SISOABA407A
Instruct abseiling on multi pitch artificial surfaces

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to instruct abseiling on multi pitch artificial surfaces. This unit focuses on planning, instructing and evaluating an instructional abseiling session to enable participants to achieve the skills and knowledge required to participate independently in multi pitch abseiling on artificial surfaces.

Application

This unit applies to those working as abseiling instructors in a range of multi pitch artificial conditions. This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.


Prerequisites

SISOABA406A Instruct abseiling on single pitch artificial surfaces


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 an abseiling session.

1.1. Establish participant's needs and characteristics.

1.2. Determine participant's current abseiling knowledge in order to determine the session'saims and objectives.

1.3. Determine an appropriate instructional plan according to participant's needs and characteristics.

1.4. Develop an abseiling plan according to participant's needs and characteristics, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.5. Identify potential hazards associated with multi pitch abseiling on artificial surfaces and minimise risks, according to organisational policies and procedures, to ensure safety of participants.

1.6. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information and determine contingency plans.

2. Select and organise equipment and resources.

2.1. Select and access equipment and resources according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check that it is in good working condition.

2.2. Check equipment for safety and suitability, according to relevant legislation and manufacturer's recommendations, and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.

2.3. Check contents of first aid and rescue kits to ensure suitability to the location and activity.

3. Brief participants.

3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the abseiling session in a manner appropriate to the participants.

3.2. Encourage participants to seek clarification, information and feedback as required during the session.

3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while abseiling and belaying.

3.4. Inform participants of known and anticipated hazards, safety procedures and appropriate behaviour.

4. Instruct an abseiling session.

4.1. Conduct introductory activities for participants, to reduce the risk of injury.

4.2. Monitor individual participant's performance during abseiling session.

4.3. Apply clear and accurate instructional techniques to impart activity specific knowledge, abseiling skills and safety and rescue procedures.

4.4. Observe participants during abseiling and belaying and adjust or refine individual and or group technique as required.

4.5. Inform participants of opportunities to further develop their abseiling skills and knowledge.

5. Complete post session responsibilities.

5.1. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturers specifications and recommendations.

5.2. Provide opportunities for participants to identify their personal progress and satisfaction with the session, and give feedback as required.

5.3. Receive feedback and evaluate relevant aspects of abseiling session, and determine the level of learning achieved.

5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future abseiling instruction sessions.

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan an abseiling session that meets their needs

convey information about the safety aspects of the session

interact with participants to create a safe and positive abseiling environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan a suitable abseiling session according to participant's needs and characteristics

address participant difficulties in developing abseiling techniques

anticipate and respond appropriately to non routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and an artificial pitch suitable for the participants

monitor and evaluate progress

organise participants into manageable groups for abseiling and belaying

language and literacy skills to:

produce abseiling and instructional plans for the abseiling session

complete post session participant and self evaluations

instructional techniques to suit a range of participant's needs and characteristics

a high level of personal abseil skills, rigging skills and rescue skills to demonstrate and explain abseiling and belaying techniques to participants

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response and or rescue in emergencies whilst instructing abseiling on artificial surfaces.

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of an abseiling session

site specific information to assist in the planning process and to enable management of potential abseiling hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the site

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

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

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

instruction techniques and theories applicable to a range of ages and learning abilities

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

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

technical abseiling knowledge, such as techniques and procedures to suit the features of the surface

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

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:

plans and delivers precise relevant information, explanations and demonstrations for abseiling session to ensure activities are conducted safely according to participant's needs and characteristics

observes and monitors the progress of participants and provides constructive feedback and intervention to improve abseiling performance

modifies instructional techniques and or activities to cater for a range of individual learning styles

receives feedback and evaluates and reflects on own instruction performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure instruction of multi pitch abseiling activities on artificial surfaces, using a variety of instructional techniques that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants and are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also include access to:

resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, instruct and document abseiling sessions for a variety of participants

a multi pitch artificial abseiling site suitable for the conduct of instructional sessions

a group of participants to take part in the abseiling session

equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, descending devices, ropes, gloves, karabiners, rescue 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 and or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all abseiling activities during the session

observation of safe abseiling instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics

review of abseiling session plans

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:

SISOABA405A Establish ropes for multi pitch abseiling on artificial surfaces.


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.

Participant's needs and characteristics may include:

age

cultural factors

fitness level and physical capabilities

abseiling skills and knowledge

injuries and illnesses.

Session's aims and objectives may include:

developing abseiling skills

education

development

therapy

fitness targets

recreation

Instructionalplan may include:

abseiling activities and drills

duration of activities and drills.

Abseiling plan may include:

session's aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location or site

instructor and participant ratios

resources and equipment

food and water

weather details

participant information

safety requirements

risk management plan.

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

time and budget constraints

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

instructor and participant ratios

emergency and safety procedures

code of ethics.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes on surfaces

slippery surfaces

dangerous animals and insects

group management hazards.

Artificial surfaces may include:

portable or fixed walls

fixed towers or bridges

indoor or outdoor.

Risks may include:

emotional stress

injuries

exhaustion

equipment misuse and 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

synoptic charts

Contingency plans may include:

change in weather

equipment failure

unavailability of artificial pitch.

group or individual participant issue

Equipment may include:

abseiling equipment:

safety equipment:

rescue equipment:

artificial protection.

Resources may include:

food and water

personal clothing and footwear

teaching aids

suitable artificial structure for instructing abseiling.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Relevant information may include:

equipment requirements, selection and use

safety procedures

possible hazards

abseiling and belaying techniques

communication

objectives

rules and codes

responsible and safe behaviour.

Communication system may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

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.

Participant's performance may include:

use of appropriate communication system

abseiling technique

belaying technique

attitude and behaviour

negotiation of hazards

use of equipment.

Instructional techniques may include:

simple to complex

part to whole

chronological

known to unknown

D.E.D.I.C.T:

demonstrate

explain

demonstrate

instruct

critique

test

E.D.I.C.T:

explain

demonstrate

instruct

critique

test

I.D.E.A:

introduce

demonstrate

explain

apply

Activity specific knowledge may include:

abseiling skills and techniques

establishment of ropes

minimal impact practices

risk and hazard management

equipment selection, use, maintenance and storage

communication systems used in abseiling.

Abseiling skills may include:

abseiling and belaying techniques

establishment of ropes for a multi pitch

communication of progress

negotiation of hazards and management of risks to ensure safety of self and group

use and maintenance of equipment.

Safety and rescue procedures may include:

emergency response procedures

group management in emergency situations

emergency response equipment

understanding of safety practices.

Opportunities may include:

locations suitable to skill level

range of equipment and clothing available

outdoor clubs or groups in the local area.

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.