ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Prepare for abseiling activity.

1.1. Identify associated hazards and procedures to minimise risks for abseiling on artificial surfaces, as advised by the leader.

1.2. Comply with relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2. Select and utilise appropriate equipment.

2.1. Identify, select and use equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

2.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety.

2.3. Select and attach descending device to the rope and tie knots suitable to the belay system being used.

2.4. Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks including belay systems used, prior to commencing descent.

3. Demonstrate abseiling technique.

3.1. Demonstrate correct posture and technique while abseiling, using single and or double rope.

3.2. Demonstrate use of effective communication between abseiler and belayer using standard calls and procedures.

3.3. Negotiate simple obstacles and avoid hazards safely, to descend in a controlled manner.

4. Evaluate the abseiling activity.

4.1. Receive feedback on performance from leader.

4.2. Evaluate relevant aspects of the abseiling activity.

4.3. Identify personal improvements for future abseiling activities.

Required skills

communication skills to inform progress and interact with belayer

problem-solving skills to negotiate obstacles and hazards when abseiling

Required knowledge

relevant organisational policies and procedures to enable safe participation in abseiling activities

identification and use of personal abseiling equipment.

care of abseiling equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements

abseiling techniques and common communication methods and calls used to reduce risk during an abseiling activity on an artificial surface

hazards that may be experienced in an artificial abseiling environment

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:

selects and fits abseiling equipment, and carries out personal safety checks

follows written and verbal instructions to apply knowledge and demonstrate controlled abseiling techniques on an artificial surface

negotiates obstacles and hazards during the abseiling activity, and communicates effectively with the belayer or leader to ensure safety of self and others

Receives feedback from leader and evaluates and reflects on own abseiling performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in abseiling activities that are of sufficient duration to allow the participant to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information regarding abseiling techniques and potential hazards of the artificial surface

a suitable artificial abseiling site with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate simple abseiling skills

a qualified leader

abseiling 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 and or written questioning to assess knowledge of organisational policies and procedures to enable safe participation in abseiling

observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling skills and techniques, such as communicating with belayer and descending in a controlled manner

observation of dealing with contingencies

third-party reports from a leader detailing performance.

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

SISOABN202A Safeguard an abseiler using a single rope belay system

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.

Hazards may include:

Fitting and fixtures

Surface irregularities

dangerous animals and insects

Slippery surfaces

Risks may include:

Emotional risk

injuries

exhaustion

equipment and misuse

Artificial surfaces may include:

portable or fixed wall

fixed tower or bridge

indoor or outdoor

single pitch.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

operating procedures and company or enterprise policies

use of equipment

communication protocols

emergency procedures

code of ethics.

Equipment may include:

helmets

protective clothing

karabiners

harnesses

gloves

footwear

belay device

rope

descending device.

Safety checks may include:

A - anchors - secure and suitable to application

B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations

C- connector - locked, secured and orientated

D - devices - threaded correctly and secured

E - organisation specific procedures including; end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.

F- friend - cross check.

Belay and Descending devices may include:

auto locking devices

figure 8 devices

plate devices

tubular devices

inline devices.

Belay system may include:

top belay

bottom brake

self belay.

Communication may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Obstacles may include:

ledges

overhangs

squeezes.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

equipment selection

clothing selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques.