Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 11:13 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Rig ropes and establish belays in caves

Rig ropes and establish belays in caves

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCVE306A
State Code
D6333
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/10/2014
Nominal Hours
15
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to independently select fixed or natural anchors for the attachment of ropes and equipment for belays. These anchors are to be used in establishing belay systems and rigging rope pitches for abseiling and single rope technique in caves. Anchors must be selected from a diversity of locations, offering different environmental conditions.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Choose anchor or anchors.
  • 1.1. Assess condition of anchors, including performance under likely load, and the stability of the surroundings.
  • 1.2. Identify and select solid and secure anchors according to organisational policies and procedures and contextual issues.
  • 1.3. Select anchors that minimise environmental impact according to participant's characteristics and abilities, location of the anchors, and requirements of the abseil.
  • 1.4. Determine appropriate belay systems and back-up systems, according to the type of anchors selected and organisational policies and procedures.
2. Select and set up a belay system.
  • 2.1. Select a belay system according to the abilities, limitations and needs of the belayer and abseiler.
  • 2.2. Identify potential forces generated during a fall and how this may impact on selection of belay system.
  • 2.3. Establish a belay system according to contextual issues, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.4. Demonstrate the rigging of multiple anchors, ensuring equalisation and minimal shock loading, where applicable.
  • 2.5. Set up a belay that maintains safety of belayer and minimises movement of the belayer in the event of a fall.
  • 2.6. Establish a belay from which the belayer is able to escape and safely perform a rescue.
  • 2.7. Select a belay device that is suitable for the situation and the belayer's ability, and demonstrate use according to manufacturer's specifications and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.8. Check all equipment for signs of corrosion, abrasion, impact and aging and take measures to correct any deficiency.
  • 2.9. Identify potential hazards and procedures to minimise risks to abseiler and belayer.
3. Rig rope pitches.
  • 3.1. Identify safe access to and egress from the site according to relevant organisational policies and procedures.
  • 3.2. Determine ascent or descent route according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 3.3. Tie knots suitable for the type of system established and for potential retrieval or rescue situations.
  • 3.4. Set up anchors and ropes to facilitate potential rescue.
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.
Condition may include:
age
location
wear
decay
corrosion
weathering
environmental stress
insect damage.
Anchors may include:
natural
fixed.
Likely load may include:
group size
set up
type of use, such as abseiling and laddering
cavers ability
technique.
Stability of surroundings may include:
location
cracks
deformities
fissures
underlying structural features of natural anchors.
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.
Contextual issues may include:
belayer's and abseiler's abilities
weight ratio of abseiler to belayer
group size
other users
pitch height
environmental impact
soundness of rock
access and egress
weather conditions
Environmental impact may include:
rock dislodgement
compacting of soil
damage to flora, fauna, bird's nests, fossils and bone remains and cave formations
effect on other users of the site.
Participant may include:
experienced
inexperienced
adults
children.
Belay system may include:
at the top of a pitch
at the bottom of the pitch
dynamic and static belays
self belays.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Safety of belayer may include:
attachment to anchor or alternate safety system
positioning out of direct line of rock or equipment fall.
Belay devices may include:
plate devices
auto-locking devices
tubular devices
Prussik cord and suitable friction hitch.
Equipment may include:
ropes
tape slings
rope protectors
karabiners
maillon rapids:
belay devices
harnesses
helmets
first aid equipment.
Hazards may include:
loose rocks or gear
sharp edges
moving ropes running over stationary ropes, tape or webbing
tripping on rigging.
Risks may include:
injuries
stings or bites
equipment failure.
Knots may include:
end-of-rope knots
mid-rope-knots
rope joining knots
tape knot
friction knots.
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 establishes solid and secure anchors after considering the factors that affect their stability
establishes a belay system at the top and bottom of cave pitches according to contextual issues and the individual situation
uses suitable belay devices and knots for different situations and determines the need for back up belay systems
establishes a self belay system where required
identifies and eliminates hazards to ensure risk minimisation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure establishment of belay systems and rigging of ropes for single pitch abseiling activities in caving environments that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
suitable natural cave sites with various qualities and fixed anchors
belay equipment and natural and fixed anchors to rig ropes and establish 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 selecting suitable anchors and belay systems according to the situation and participant's abilities
observation of rigging ropes and establishing belays within a single pitch caving context
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe and appropriate use of equipment
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:
SISOCVE302A Apply single pitch abseiling skills in caves.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF55 SISOCVE005 Establish ropes, ladders and belays for caving Unit of competency