Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select and set up belay systems suitable for multi pitch climbs on natural surfaces, and according to current conditions. It requires the ability to select the climb route and to select and utilise fixed artificial, naturally occurring or artificial removable anchors to establish belays for the lead climber and the second (or following) climbers.
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 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.
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 climb. | 1.1. Identify safe access to and egress from the pitch. 1.2. Interpret route descriptions, inspect the position and quality of natural features and select climb route. 1.3. Select a top or bottom belay system suitable for the climb, 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 climbing 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 climbs. | 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 climber. 2.6. Position belay away from hazards, or remove as able. 2.7. Determine need for, and establish, back up belay systems. 2.8. Verify manufacturer’s recommendations, equipment limitations and safety margins, and rig equipment accordingly. 2.9. Rig to minimise impact on the natural environment. 2.10. 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 which can include those for safety checks and minimal impact to the environment. |
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
Climbing