Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:07 AM AWST
23/07/2026 1:07 AM AWST
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Apply lead climbing skills on artificial surfaces
Apply lead climbing skills on artificial surfaces
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCLA406A
SISOCLA406A
State Code
D6294
D6294
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Transition (Deleted)
Transition (Deleted)
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
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply lead climbing skills to single pitch routes on artificial surfaces. This unit also focuses on the application of second climbing and belaying skills suitable for lead climbing.
Notes
Elements and 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.
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.
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
communication protocols
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
equipment failure.
Artificial surfaces may include:
portable or fixed walls
fixed towers or bridges
indoor or outdoor.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
synoptic charts.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Features may include:
arĕtes
chimneys
corners
cracks
edges
flakes
jugs
ledges
overhangs
pockets
roofs
slabs.
Capabilities may include:
body weight or strength ratio
stamina.
Equipment may include:
helmets
karabiners
harnesses
belay device
slings
ropes
tapes
anchors
quick draws
protection
footwear
chalk bag and chalk
first aid kit.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
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- everything else including end or rope knots, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.
F - friend - cross check.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom belay
single rope
double rope.
Knot tying may include:
end of rope knot
midline knots
stopper knots
lock off knots.
Climbing techniques may include:
bridging
dynamic movement
heel hooks
jamming
lay backing
layaways and side pulls
mantle
pinch grips
smearing
underclings.
Obstacles may include:
ledges
overhangs
squeezes
traverses.
Fixed protection may include:
fixed hangers
fixed draws
chains.
Belaying position may include:
anchored or unanchored
bottom of the pitch.
Belay device may include:
plate device
tube device
auto locking device.
Belayer safety may include:
wearing of helmets
attaching to safety ropes
standing out of direct line of gear fall.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
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
communication protocols
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
equipment failure.
Artificial surfaces may include:
portable or fixed walls
fixed towers or bridges
indoor or outdoor.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
synoptic charts.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Features may include:
arĕtes
chimneys
corners
cracks
edges
flakes
jugs
ledges
overhangs
pockets
roofs
slabs.
Capabilities may include:
body weight or strength ratio
stamina.
Equipment may include:
helmets
karabiners
harnesses
belay device
slings
ropes
tapes
anchors
quick draws
protection
footwear
chalk bag and chalk
first aid kit.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
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- everything else including end or rope knots, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.
F - friend - cross check.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom belay
single rope
double rope.
Knot tying may include:
end of rope knot
midline knots
stopper knots
lock off knots.
Climbing techniques may include:
bridging
dynamic movement
heel hooks
jamming
lay backing
layaways and side pulls
mantle
pinch grips
smearing
underclings.
Obstacles may include:
ledges
overhangs
squeezes
traverses.
Fixed protection may include:
fixed hangers
fixed draws
chains.
Belaying position may include:
anchored or unanchored
bottom of the pitch.
Belay device may include:
plate device
tube device
auto locking device.
Belayer safety may include:
wearing of helmets
attaching to safety ropes
standing out of direct line of gear fall.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
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:
applies relevant processes to plan for lead climbing activity and determines suitable routes
selects and fits equipment independently and carries out personal safety checks and ensures effective working order of equipment
places quick draws at sufficient distances apart to reduce the distance of climber fall and removes and safely carries quick draws during second climbing
arranges a suitable communication system with climber, when belaying, to monitor progress
negotiates obstacles and hazards during lead climbing, and adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants
evaluates and reflects on own lead climbing and belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple lead climbing and belaying activities on single pitch artificial surfaces to demonstrate competence and consistency of performance.
Assessment must ensure access to:
resources and information regarding lead climbing and belaying to accurately plan for the activity
suitable artificial single pitch climbing sites with obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate lead climbing skills and belaying
other climbing participants, to assist with belaying and second climbing
equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, ropes, slings, quick draws, gloves, karabiners, climbing shoes 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 enable safe participation in all climbing activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of lead climbing skills, such as placing quick draws periodically and communicating with belayer to inform of progress
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:
SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues
SISOCLA303A Establish belays for climbing on artificial surfaces.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applies relevant processes to plan for lead climbing activity and determines suitable routes
selects and fits equipment independently and carries out personal safety checks and ensures effective working order of equipment
places quick draws at sufficient distances apart to reduce the distance of climber fall and removes and safely carries quick draws during second climbing
arranges a suitable communication system with climber, when belaying, to monitor progress
negotiates obstacles and hazards during lead climbing, and adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants
evaluates and reflects on own lead climbing and belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple lead climbing and belaying activities on single pitch artificial surfaces to demonstrate competence and consistency of performance.
Assessment must ensure access to:
resources and information regarding lead climbing and belaying to accurately plan for the activity
suitable artificial single pitch climbing sites with obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate lead climbing skills and belaying
other climbing participants, to assist with belaying and second climbing
equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, ropes, slings, quick draws, gloves, karabiners, climbing shoes 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 enable safe participation in all climbing activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of lead climbing skills, such as placing quick draws periodically and communicating with belayer to inform of progress
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:
SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues
SISOCLA303A Establish belays for climbing on artificial surfaces.
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J768 | SIS40313 | Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |