SISOABA302A
Apply single pitch abseiling skills on artificial surfaces

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to independently abseil in single pitch situations on artificial surfaces. This unit includes the application of belaying skills for the protection of self and others. It does not cover setting up or rigging an abseil.

Application

This unit applies to those working as abseiling guides or assistant guides in a range of controlled artificial conditions. This unit also applies to outdoor recreation leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

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. Plan for the abseiling activity.

1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to the duration of the activity.

1.2. Identify and select an appropriate activity site after consideration of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Identify associated hazards and procedures to minimise risks to abseiler and belayer on artificial surfaces.

1.4. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan, where applicable.

1.5. Establish a suitable communication system to use while abseiling and belaying with other participants.

2. Select and utilise appropriate equipment.

2.1. Select and use equipment in a safe and efficient manner, after consideration of contextual issues.

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 prior to commencing abseiling and or belaying.

2.5. Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk.

3. Demonstrate abseiling technique.

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

3.2. Maintain effective communication between abseiler and belayer throughout the descent.

3.3. Apply safe and correct abseiling techniques.

3.4. Negotiate simple obstacles and avoid or remove hazards to descend in a controlled manner.

3.5. Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk.

4. Demonstrate belaying technique.

4.1. Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to belay device that allows effective use of belay system.

4.2. Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from a belay system, and attachment of belayer to an anchor to minimise movement during a fall.

4.3. Maintain rope tension to ensure fall distance is minimised whilst not restricting abseiler movement.

4.4. Monitor abseiler progress constantly and respond appropriately to abseiler calls.

4.5. Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to the belaying device and situation.

4.6. Demonstrate attachment to alternate belay or safety system when self-belaying to maintain safety in the event of a fall.

4.7. Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk.

5. Evaluate abseiling activity.

5.1. Receive feedback on performance from leader.

5.2. Evaluate relevant aspects of abseiling and belaying.

5.3. Identify improvements for future abseiling activities.

Required Skills

Required skills

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

problem-solving skills to:

identify and negotiate obstacles and hazards when abseiling

assess application of rope tension when belaying

rope handling skills to maintain adequate rope tension when belaying

first aid and 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 abseiling activities

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for abseiling on artificial surfaces, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

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

abseiling techniques and common communication methods and calls used between abseilers and belayers to reduce risk during abseiling on artificial surfaces

belay techniques and devices appropriate for single pitch surfaces

technical abseiling knowledge, such as common 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 an artificial abseiling environment

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

Evidence Required

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 processes to plan for abseiling and belaying activities, and identifies procedures to minimise potential hazards and risks

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

arranges a suitable communication system with abseiler, when belaying, to monitor progress

negotiates obstacles and hazards during abseiling, and adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants

evaluates and reflects on own abseiling and belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in abseiling and belaying activities on single pitch artificial surfaces, that are of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also include access to:

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

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

other abseiling participants, to assist with belaying

equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, descending devices, ropes, gloves, karabiners 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:

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

observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling and belaying skills, such as communicating with abseiler or belayer to inform of progress

observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment misuse or change in weather or abseiler entrapment

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:

SISOABA303A Establish ropes for abseiling on artificial surfaces

SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues.


Range Statement

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.

Food and water requirements may include:

range of foods

perishability

packaging.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

emergency procedures

code of ethics.

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 walls

fixed towers or bridges

indoor or outdoor

single pitch.

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 events

event warnings

synoptic charts.

Communication system may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Equipment may include:

helmets

protective clothing

karabiners

harnesses

gloves

belay device

descender

rope

first aid kit.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

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.

Descending device may include:

auto locking devices

circular devices

plate devices

tubular devices

improvised devices

inline devices.

Knots may include:

rethreaded figure 8

figure 8 on bight

friction hitches.

Belay system may include:

top belay

bottom brake

self belay.

Abseiling techniques may include:

expedition abseil

sports abseil

forward rundowns.

Simple obstacles may include:

ledges

overhangs

squeezes

Belay device may include:

plate devices

auto locking devices

tubular devices

figure 8

inline device

Safety Procedures 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.

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.


Sectors

Outdoor Recreation


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.