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 a caving session.

1.1. Establish participant's needs and characteristics to determine the session's aims and objectives.

1.2. Determine an appropriate instructional plan according to participant's needs and characteristics.

1.3. Develop a caving plan according to participant's needs and characteristics, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Select a suitable cave site for the session according to participant's needs, session's aims, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.5. Identify potential hazards associated with vertical multi pitch caving and minimise risks according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.6. Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather information and determine contingency plans.

2. Select and organise equipment and resources.

2.1. Select and access equipment and resources according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability.

2.2. Check equipment for safety and suitability according to relevant legislation and manufacturer's recommendations, and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.

2.3. Check contents of first aid and repair kits to ensure suitability to the location and activity.

2.4. Arrange, where required, protective and safety clothing for each participant.

3. Brief participants.

3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the caving session in a manner appropriate to the participants.

3.2. Encourage participants to seek clarification, information and feedback as required during the session.

3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while participating in caving activities.

3.4. Inform participants of known and anticipated hazards, safety and rescue procedures and appropriate behaviour.

3.5. Check and confirm that all participant equipment is fitted and adjusted and clothing and footwear are suitable.

4. Instruct a caving session.

4.1. Conduct introductory activities for participants to reduce the risk of injury.

4.2. Apply instructional techniques to impart required caving knowledge, caving skills, and safety and rescue procedures.

4.3. Monitor and assess instructional activities and associated risks, and modify where required according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.4. Demonstrate procedures for dealing with emergency and non-routine situations according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.5. Inform participants of opportunities to further develop their caving skills and knowledge.

5. Complete post-session responsibilities.

5.1. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.

5.2. Provide opportunities for participants to identify their personal progress and satisfaction with the session, and give feedback as required.

5.3. Apply feedback from assessment to evaluate relevant aspects of the caving session and determine the level of learning achieved.

5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future multi pitch caving instructional sessions.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan an appropriate caving session

convey information about the safety aspects of the session

interact with participants to create a safe and positive environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan multi pitch caving session according to participant's needs and characteristics

address participant difficulties in developing techniques

anticipate and respond appropriately to non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a suitable caving site

monitor and evaluate progress

organise participants into manageable groups for caving

language and literacy skills to:

produce caving and instructional plans for the session

complete post-session participant and self evaluations

emergency response skills appropriate to the cave to enable initial response and or rescue in emergencies while instructing caving.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of caving session

information about local cave site to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential caving hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the cave

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for caving, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection

clothing and footwear requirements for caving activities to ensure comfort and safety

instruction techniques and theories applicable to a range of ages and learning abilities

caving techniques and common communication methods used between participants to reduce risk during activities

weather information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the session

hazards that may be experienced in a vertical multi pitch caving environment

emergency procedures, potential hazards and obstacles relevant to the cave site 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:

plans and delivers information, explanations and demonstrations for multi pitch caving sessions to ensure activities are conducted safely according to participant's needs and characteristics

uses and modifies instructional techniques and or activities to observe and monitor the progress of participants and provides constructive feedback and intervention to improve caving performance

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure instruction of multi pitch caving activities that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants and are of sufficient duration and breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

suitable vertical multi pitch caving sites for the conduct of instructional sessions

indoor locations and or artificial structures for teaching techniques

a group of participants to take part in caving sessions

caving, abseiling, belaying, navigation, communication, safety, first aid and teaching equipment

resources and information regarding participants and location to plan, instruct and document caving sessions for a variety of participants.

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 planning processes, such as consulting with participants to determine their needs and characteristics

oral or written questioning to assess application of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all caving activities

observation of safe caving instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics

portfolio of caving session plans

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

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.

Characteristics may include:

age

cultural and situational factors

previous experience and knowledge

physical development.

Session's aims and objectives may include:

enhancing caving skills

self improvement

adventure and recreation.

Instructional plan may include:

caving activities

duration of activities

teaching methods.

Caving plan may include:

aims and objectives

date, time and duration

cave site, equipment and resources

safety requirements.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

cave access and permit requirements

working with children

equal opportunity

privacy

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

time and budget constraints

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

working with children

code of ethics

Australian Speleological Federation Codes and Guidelines:

Cave Safety Guidelines

Code of Ethics and Conservation

Minimal Impact Caving Code

Cave Diving Code of Practice.

Hazards may include:

environmental

group management

misuse of equipment.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

injuries and illnesses

flooding

exhaustion

dehydration

phobias

stings or bites

equipment failure.

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.

Contingency plans may include:

change in weather and or conditions

equipment failure.

Equipment may include:

caving equipment

safety and rescue equipment

navigation equipment

communication equipment.

Resources may include:

clothing and footwear

food and water

teaching aids.

Contextual issues may include:

time of day

season and weather

cave features

participant characteristics

number of staff

length, depth and complexity of cave

safety requirements.

Relevant information may include:

risk and hazard prevention and management

caving, abseiling and belaying techniques

safety and minimal impact procedures

responsible and safe behaviour.

Safety and rescue procedures may include:

assessing and outlining symptoms, treatment and prevention of common multi pitch caving risks

determining safe areas and boundaries

managing group in emergency situations.

Instructional techniques may include:

simple to complex

part to whole

chronological

known to unknown

D.E.D.I.C.T:

demonstrate

explain

demonstrate

instruct

critique

test

E.D.I.C.T:

explain

demonstrate

instruct

critique

test

I.D.E.A:

introduce

demonstrate

explain

apply.

orientate, enhance, synthesise

Required caving knowledge may include:

caving techniques, including abseiling and belaying

multi pitch cave features, environments and conditions

minimal impact practices appropriate to caving

risk and hazard management

communication systems used in caving.

Relevant aspects may include:

the effectiveness of the instructional session

feedback

validity and reliability of assessment and evaluation tools.