Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select and set up belay systems, ropes and ladders suitable for single pitch recreational caving activities, and according to current conditions. It requires the ability to select the route and to select and utilise fixed artificial, naturally occurring or artificial removable anchors.
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 cave 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 a belay system suitable for the abseil or climb, environmental conditions and participant. 1.4. Choose a belay device 1.5. Select other equipment to suit abseil or climb requirements and participants. 1.6. Complete safety and serviceability checks on equipment and tag faulty equipment according to organisational procedures. |
2. Set up caver belay system for caving. | 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 and ladders for caving. | 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. Rig ladders for ease of use and safety. 3.4. Select and tie knots suitable for system type established. 3.5. Minimise risk of cross loading and miss-alignment of carabiners. 3.6. Verify manufacturers' recommendations, equipment limitations and safety margins, and rig equipment accordingly. 3.7. Rig to minimise impact on the cave environment. 3.8. Complete safety checks according to organisational procedures. |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance. | |
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. |
Sectors
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
Caving