Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

SISOCLN410A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Guide lead climbing activities on multi pitch natural surfaces

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISOCLN410A - Guide lead climbing activities on multi pitch natural surfaces
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to guide lead climbing activities on a multi pitch natural surface. This includes establishing anchors using a combination of fixed, natural and or artificial protection. This unit focuses on the application of planning skills to make suitable arrangements to guide a group through a lead climbing activity.No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to those working as climbing guides or assistant guides who guide lead climbs in a range of natural multi pitch conditions. This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Nil
Competency Field Climbing-natural surface
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Plan a lead climbing activity.
  • Conduct relevant assessments to determine the condition of participants.
  • Develop an activity plan, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, to meet participant's needs.
  • Select an appropriate activity site that is suitable for participants and meets session's aims and objectives, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Identify hazards associated with lead climbing on natural surfaces and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants.
  • Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan.
  • Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the activity.
  • Inform appropriate authorities before commencing the climbing activity.
       
Element: Select equipment for the group.
  • Select equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability.
  • Assess equipment for safety and suitability, and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.
  • Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and the climb.
  • Establish anchors and belay types, ensuring they are in correct position for the activity.
  • Identify suitable access to and egress from the climbing site according to organisation policies and procedures, and establish hand lines and safety lines where appropriate.
       
Element: Brief participants.
  • Communicate instructions and relevant information about the climbing activity in a manner suitable to the participants.
  • Demonstrate correct climbing, belaying, back-up belaying techniques and removal of artificial protection.
  • Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while climbing and belaying.
  • Outline safety procedures and safe areas and or boundaries for the activity.
  • Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the climb.
       
Element: Lead multi pitch climbing activity.
  • Provide clear and concise direction and advice to group during the activity.
  • Lead the climbing pitch and rig anchors for multi pitch guiding to belay clients.
  • Conduct change over of belay maintaining safety of guide and clients.
  • Monitor climbing, belaying and back-up belaying techniques to ensure a safe environment.
  • Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback.
  • Implement appropriate modifications to activity in regard to all variable factors that are monitored.
  • Use positive encouragement throughout activity, and encourage feedback and questioning from group members.
       
Element: Complete post-activity responsibilities.
  • Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • Evaluate relevant aspects of climbing activity.
  • Identify potential areas of improvement for future lead climbing activities.
  • Review own performance and identify potential improvements.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors the group in a safe and professional manner

applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that arise during the lead climbing activity

encourages and responds to feedback from participants and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure leading climbing activities that reflect the needs of a range of participants and are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document lead climbing activities for a variety of participants

a natural multi pitch lead climbing site suitable for the participants

a group of participants to take part in the lead climbing activity

equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, ropes, gloves, karabiners, artificial protection, climbing shoes, food and water, and safety 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:

observation of interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all lead climbing activities

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure

review of lead climbing activity plans

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

SISOCLN306A Apply multi pitch lead climbing skills on natural surfaces

SISOCLN407A Establish belays for multi pitch climbing on natural surfaces

SISOVTR402A Perform complex vertical rescue.

Guidance information for assessment


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan a climbing activity that meets their needs

convey information about the safety aspects of the activity

interact with participants to create a safe and positive climbing environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan a suitable climbing activity according to participant's needs and abilities

make decisions affecting activity

respond appropriately to non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and natural multi pitch suitable for the participants

organise participants into manageable groups for lead climbing and belaying

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

produce an activity plan for the climbing activity

perform basic calculations to determine equipment needs based on height of pitch

complete post activity participant and self evaluations

apply for permission or permits to use natural climbing pitch to guide lead a group

effective and efficient personal lead climbing skills to demonstrate and explain lead climbing and belaying techniques to participants

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 climbing activities

minimal impact climbing codes to enable protection of the environment

information about local area to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential climbing hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the area

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for lead climbing on multi pitch natural surfaces, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

clothing and footwear requirements for climbing activities to ensure comfort and safety

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

nutritional requirements when climbing to maintain wellbeing

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

belay systems, devices and anchors appropriate for multi pitch natural surfaces

technical lead climbing knowledge, such as protection placement techniques and procedures to suit the features of the surface

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

hazards that may be experienced in a natural climbing environment

emergency procedures, potential hazards and obstacles relevant to the location to ensure safety of self and others.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Condition of participants may include:

skill level

previous experience

physical capabilities

fitness level

age

injuries and illnesses.

Plan may include:

activity aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location or site

guide and participant ratios

resources

equipment

food and water

weather details

participant information:

safety requirements

risk management plan

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

risk management procedures

occupational health and safety

time and budget constraints

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

guide and participant ratios

emergency and safety procedures

code of ethics.

Session's aims and objectives may include:

developing climbing on natural surface skills

education

development

therapy

fitness targets

recreation.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Natural surfaces may include:

cliffs

boulders.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Food and water requirements may include:

range of foods:

perishability

packaging

storage.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Appropriate authorities may include:

waterways departments

surf rescue

authorities

supervisors.

Equipment may include:

climbing equipment

safety equipment

rescue equipment

artificial protection

appropriate clothing and footwear.

Belay types may include:

single rope

double rope

top belay

bottom belay.

Relevant information may include:

personal equipment requirements:

safety procedures

route description

preventative measures for risks

possible hazards

environmental impact minimisation

climbing and belaying techniques

objectives

rules and codes

responsible and safe behaviour.

Communication system may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Safety checks may include:

A - anchors - secure and suitable to application

B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations

C - connectors - locked, secured and orientated

D - devices - threaded correctly and secured

E - everything else including end of rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured

F - friend - cross check.

Participant's performance may include:

use of appropriate communication system

climbing technique

lead climbing technique

second climbing technique

belaying technique

attitude

negotiation of hazards

use of equipment.

Variable factors may include:

change of weather

equipment failure

participant's needs

climbing conditions.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Conduct relevant assessments to determine the condition of participants. 
Develop an activity plan, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, to meet participant's needs. 
Select an appropriate activity site that is suitable for participants and meets session's aims and objectives, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Identify hazards associated with lead climbing on natural surfaces and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants. 
Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan. 
Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the activity. 
Inform appropriate authorities before commencing the climbing activity. 
Select equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability. 
Assess equipment for safety and suitability, and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort. 
Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and the climb. 
Establish anchors and belay types, ensuring they are in correct position for the activity. 
Identify suitable access to and egress from the climbing site according to organisation policies and procedures, and establish hand lines and safety lines where appropriate. 
Communicate instructions and relevant information about the climbing activity in a manner suitable to the participants. 
Demonstrate correct climbing, belaying, back-up belaying techniques and removal of artificial protection. 
Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while climbing and belaying. 
Outline safety procedures and safe areas and or boundaries for the activity. 
Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the climb. 
Provide clear and concise direction and advice to group during the activity. 
Lead the climbing pitch and rig anchors for multi pitch guiding to belay clients. 
Conduct change over of belay maintaining safety of guide and clients. 
Monitor climbing, belaying and back-up belaying techniques to ensure a safe environment. 
Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback. 
Implement appropriate modifications to activity in regard to all variable factors that are monitored. 
Use positive encouragement throughout activity, and encourage feedback and questioning from group members. 
Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of climbing activity. 
Identify potential areas of improvement for future lead climbing activities. 
Review own performance and identify potential improvements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOCLN410A - Guide lead climbing activities on multi pitch natural surfaces
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

SISOCLN410A - Guide lead climbing activities on multi pitch natural surfaces

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: