Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:12 PM AWST

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Rig ladders in complex situations

Rig ladders in complex situations

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCVE409A
State Code
D6336
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Transition (Deleted)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to independently rig caving ladders in complex and non-routine situations in a cave environment. It includes anchor selection and establishment of belay systems.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Rig ropes and ladders.
  • 1.1. Select suitable anchors and safety equipment for the activity.
  • 1.2. Tie knots according to the equipment and situation.
  • 1.3. Rig ladders and ropes for ease of use and safety using rigging equipment according to manufacturer's specifications, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.4. Identify pitch hazards and minimise or eliminate, where possible.
2. Set up a belay system.
  • 2.1. Construct and operate a belay system according to the complex situation and participant ability.
  • 2.2. Set up the belay to allow the belayer to safely escape from the system.
3. De-rig ropes and ladders.
  • 3.1. De-rig ladders and ropes safely according to manufacturer's specifications and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 3.2. Pack ladders and ropes for appropriate transport away from the pitch.
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.
Anchors may include:
natural
fixed
artificial.
Safety equipment may include:
harnesses
helmets
headlamps
first aid kit
rescue equipment
communication devices.
Knots may include:
end-of-rope knots
mid-rope knots
rope-joining knots
friction knots
tape knot.
Rigging equipment may include:
wire traces
tape slings
bolts
climbing protection
caving ladders
ropes
rope protectors
belay devices
karabiners.
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
use, maintenance and storage of equipment
risk management
communication protocols
minimal impact environmental and caving codes
Australian Speleological Federation Codes and Guidelines
code of ethics.
Hazards may include:
water pools or seepage
loose gear
falling rocks, water, debris and or gear
abrasion points
tangled rope
loose clothing and hair
jewellery
strong cave breezes
vertical squeezes.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom belay
bottom break
self belays.
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 and uses anchors, knots, belay techniques and rigging equipment within a range of complex caving contexts
sets up belay systems suitable to the complex situation and abilities of those participating
identifies and eliminates hazards where required.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in rigging and de-rigging of ropes and ladders in complex caving environments that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
suitable natural cave sites with the potential for rigging ladders and belays
natural, fixed and artificial anchors to rig ladders
rigging and safety equipment.
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 rigging and de-rigging ladder pitches within a complex caving situation
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe conduct of activities
observation of dealing with hazards throughout the rigging and de-rigging process
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:
SISOCVE410A Rig a complex pitch using caving specific techniques.
No information