Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Belay system may include:
top belay
self belay
bottom brake.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Equipment may include:
ropes
tape slings
rope protectors
karabiners
belay devices.
rope protectors
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 and maintenance of equipment
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
Anchors may include:
bolts
chains
bollards
eyelets
U bolts
beams
poles
wire cables.
Participants may include:
experienced
inexperienced
adults
children
tourists, club members, clients, school or youth groups.
Condition of the anchors may include:
age
location
wear
decay
corrosion
environmental stress
insect damage.
Likely load may include:
group size
set up
type of abseil conducted
abseiler ability
technique
possible forces generated during a fall.
Belay device may include:
plate devices
auto-locking devices
tubular devices
figure 8
inline device.
Artificial surface conditions may include:
portable or fixed walls or towers
fixed towers or bridges
indoor or outdoor
single pitch.
Safety checks may include:
certification of anchor points
angles at focal point
no shock loading
no single point at failure
minimum of two failsafe anchor points.
Knots may include:
knots that have at least 50% of the static strength of the rope
end-of-rope knots
mid-rope knots
rope joining knots
tape knot.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes of surfaces
slippery surfaces
dangerous animals and insects
group management hazards.
Safety of belayer may include:
attachment to anchor or alternate safety system
positioning out of direct line of equipment fall
minimising movement of the belayer in the event of a fall.

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:
independently selects appropriate equipment and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
differentiates between the different types of belay systems, anchors and knots and their suitability to different rigging situations
determines the need for, and establishes, belay systems to ensure safety of self and other participants.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in rigging of equipment that is of sufficient breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding abseiling and belaying equipment
suitable artificial single pitch abseiling sites with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate rigging skills
equipment such as anchors, harnesses, helmets, belay devices, descending devices, slings, ropes, karabiners and first aid 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 ensure safe and appropriate use of all abseiling equipment
observation of safe participation and demonstration of setting up belay systems suitable to different contexts and participants
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment misuse
third-party reports from a leader detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOABA302A Apply single pitch abseiling skills on artificial surfaces.
SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues.