all laddering activities

equipment characteristics and technology used for single pitch laddering in caves and factors affecting appropriate care selection use and maintenance of equipment

different types of caves and associated features obstacles hazards risks and how to apply minimal impact techniques

safety procedures such as communication and belay systems used by participants

laddering techniques and procedures such as descending and ascending a ladder and resting on a ladder pitch

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

uses a range of equipment and knots to negotiate ladder pitches with a variety of obstacles and hazards

communicates with other participants to monitor safety and progress throughout the laddering activity

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure application of multiple laddering techniques for descending and ascending a ladder pitch in caving environments that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

laddering and belaying equipment

a suitable caving environment with the potential for rigging ladders and belays

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

observation of descending and ascending a ladder in a single pitch caving context

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of legislation and organisational policies to ensure minimal environmental impact and appropriate use of equipment

observation of negotiating hazards and obstacles

observation of using suitable communication system during laddering and or belaying

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

SROCVEA Rig a ladder pitch

SROCVE303A Rig a ladder pitch.

Guidance information for assessment

Personal equipment may include:

Knots may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Obstacles may include:

Hazards may include:

Strategies may include: