Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:31 PM AWST
22/07/2026 5:31 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Guide top rope climbing activities on artificial surfaces
Guide top rope climbing activities on artificial surfaces
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCLA311
SISOCLA311
State Code
WI687
WI687
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
17/02/2014
Field of Education
092103 - Sports Coaching, Officiating And Instruction
Original Release Date
17/02/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to guide participants in a top rope single pitch climbing activity on an artificial surface. This unit focuses on planning skills to make suitable arrangements to guide a group through a climbing activity.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan a climbing activity.
- 1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the condition of participants.
- 1.2. Develop an activity plan, according to participant needs, requirements of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.3. Select an appropriate activity site or location according to activity objectives.
- 1.4. Identify hazards and risks associated with climbing on artificial surfaces and minimise to ensure personal safety of participants.
- 1.5. Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan, where applicable.
- 1.6. Inform appropriate authorities before commencing the climbing activity.
2. Select and organise equipment and resources.
- 2.1. Select and access equipment and resources according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures.
- 2.2. Assess equipment for serviceability, safety and suitability, and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort and safety.
- 2.3. Establish anchors and belay system in the correct position for the activity.
- 2.4. Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and the climb.
3. Brief participants.
- 3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information on the climbing activity in a manner suitable to the participants.
- 3.2. Demonstrate correct climbing, belaying and back-up belaying techniques.
- 3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while climbing and belaying.
- 3.4. Outline safety procedures and safe areas and/or boundaries for the activity.
- 3.5. Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the climb.
4. Guide a climbing activity.
- 4.1. Monitor climbing, belaying and back-up belaying techniques to ensure safety of participants.
- 4.2. Identify potential hazards and decide how they can be overcome or avoided.
- 4.3. Monitor individual participant performance and provide appropriate feedback.
- 4.4. Implement appropriate modifications to activity in regard to all variable factors that are monitored.
5. Perform rescues.
- 5.1. Determine the advantages and disadvantages of direct and indirect rescue strategies for individual situations.
- 5.2. Identify situations requiring direct assistance and apply correct approach procedures for the situation.
- 5.3. Select the appropriate strategy according to the degree of urgency, element features, resources, rescuee status and ability, and personal ability.
- 5.4. Establish a rescue system efficiently and inform other group members of their role.
- 5.5. Operate a rescue system, demonstrating lowering procedures to recover a conscious and unconscious person from an artificial surface with assistance from others who are unskilled in rescue techniques.
- 5.6. Demonstrate an escape from a belay.
- 5.7. Construct and demonstrate the use of an improvised chest harness in a rescue situation.
6. Complete post-activity responsibilities.
- 6.1. Retrieve, inspect and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 6.2. Evaluate relevant aspects of climbing activity.
- 6.3. Identify potential areas of improvement for future climbing activities.
- 6.4. Review own performance and identify potential improvements.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Condition of participants may include:
skill level
previous experience
physical capabilities
fitness level and physical capabilities
age
injuries and illnesses.
Plan may include:
activity aims and objectives
date, time and duration
location or site
guide and participant ratios
resources
equipment
food and water
weather details
participant information
safety requirements.
Relevant legislation may include:
work health and safety/occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
work health and safety/occupational health and safety
time constraints
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
confidentiality of participant information
guide and participant ratios
emergency and safety procedures
code of ethics.
Activity objectives may include:
self improvement
meeting people
fitness targets
adventure and recreation.
Hazards and risks may include:
lack of planning
equipment failure
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
group management
lack of supervision
unauthorised access.
Artificial surfaces may include:
portable or fixed walls
fixed towers
indoor or outdoor.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
outdoor surfaces:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts.
Appropriate authorities may include:
facility managers
supervisors.
Equipment may include:
ropes
harnesses
belay devices
carabiners
maillons
chalk and chalk bag
helmet
knife
rescue pulley
accessory cord
whistle.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Belay system may include:
human operated belay
team belay
floor/ground anchorage
redirects
self-locking belay devices
belay devices which require hand grip control to arrest fall
automatic mechanical belay system - self retracting lines with speed limited lowering.
Relevant information may include:
personal equipment requirements
safety procedures
route description
preventative measures for risks
possible hazards
climbing and belaying techniques
objectives
rules and codes.
Communication system may include:
calls
hand signals
whistles.
Safety procedures may include:
self checks following a well defined logical sequence
buddy system checks following a well defined logical sequence
ABCDEF Safety Check
A - anchors - secure and suitable to application
B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations
C - connector - locked, secured and orientated
D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
E - organisation specific procedures, including; end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured
F- friend - cross check
adherence to site rules and procedures
compliance to instructions given by supervising staff.
Participant performance may include:
use of appropriate communication system
climbing technique
attitude
negotiation of hazards
use of equipment
rig ropes and associated equipment.
Variable factors may include:
change of weather
equipment failure
participant needs
climbing conditions.
Rescue strategies may include:
direct intervention techniques:
accessing the climber via portable ladder
providing a portable ladder for use as a support tool
seizing control of belay system
changing out the belay person
removing tension/load from the climbing rope
indirect intervention techniques:
oral instructions to climber (e.g. talk them down)
provide encouragement
provide instructions as deemed necessary to bring the situation under control.
Approach procedures may include:
ascending rope
ascending ladder
work platform.
Resources may include:
portable ladder
mobile work platform
rescue rope
pulleys
Prusik loops
pliers
knife
spare carabiners.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
Condition of participants may include:
skill level
previous experience
physical capabilities
fitness level and physical capabilities
age
injuries and illnesses.
Plan may include:
activity aims and objectives
date, time and duration
location or site
guide and participant ratios
resources
equipment
food and water
weather details
participant information
safety requirements.
Relevant legislation may include:
work health and safety/occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
work health and safety/occupational health and safety
time constraints
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
confidentiality of participant information
guide and participant ratios
emergency and safety procedures
code of ethics.
Activity objectives may include:
self improvement
meeting people
fitness targets
adventure and recreation.
Hazards and risks may include:
lack of planning
equipment failure
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
group management
lack of supervision
unauthorised access.
Artificial surfaces may include:
portable or fixed walls
fixed towers
indoor or outdoor.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
outdoor surfaces:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts.
Appropriate authorities may include:
facility managers
supervisors.
Equipment may include:
ropes
harnesses
belay devices
carabiners
maillons
chalk and chalk bag
helmet
knife
rescue pulley
accessory cord
whistle.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Belay system may include:
human operated belay
team belay
floor/ground anchorage
redirects
self-locking belay devices
belay devices which require hand grip control to arrest fall
automatic mechanical belay system - self retracting lines with speed limited lowering.
Relevant information may include:
personal equipment requirements
safety procedures
route description
preventative measures for risks
possible hazards
climbing and belaying techniques
objectives
rules and codes.
Communication system may include:
calls
hand signals
whistles.
Safety procedures may include:
self checks following a well defined logical sequence
buddy system checks following a well defined logical sequence
ABCDEF Safety Check
A - anchors - secure and suitable to application
B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations
C - connector - locked, secured and orientated
D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
E - organisation specific procedures, including; end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured
F- friend - cross check
adherence to site rules and procedures
compliance to instructions given by supervising staff.
Participant performance may include:
use of appropriate communication system
climbing technique
attitude
negotiation of hazards
use of equipment
rig ropes and associated equipment.
Variable factors may include:
change of weather
equipment failure
participant needs
climbing conditions.
Rescue strategies may include:
direct intervention techniques:
accessing the climber via portable ladder
providing a portable ladder for use as a support tool
seizing control of belay system
changing out the belay person
removing tension/load from the climbing rope
indirect intervention techniques:
oral instructions to climber (e.g. talk them down)
provide encouragement
provide instructions as deemed necessary to bring the situation under control.
Approach procedures may include:
ascending rope
ascending ladder
work platform.
Resources may include:
portable ladder
mobile work platform
rescue rope
pulleys
Prusik loops
pliers
knife
spare carabiners.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
plan, guide and monitor the climbing activity of the group in a safe and professional manner
apply effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that may arise during the climbing activity on artificial surfaces
encourage and respond to participant feedback and evaluate own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure that climbing activities reflect the needs of a range of participants and are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document climbing activities for a variety of participants
an artificial climbing surface suitable for the participants
a group of participants to take part in the climbing activities
equipment such as harnesses, belay devices, ropes, and carabiners.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all climbing activities
observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure
review of climbing activity plans
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the individual.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
plan, guide and monitor the climbing activity of the group in a safe and professional manner
apply effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that may arise during the climbing activity on artificial surfaces
encourage and respond to participant feedback and evaluate own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure that climbing activities reflect the needs of a range of participants and are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document climbing activities for a variety of participants
an artificial climbing surface suitable for the participants
a group of participants to take part in the climbing activities
equipment such as harnesses, belay devices, ropes, and carabiners.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all climbing activities
observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure
review of climbing activity plans
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the individual.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBF67 | SISOCLM008 | Lead single pitch climbing activities on artificial surfaces, top rope climbing | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB482 | SISSS00039 | Climbing Guide (Artificial Surfaces) Top Rope | Skill set |
| AC283 | SISSS00046 | Climbing Instructor (Artificial Surfaces) Top Rope | Skill set |
| J761 | SIS30413 | Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |
| J768 | SIS40313 | Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |