Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select and set up belay systems and ropes suitable for single pitch recreational abseils on artificial surfaces. It requires the ability to select the abseil route and to select and utilise fixed anchors. Artificial surfaces can be fixed or portable structures and rigging can be for indoor or outdoor environments.
It applies to rigging staff and activity leaders who work independently or with limited guidance from others.
This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers 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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCECRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Select route and equipment suitable for the abseil. | 1.1. Identify safe access to and egress from the pitch. 1.2. Determine descent and ascent route appropriate for conditions. 1.3. Select an abseiling and belay system suitable for the abseil, conditions and participant. 1.4. Choose a belay device suitable for the artificial surface conditions and belayer. 1.5. Select other equipment to suit abseil requirements and participants. 1.6. Complete safety and serviceability checks on equipment and tag faulty equipment according to organisational procedures. |
2. Set up belay system for artificial surface abseils. | 2.1. Select anchors and assess condition, including performance under likely load. 2.2. Set up belay systems using existing fixed anchors. 2.3. Select and tie appropriate knots, and rig ropes suitable for load and function within the belay system. 2.4. Establish a belay from which belayer is independent of the system 2.5. Establish a belay that maintains safety of belayer and abseiler. 2.6. Position top rope or bottom brake belay away from hazards, or remove as able. 2.7. Determine need for, and establish, back up belay systems. 2.8. Complete safety checks according to organisational procedures. |
3. Rig rope pitches for artificial surface abseils. | 3.1. Rig ropes to minimise effects of rope stretch and rub points and to allow efficient ascent and descent. 3.2. Set up anchors and ropes to allow for a rescue. 3.3. Select and tie knots suitable for system type established. 3.4. Minimise risk of cross loading and mis-alignment of carabiners. 3.5. Verify manufacturers' recommendations, equipment limitations and safety margins, and rig equipment accordingly. 3.6. Complete safety checks according to organisational procedures. |
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
SKILLS | DESCRIPTION |
Reading skills to: | interpret detailed familiar organisational procedures for completing safety checks. |
Writing skills to: | use fundamental sentence structure to complete safety and serviceability forms and fault tags that require factual information. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate loads for anchors and ropes under normal conditions and in the event of a fall visually estimate distances to calculate lengths for ropes. |
Planning and organising skills to: | follow a logical equipment selection, rigging and checking process. |
Sectors
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
Abseiling