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, environmental conditions and participant.

1.4. Choose a belay device suitable for the natural 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 natural surface abseils.

2.1. Select anchors and assess condition, including performance under likely load and stability of surroundings.

2.2. Rig or establish multiple anchors, ensuring equalisation and minimise potential for shock loading.

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 natural surface abseils.

3.1. Rig ropes to minimise effects of rope stretch and rub points and to allow efficient descent and ascent.

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. Rig to minimise impact on the natural environment.

3.7. Complete safety checks according to organisational procedures.

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.