This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to descend and ascend vertical pitches in caves using ladders. It also requires the ability to belay ladder climbers during descents and ascents and to self-belay.

It applies to leaders, guides or instructors, who use these skills when leading participants during caving activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units.

This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice	Yes	No	Comments/feedback
Select clothing, footwear and personal protective equipment suitable for the caving activity and conditions.
Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities.
Confirm protocols for communications between climber and belayer.
Identify position of ladder in relation to natural features to account for obstacles, hazards and techniques.
Attach and adjust belay equipment to self and tie knots suitable for the established belay system.
Complete equipment safety checks prior to descent, ascent, or belaying.
Use safety procedures at bottom, top of and throughout descents and ascents to minimise risk to self and others present.
Use appropriate posture and fluent laddering techniques to descend and ascend cave ladders.
Utilise techniques for resting on a ladder to reduce fatigue.
Safely approach, avoid or negotiate hazards to descend and ascend in a controlled manner.
Maintain effective communication with belayer throughout descents and ascents.
Use techniques that minimise damage to equipment and the cave environment during climbs.
Avoid or negotiate hazards and use safety procedures to minimise risk to self and others present.
Establish belaying position and attach self to anchor, as required, to allow effective and safe use of belay system.
Maintain rope tension to minimise fall distance and ensure climber movement is not unduly restricted.
Monitor climber progress constantly, and maintain clear communication with climber.
Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to belaying device and situation.
Safely and efficiently secure climber using tie off techniques; release tie off and allow climber to continue.
Attach self to suitable belay device for climb with back up to maintain safety in the event of a fall.
Use appropriate posture and laddering techniques to execute self-belayed ladder descents and ascents.
Control self-belay system to execute safe and controlled ladder descents and ascents.
Utilise features of back up belay system in the event of a fall to self-arrest, self-rescue and complete climb.

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOCVE002 - Descend and ascend ladders in caves

Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

SISOCVE002 - Descend and ascend ladders in caves

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: