Required skills

problemsolving skills to

select anchors and belay systems for the context and conditions of the activity

identify and overcome hazards

asses condition of all equipment prior to use

takes steps to rectify any deficiencies

rig ropes and anchors safely

self management skills to take responsibility for rigging of ropes and anchors and establishing belays

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 of all activities

equipment types characteristics and technology used to rig ropes and establish belays in caves to enable the safe selection use and maintenance of all required equipment

principles of anchor systems such as equally shared load single component failure and effect redundancy and angle of separation

principles and types of belay systems and devices such as top and bottom belays self belays dynamic and static belays

advantages and disadvantages of various knots in a variety of situations

safety systems and emergency procedures relevant to the location and situation 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

selects and establishes solid and secure anchors after considering the factors that affect their stability

establishes a belay system at the top and bottom of cave pitches according to contextual issues and the individual situation

uses suitable belay devices and knots for different situations and determines the need for back up belay systems

establishes a self belay system where required

identifies and eliminates hazards to ensure risk minimisation

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure establishment of belay systems and rigging of ropes for single pitch abseiling activities in caving environments that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

suitable natural cave sites with various qualities and fixed anchors

belay equipment and natural and fixed anchors to rig ropes and establish 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 selecting suitable anchors and belay systems according to the situation and participants abilities

observation of rigging ropes and establishing belays within a single pitch caving context

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe and appropriate use of equipment

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

SISOCVEA Apply single pitch abseiling skills in caves

SISOCVE302A Apply single pitch abseiling skills in caves.

Guidance information for assessment

Condition may include:

Anchors may include:

Likely load may include:

Stability of surroundings may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Environmental impact may include:

Participant may include:

Belay system may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Safety of belayer may include:

Belay devices may include:

Equipment may include:

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Knots may include: