This unit applies to those required to establish ropes for multi pitch 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. Select suitable equipment for belay system.

1.1. Select an abseiling andbelay system according to contextual issues and to minimise environmental impact.

1.2. Identify and select equipment according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Select anchors that meet the requirements of the abseil and abilities of the participants.

1.4. Assess condition of theanchors, including performance under likely load.

1.5. Choose a belay device that is suitable to the natural surface conditions and belayer's ability.

1.6. Complete all necessary equipment safety checks, according to organisational policies and procedures.

2. Set up belay system.

2.1. Rig multiple anchors, ensuring equalisation and minimal shock loading.

2.2. Tie knots and rig ropes suitable for the type of belay system established.

2.3. Establish a belay from which the belayer is able to escape and safely perform a rescue.

2.4. Avoid or remove belay hazards to maintain safety of belayer.

2.5. Determine the need for, and establish, back up belay systems.

3. Rig rope pitches.

3.1. Identify safe access to and egress from the site according to relevant legislation.

3.2. Identify ascent and descent route appropriate to context.

3.3. Select and tie knots suitable for the type of system established and for potential retrieval or rescue situations.

Required skills

language and literacy skills to:

implement organisational policies and procedures

comply with legislative requirements

problem-solving skills to select appropriate anchors and belay systems for the context and conditions

rope handling, retrieval and knot tying skills to rig ropes and anchors adequately and safely

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 all activities

minimal impact codes to enable protection of the environment

equipment types, characteristics and technology used to establish belays for multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces

care and maintenance of equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements, as advised by the manufacturer's specifications and recommendations for equipment use

belay and anchor systems appropriate for multi pitch natural abseiling surfaces

technical abseiling and equipment knowledge to establish top, self belay and bottom belays

types of knots, their advantages and disadvantages and their impact on roping activities

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:

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

uses discretion and judgement to determine belay system required for abseiling in multi pitch contexts

differentiates between the types of belay systems, anchors and knots and their suitability to different rigging situations

determines the need for, and establishes belay systems to ensure safety of self and other participants.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in rigging of anchors and equipment for different situations to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also include access to:

resources and information regarding abseiling and belaying equipment

suitable natural multi pitch abseiling sites with varying qualities and features that allow participant to demonstrate rigging skills

other abseiling participants, to assist in belaying and rigging

equipment such as anchors, harnesses, belay systems, descending devices, slings, ropes, 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 ensure safe and appropriate use of all abseiling equipment

observation of safe participation and demonstration of setting up belay systems suitable to different contexts and participants

observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure

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:

SISOABN406A Apply multi pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces.

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.

Abseiling and Belay system may include:

twin rope

single rope

top belay

self belay

bottom brake.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Environmental impact may include:

rock dislodgement

compacting of soil

damage to flora, fauna, and the environment

effect on other users of the site.

Equipment may include:

ropes

tape slings

rope protectors

karabiners

belay devices.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

emergency procedures

code of ethics.

Anchors may include:

trees

threads

bolts

chains

bollards

boulders

pitons.

Participants may include:

experienced

inexperienced

adults

children

Condition of the anchors may include:

age

location

wear

decay

corrosion

environmental stress

insect damage.

Likely load may include:

group size

set up

type of abseil conducted

abseiler ability

possible forces generated during a fall.

Belay device 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.

Natural surface conditions may include:

cliffs

boulders

Safety checks may include:

corrosion

abrasion

impact

aging

cracks

deformities

fissures.

Knots may include:

end-of-rope knots

mid-rope knots

rope joining knots

tape knot.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Safety of belayer may include:

attachment to anchor or alternate safety system

positioning out of direct line of rock or equipment fall.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.