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 that may require the use of a ladder.

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

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select, fit and use laddering equipment.

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

1.2. Tie knots suitable to the belay system.

1.3. Check all equipment to ensure satisfactory working order according to manufacturer's specifications, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2. Demonstrate laddering technique.

2.1. Apply correct posture and technique for descending and ascending a ladder.

2.2. Negotiate vertical laddering obstacles and avoid or remove pitch hazards using a range of laddering techniques in a controlled and safe manner.

2.3. Apply techniques for resting on a ladder pitch.

2.4. Use communication systems to implement safety systems.

2.5. Identify and apply strategies to reduce risk and environmental damage while laddering according to relevant legislation.

Required skills

problem-solving skills to:

identify and safely negotiate cave features, obstacles and hazards while laddering

safely descend and ascend single pitch vertical drops

minimise damage to the environment during laddering

planning and organising skills to source and allocate equipment to enable safe laddering

communication skills to use established communication system while laddering to ensure safe descent and ascent

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 the safe conduct and minimal impact of all laddering activities

equipment characteristics and technology used for single pitch laddering in caves, and factors affecting appropriate care, selection, use and maintenance of equipment

different types of caves and associated features, obstacles, hazards, risks, and how to apply minimal impact techniques

safety procedures, such as communication and belay systems used by participants

laddering techniques and procedures, such as descending and ascending a ladder and resting on a ladder pitch

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

selects and fits personal equipment and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order

uses a range of equipment and knots to negotiate ladder pitches with a variety of obstacles and hazards

communicates with other participants to monitor safety and progress throughout the laddering activity.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure application of multiple laddering techniques for descending and ascending a ladder pitch in caving environments that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

laddering and belaying equipment

a suitable caving environment with the potential for rigging ladders and belays.

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:

observation of descending and ascending a ladder in a single pitch caving context

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of legislation and organisational policies to ensure minimal environmental impact and appropriate use of equipment

observation of negotiating hazards and obstacles

observation of using suitable communication system during laddering and or belaying

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:

SROCVE303A Rig a ladder pitch.

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.

Personal equipment may include:

helmet

harness

caving ladders

cow tails and safety lines

prussic cords

caving lights

ropes

rigging

karabiners

maillons

mechanical ascenders

belay devices

clothing and footwear.

Knots may include:

end-of-rope knots

mid-rope knots

friction knots

stopper knots

rope joining knots

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

communication protocols

minimal impact environmental and caving codes

Australian Speleological Federation Codes and Guidelines

code of ethics.

Obstacles may include:

rope and ladder tangles

ladder caught on rock projections

broken or damaged rungs

vertical squeezes and overhangs.

Hazards may include:

water pools and streamways

falling rocks, water, debris and or gear

abrasion points

sharp edges

loose clothing and hair

strong cave breezes

Strategies may include:

top and bottom belays

self belays

use of cows tails and other safety connectors to the safety rope or belay anchors.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.