This unit applies to those working as caving guides or instructors either autonomously or as part of a team in familiar and unfamiliar situations within a range of natural cave locations with simple obstacles and vertical single pitches.

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

SISOCVE201A Demonstrate caving skills.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan for the activity.

1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to the duration of the activity.

1.2. Identify and select an appropriate activity site according to contextual issues, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather information that may impact on the activity plan.

1.4. Select personal clothing and identify design and or construction features appropriate for the activity.

1.5. Identify associated hazards and procedures to minimise risks to abseiler and belayer.

1.6. Establish a suitable communication system to use while abseiling and belaying.

2. Select, fit and use abseiling equipment.

2.1. Select and fit personal equipment according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's recommendations.

2.2. Select and attach descending device to the rope according to the situation.

2.3. Tie knots suitable to the belay system that is being used.

2.4. Perform safety checks

3. Demonstrate abseiling technique.

3.1. Apply correct posture and technique while abseiling, using single and double rope.

3.2. Maintain communication with belayer throughout the descent.

3.3. Negotiate simple obstacles and avoid or remove hazards to descend in a controlled and safe manner.

3.4. Implement safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site.

3.5. Apply techniques that minimise damage to the environment while abseiling.

4. Demonstrate belaying technique.

4.1. Determine the belay device and technique for the situation and perform all safety checks according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.2. Follow procedures to ensure belayer safety in the event of an abseiler fall or rock fall.

4.3. Confirm attachment of belayer to anchor to minimise movement during a fall.

4.4. Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from belay system, in a rescue situation, while ensuring abseiler safety.

4.5. Maintain rope tension to ensure free flow and minimise fall distance while not restricting abseiler movement.

4.6. Monitor abseiler progress constantly and respond appropriately to abseiler calls.

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

4.8. Demonstrate attachment to alternate belay or safety system when self-belaying to maintain safety in the event of a fall.

5. Apply caving techniques

5.1. Arrange personal laddering equipment safely, using knots suitable to the belay system

5.2. Demonstrate posture and technique for descending and ascending ladder

5.3. Negotiate cave hazards and obstacles according to caving techniques that minimise environmental damage

5.4. Apply appropriate methods for resting on a ladder pitch

5.5. Use communication and strategies to implement safety systems.

6. Evaluate activity.

6.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the abseiling activity.

6.2. Identify improvements for future abseiling experiences in a cave.

Required skills

communication skills to inform progress and interact with abseiler and or belayer

problem-solving skills to:

negotiate obstacles and hazards when abseiling

assess application of rope tension when belaying

arrest client falls when belaying

planning and organising skills to:

select, fit and use equipment and resources

perform relevant safety checks

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all abseiling and belaying activities

minimal impact abseiling codes to ensure protection of the environment

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for abseiling and belaying in caves, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

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

abseiling techniques and common communication systems and calls used between abseilers and belayers to reduce risk

belay techniques and devices appropriate for single pitch surfaces in caves

basic weather information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity

hazards and risks that may be experienced while abseiling and belaying in caving environments

safety and emergency procedures 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:

applies relevant planning processes for abseiling activities including independently selecting, fitting and checking equipment

arranges a suitable communication system with other participants to monitor safety and progress

negotiates simple obstacles and hazards while abseiling in a cave, and adapts to problems or issues that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple single pitch abseiling and belaying activities in caving environments that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information regarding abseiling and belaying to plan for the activity

a suitable natural cave site with simple obstacles and vertical pitches that allow participants to demonstrate abseiling and belaying skills

other abseiling participants to belay

abseiling, belaying and safety 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 enable safe conduct of all abseiling and belaying activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling and belaying skills

observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure or change in weather conditions

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Industry has determined that this unit must be assessed with the following units:

SISOCVE305A Apply caving specific single rope techniques

SISOCVE306A Rig ropes and establish belays in caves.

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.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods suitable to the cave environment.

Contextual issues may include:

abseilers abilities

weight ratio of abseiler to belayer

group size

pitch height

soundness of rock

access and egress

weather conditions

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

use, maintenance and storage of equipment

emergency procedures

communication protocols

minimal impact environmental and caving codes

Australian Speleological Federation Codes and Guidelines

code of ethics.

Relevant sources may include:

bureau of meteorology

media

national parks and wildlife centres

police.

Weather information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings.

Hazards may include:

confined or awkward start to pitch

water pools and streams

rock fall

vertical squeezes

falling water

abrasion points

tangled rope

loose clothing and hair

strong cave breezes

elevated carbon dioxide levels

bat guano.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

injuries and illnesses

exhaustion

dehydration

stings or bites

equipment failure.

Personal equipment may include:

helmets

protective clothing

karabiners

maillons

harnesses

gloves

footwear

caving lights

descending devices.

Device may include:

auto locking devices

circular devices

plate devices

tubular devices

improvised devices

in line devices

Knots may include:

end-of-rope knots

midline knots

stopper knots

friction hitches.

Belay system may include:

top belay

bottom belay

self belay.

Safety checks 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- everything else including end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.

F- friend - cross check.

Simple obstacles may include:

ledges

falling water

overhangs

squeezes

traverses.

Relevant aspects may include:

planning process

communication calls between abseilers and belayers

abseiling and belaying skills.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.