ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan for climbing activity.

1.1. Identify and select an appropriate activity site according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.2. Identify associated hazards and procedures to minimise risks to climber and belayer on artificial surfaces.

1.3. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan, where applicable.

1.4. Establish a suitable communication system to use while climbing and belaying with other participants.

2. Select a route for the climb.

2.1. Identify suitable access to and egress from the climbing site, according to relevant legislation.

2.2. Select a suitable route for the climb and inspect the position of features according to the capabilities of the climbing party.

2.3. Provide an accurate route description for the climb.

3. Select and utilise equipment.

3.1. Select and use equipment according to manufacturer's specifications, after consideration of contextual issues.

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

3.3. Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks, according to organisational policies and procedures prior to commencement.

3.4. Demonstrate attachment to a suitable belay system at bottom of pitch, according to manufacturer's specifications, and apply correct rope handling and knot tying techniques.

3.5. Apply safety procedures at climbing site.

4. Demonstrate climbing techniques.

4.1. Display correct posture and fluent climbing techniques suitable to features and possible holds.

4.2. Maintain effective communication between climber and belayer throughout climb.

4.3. Locate and evaluate the main features of the climb whilst climbing.

4.4. Apply safe climbing techniques to minimise injury in the event of a fall or gear fall.

4.5. Locate and utilise rest positions to reduce fatigue.

4.6. Negotiate obstacles and avoid or remove hazards to climb in a controlled manner.

5. Ascend a single pitch route as a second climber.

5.1. Demonstrate use of belaying system to maximise climber safety at all times.

5.2. Remove quick draws in a manner that minimises potential for dropping of gear.

5.3. Demonstrate accepted safety procedures, throughout the climb and whilst belaying.

6. Ascend a single pitch route as a lead climber.

6.1. Select and use a suitable number of quick draws for the chosen climb and rack quick draws so that they are accessible during the climb.

6.2. Use fixed protection periodically throughout the climb to reduce fall distance.

6.3. Apply correct techniques to minimise rope drag.

6.4. Demonstrate the ability to down climb.

6.5. Select appropriate fixed anchors at the top of the pitch if applicable.

6.6. Establish a belay system at the top of the pitch which maximises climber and belayer safety at all times if applicable.

7. Demonstrate belaying technique.

7.1. Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to chosen belay device that allows effective use of belay system.

7.2. Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from belay system, and attachment of belayer to anchor to minimise movement during a fall if applicable.

7.3. Perform all safety checks in accordance with organisational policies and procedures to ensure belayer safety in the event of a climber or gear fall.

7.4. Maintain rope tension to ensure fall distance is minimised whilst not restricting climber movement.

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

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

8. Evaluate climbing activity.

8.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of lead climbing and belaying.

8.2. Identify improvements for future second and lead climbing activities.