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.
Equipment may include:
rope
belay device
prusik loops
sewn slings
karabiners
helmets
harness.
Safety checks may include:
A - anchors - secure and suitable to application
B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations
C - connector - locked, secured and orientated
D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
E - organisation specific procedures including; end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.
F - friend - cross check.
Procedures may include:
wearing of helmets
attaching to safety ropes for top belay
positioning out of direct line of rock fall.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Belay device may include:
plate devices
auto locking devices
tubular devices.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique assessment technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.

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:
correctly fits equipment, such as attachment of belayer to an anchor, and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
arranges a suitable communication system with abseiler, monitors their progress and responds to abseilers calls appropriately
follows instructions to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate belaying techniques, such as maintaining appropriate rope tension
adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise during abseiling or belaying, such as movement restriction of the abseiler due to inappropriate rope tension, and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of abseiler
evaluates and reflects on own belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in belaying, using a single rope belay system and a bottom brake system, that is of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding belaying techniques and potential hazards of artificial and natural surfaces, to plan for the activity
a suitable single pitch natural and or artificial abseiling site with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate simple abseiling and belaying skills
a qualified abseiling guide or instructor
equipment such as belay devices, prusik loops, sewn slings, ropes, harness, helmet, karabiners and safety 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:
observation of equipment usage, and safety checks to ensure correct equipment application
questioning to assess knowledge of appropriate rope tension to minimise abseiler fall distance
observation of safe participation and demonstration of belaying skills, such as communication with abseiler and constant monitoring of abseiler
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure or change in weather
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:
SISOABN201A Demonstrate abseiling skills on natural surfaces
or
SISOABA201A Demonstrate abseiling skills on artificial surfaces