This unit applies to those participating in abseiling activities.

This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan for abseiling activity.

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

1.2. Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks, prior to commencing descent.

1.3. Attach descending device to the rope.

2. Demonstrate abseiling technique.

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

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

2.3. Negotiate simple obstacles and avoid or remove hazards safely, to descend in a controlled manner.

2.4. Demonstrate appropriate techniques to minimise damage to the environment while abseiling.

3. Evaluate the abseiling activity.

3.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the abseiling activity.

3.2. Identify improvements for future abseiling activities.

Required skills

communication skills to inform of progress and interact with belayer whilst abseiling

problem-solving skills to negotiate obstacles and hazards when abseiling.

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all activities and legal access

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for abseiling on natural surfaces, 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 to reduce risk during an abseiling activity on a natural surface

hazards that may be experienced in a natural 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:

fits equipment, such as a harness and helmet, and carries out safety checks

follows verbal instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate controlled abseiling techniques on a natural surface

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

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 a sufficient duration to allow the participant to demonstrate competency.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a cliff with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate simple abseiling skills

equipment such as a harness, helmet and karabiners.

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 to enable the safe conduct of all activities

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

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

Guidance information for assessment

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.

Equipment may include:

helmets

protective clothing

karabiners

harnesses

gloves

footwear

belay device

rope.

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.

Descending device may include:

auto locking devices

circular devices

plate devices

tubular devices

Communication system may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Obstacles may include:

ledges

trees

water

overhangs.

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.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.