Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:51 AM AWST

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Guide abseiling on single pitch artificial surfaces

Guide abseiling on single pitch artificial surfaces

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOABA304A
State Code
D6253
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
14/02/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
14/02/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to guide participants in a single pitch abseiling activity on an artificial surface. This unit focuses on the skills to guide a group through an abseiling activity.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan abseiling activity.
  • 1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the conditionofparticipants.
  • 1.2. Develop an activity plan, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, to meet participant's needs.
  • 1.3. Select an appropriate activity site or location that is suitable for participants and meets activity objectives, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.4. Identify hazards associated with abseiling on artificial surfaces and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants.
  • 1.5. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan, where applicable.
  • 1.6. Determine food and water requirements according to contextual issues of the activity.
  • 1.7. Determine most appropriate belay system according to participant's abilities and site conditions.
  • 1.8. Inform appropriate authorities before commencing the abseiling activity.
2. Select equipment for the group.
  • 2.1. Select equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check that it is in good working condition.
  • 2.2. Assess equipment for safety and suitability, and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.
  • 2.3. Select safety and rescue equipment to check suitability to the group and the abseil.
3. Brief participants.
  • 3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the abseiling activity in a manner suitable to the participants.
  • 3.2. Demonstrate correct abseiling and belaying techniques.
  • 3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while abseiling and belaying.
  • 3.4. Outline safety procedures and safe areas and or boundaries for the activity.
  • 3.5. Confirm participants are properly equipped for the abseil and correct any omissions or deficiencies.
4. Supervise abseiling activity.
  • 4.1. Conduct introductory activities for participants, to reduce the risk of injury.
  • 4.2. Provide clear and concise direction and advice to group during the activity.
  • 4.3. Monitor participant's performance of abseiling and belaying techniques and provide feedback as required.
  • 4.4. Identify potential hazards as they occur and implement contingency actions according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 4.5. Implement appropriate modifications to activity in regard to all variable factors that are monitored.
5. Complete post activity responsibilities.
  • 5.1. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures including manufacturers recommendations.
  • 5.2. Evaluate relevant aspects of abseiling activity.
  • 5.3. Identify potential areas of improvement for future abseiling activities.
  • 5.4. Review 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
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 and equipment
food and water
weather details
risk management plan.
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
participant confidentiality
assessment procedures
time constraints
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
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 may include:
temperature extremes on surfaces
slippery surfaces
dangerous animals and insects
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
Emotional risk
injuries
exhaustion
equipment misuse
Artificial surfaces may include:
portable or fixed wall
fixed tower or bridge
indoor or outdoor
single pitch.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
synoptic charts
Food and water requirements may include:
perishability
packaging
storage.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom brake.
Appropriate authorities may include:
government departments or agents
facility and land managers
statutary bodies
supervisors.
Equipment may include:
ropes
harnesses
descending device
karabiners
helmet
belay devices
first aid kit
rope protectors
knife
rescue pulley
whistle
Relevant information may include:
personal equipment requirements:
safety procedures
preventative measures for risks
possible hazards
abseiling and belaying techniques
objectives
rules and codes
responsible and safe behaviour.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Safety procedures may include:
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.
Participant's performance may include:
use of appropriate communication system
abseiling technique
attitude
negotiation of hazards
use of equipment.
Variable factors may include:
change of weather
equipment misuse
participant's needs
abseiling conditions.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
assessment 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 following is essential:
Develop an activity plan and documentation which comply with relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
continually monitors the performance and progress of participants and identifies and corrects any performance issues
applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with problems and issues that arise during the abseiling activity
receive feedback
evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that can be improved.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure the planning and guiding of abseiling activities for single pitch artificial surfaces that 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 abseiling activities for a variety of participants
an artificial abseiling site suitable to the abilities of participants
a group of participants to take part in the abseiling activity
equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, descending devices, ropes, gloves, karabiners, rescue equipment and safety and first aid 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 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 abseiling activities
observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions, equipment misuse, abseiler entrapment
review of abseiling activity plans
third-party reports from a leader detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOABA303A Establish ropes for abseiling on artificial surfaces.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBG02 SISOABS008 Lead single pitch abseiling activities on artificial surfaces Unit of competency