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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for the climb.
   • Select clothing, footwear and personal protective equipment suitable for the climb and conditions.
   • Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities.
   • Confirm protocols for communications between climber and belayer.
   • Interpret route description; identify position of natural features, the climb route and contingencies.
   • Determine need for artificial protection during ascent; select and rack for accessibility during climb.
   • Attach and adjust belay equipment to self and tie knots suitable for the established belay system.
   • Complete equipment safety checks prior to climbing or belaying.
2. Climb single pitch routes.
   • Use safety procedures at bottom, top of and throughout climbs to minimise risk to self and others present.
   • Use appropriate posture and climbing techniques suitable to natural features.
   • Locate and utilise rest positions to reduce fatigue.
   • Safely approach, avoid or negotiate hazards to ascend in a controlled manner.
   • Maintain effective communication with belayer throughout climb.
   • Use techniques that minimise damage to equipment and the surface during climb.
3. Ascend single pitch routes as a lead climber.
   • Evaluate potential direction of falls, magnitude of force and second climber’s ability.
   • Select suitable type, and set anchors and belay system safely and efficiently throughout climb.
   • Place protection periodically during climb to reduce fall distance.
   • Use techniques to minimise rope drag, displacement of artificial protection and injury in the event of a fall.
   • Monitor and maintain the safeguard system continuously.
   • Retreat from pitches when climber safety is compromised.
   • Select solid and secure anchors at top of pitch, or place artificial protection.
   • Establish belay system at top of pitch to maximise climber and belayer safety.
4. Ascend single pitch routes as a second climber.
   • Utilise belaying system to maximise climber safety.
   • Remove artificial protection with and without a nut tool and minimise damage to equipment and natural surface.
5. Belay climbers.
   • 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.