SISOCLM002
Top rope climb single pitches, natural surfaces


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to climb single pitches on natural surfaces using top rope techniques. It also requires the ability to belay top rope climbers.

It applies to leaders, guides or instructors, who use these skills when leading participants during top rope climbing activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units.

This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCECRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for the climb.

1.1. Select clothing, footwear and personal protective equipment suitable for the climb and conditions.

1.2. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities.

1.3. Confirm protocols for communications between climber and belayer.

1.4. Interpret route description; identify position of natural features, the climb route and contingencies.

1.5. Attach and adjust belay equipment to self and tie knots suitable for the established belay system.

1.6. Complete equipment safety checks prior to climbing or belaying.

2. Climb and descend single pitch routes using top rope techniques.

2.1. Use safety procedures at bottom, top of and throughout climbs to minimise risk to self and others present.

2.2. Use appropriate posture and climbing techniques suitable to natural features.

2.3. Locate and evaluate natural features during climb and adjust technique to suit.

2.4. Locate and utilise rest positions to reduce fatigue.

2.5. Safely approach, avoid or negotiate hazards to ascend and descend in a controlled manner.

2.6. Maintain effective communication with belayer throughout climb.

2.7. Use appropriate posture and top rope lowering techniques during descent.

2.8. Use techniques that minimise damage to equipment and the surface during climb.

3. Belay tope rope climbers.

3.1. Avoid or negotiate hazards and use safety procedures to minimise risk to self and others present.

3.2. Establish belaying position and attach self to anchor, as required, to allow effective and safe use of belay system.

3.3. Maintain rope tension to minimise fall distance and ensure climber movement is not unduly restricted.

3.4. Monitor climber progress constantly, and maintain clear communication with climber.

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

3.6. Safely and efficiently secure climber using tie off techniques; release tie off and allow climber to continue.

Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

interpret detailed and familiar organisational safety and emergency response procedures.

Oral communications skills to:

use clear and unambiguous verbal and non-verbal communications to make intent known.

Numeracy skills to:

visually estimate angles, estimate load on ropes to determine appropriate tension for climbing and belaying.

Planning and organising skills to:

manage own timing to complete activities within planned timeframes.


Sectors

Outdoor Recreation


Competency Field

Climbing