Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:08 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.

Establish belays in canyons

Establish belays in canyons

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCAY303A
State Code
D6283
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/10/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select anchors for the attachment of ropes and equipment for belays. These anchors are to be used in establishing belay systems and rigging rope pitches for canyoning. These systems must be able to accommodate different belayer and abseiler abilities in a single pitch context. Anchors must be selected from a diversity of locations, offering different environmental conditions, rock type and tree type.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select equipment for belay system.
  • 1.1. Select a belay system that minimises environmental impact according to contextual issues.
  • 1.2. Identify and select equipment according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.3. Select anchors that meet the requirements of the abseil and abilities of the participants.
  • 1.4. Assess condition of the anchors, including performance under likely load, and stability of surroundings.
  • 1.5. Choose a belay device that is suitable to the surface conditions and belayer's ability.
  • 1.6. Complete all necessary equipment safety checks according to organisational policies and procedures.
2. Set up belay system.
  • 2.1. Rig multiple anchors, ensuring equalisation and minimal shock loading.
  • 2.2. Tie knots and rig ropes suitable for the type of belay system established.
  • 2.3. Establish a belay from which the belayer is able to escape and safely perform a rescue.
  • 2.4. Establish a belay that maintains safety of belayer and minimises movement of the belayer in the event of a fall.
  • 2.5. Avoid or remove belay hazards to maintain safety of belayer.
  • 2.6. Determine the need for, and establish back up belay systems.
3. Rig rope pitches.
  • 3.1. Identify safe access to and egress from the site according to relevant legislation.
  • 3.2. Determine ascent and or descent route according to contextual issues.
  • 3.3. Tie knots that are suitable for the type of system established and for potential retrieval or rescue situations.
  • 3.4. Set up anchors and ropes to facilitate rescue.
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.
Belay system may include:
top of a pitch
bottom of the pitch
self belay.
Environmental impact may include:
rock dislodgement
compacting of soil
effect on other users of the site
damage to flora, fauna, and the environment.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Equipment may include:
ropes
tape slings
karabiners
rope protectors
belay devices
descending devices
specific canyoning equipment.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
emergency procedures
communication protocols
use and maintenance of equipment
code of ethics.
Anchors may include:
natural
fixed.
Participants may include:
experienced
inexperienced
adults
children.
Condition of the anchors may include:
age
location
wear
decay
corrosion
environmental stress
insect damage.
Likely load may include:
group size
set up
type of abseil conducted
abseiler ability
possible forces generated during a fall.
Belay device may include:
plate devices
auto-locking devices
tubular devices
Prusik cord and suitable friction hitch.
Safety checks may include:
A - anchors - secure and suitable to application
B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations
C - connectors - locked secured and oriented
D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
E - everything else including end or rope knots, friction, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured
F - friend - cross check.
Knots may include:
end-of-rope knots
mid-rope knots
rope joining knots
tape knots.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Safety of belayer may include:
attachment to anchor or alternate safety system
positioning out of direct line of rock or equipment fall.
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 following is essential:
selects equipment and conducts safety checks to ensure effective working order
differentiates between the types of belay systems, anchors and knots and their suitability to different rigging situations
determines the need for, and establishes, back up belay systems to ensure safety of self and other participants.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure establishment of multiple belays to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a suitable canyoning location with a vertical single pitch and simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate belay rigging skills
equipment required for the establishment of belays.
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 selecting equipment according to contextual issues
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe use of all equipment
observation of safe participation and demonstration of setting up belay systems suitable to different contexts
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOCAY302A Apply vertical canyoning skills
SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF86 SISOCAY004 Establish ropes and belays for abseils in easy to intermediate canyons Unit of competency