SISOCLN201A
Demonstrate top rope climbing skills on natural surfaces

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to climb and belay under supervision, using a top-rope set up, on natural surfaces. This unit focuses on the demonstration of simple climbing skills and techniques, such as underclings and side pulls.

Application

This unit applies to those working as assistant climbing attendants or support staff under supervision in a range of top rope environments.

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 climbing activity.

1.1. Identify the position and quality of features on the natural surface.

1.2. Identify hazards associated with the activity and apply procedures to minimise risks, as advised by the supervisor.

1.3. Apply safety procedures at the top and bottom of climbing site according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Identify and comply with relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2. Select and utilise appropriate equipment.

2.1. Identify and select equipment according to contextual issues.

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

2.3. Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks, prior to commencing ascent.

2.4. Demonstrate attachment to a suitable belay system in accordance with supervisor's instructions.

3. Demonstrate climbing techniques.

3.1. Locate and evaluate the main features of the climb, whilst climbing.

3.2. Demonstrate safe and correct climbing techniques, to minimise injury in the event of a fall.

3.3. Locate and utilise rest positions to reduce fatigue.

3.4. Establish and maintain effective communication between climber and belayer using standard calls and procedures.

4. Demonstrate belaying technique.

4.1. Establish a suitable communication system with the climber and perform safety checks of equipment before climb.

4.2. Establish belaying position in relation to belay device and belay system to ensure belayer safety.

4.3. Maintain rope tension to minimise fall distance whilst not restricting climber movement.

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

4.5. Arrest falls promptly and use techniques according to the belay device.

5. Evaluate the climbing activity.

5.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the climb.

5.2. Identify improvements for future climbs.

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to enable safe interaction with belayer whilst climbing

problem-solving skills to decide on possible route to take and techniques to use, according to surface features and climbing skill level

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 all activities and legal access

minimal impact climbing codes to ensure protection of the environment

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for top-rope climbing on natural surfaces, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

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

common communication methods and calls used between climbers and belayers

belay techniques and devices appropriate for top rope climbing on natural surfaces

climbing techniques and procedures, such as selecting a climbing technique to suit the features of the surface

emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to 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:

selects and correctly fits equipment, such as a harness, and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order

follows written and verbal instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate climbing and belaying techniques, such as maintaining appropriate rope tension when belaying

adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise during climbing or belaying, such as movement restriction of the climber due to inappropriate rope tension, and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of climber

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple climbing and belaying activities, using a top- rope set up on a natural surface, to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must ensure access to:

resources and information, such as climbing and belaying techniques and feature description of the natural climbing surface, to accurately plan the route for the climb

a suitable natural single pitch climbing location for top- rope climbing, with features that allow participant to demonstrate simple climbing skills

equipment such as a harness, helmet, climbing shoes, karabiners and belaying devices.

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 policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of skills and techniques, such as underclings and side pulls in climbing, and guiding and braking in belaying

observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure or change of route

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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


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.

Route description may include:

verbal

documented notes on the climb.

Features may include:

aretes

chimneys

corners

cracks

edges

flakes

jugs

overhangs

roofs

pinnacles

ledges

pockets.

Natural surface may include:

cliffs

boulders.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

operating procedures and company or enterprise policies

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

emergency procedures

code of ethics.

Equipment may include:

harness

helmet

climbing shoes

karabiners

belay devices

tapes and slings

rope

chalk bag and chalk.

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 - 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.

Climbing techniques may include:

bridging

layaways

side pulls

laybacking

pinch grips

smearing

underclings

mantle - shelving

crimping

jamming

chimneying

lunging.

Rest positions may include:

an appropriate edge to lean against

ledge to lean against

no hands rest.

Communication may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Belaying position may include:

body positioned

stance

hands

location in relation to climb.

Belay devices may include:

plate device

tube device

auto locking device

body belay.

hitch such as Munter or Italian.

Belay system may include:

top belay

bottom belay.

Belayer safety may include:

belayer attached to anchor or safety ropes

safe and efficient escape plan from belaying system

positioned out of direct line of equipment falls

wearing of safety gear such as a helmet.

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.