Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:26 AM AWST

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Apply single pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces

Apply single pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOABN303A
State Code
D6262
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
27/09/2011
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
27/09/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to independently abseil in single pitch situations on natural surfaces. This unit includes the application of belaying skills for the protection of self and others. It does not cover setting up or rigging an abseil.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select and utilise appropriate equipment.
  • 1.1. Use equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
  • 1.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety.
  • 1.3. Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks, prior to commencing abseiling and or belaying.
  • 1.4. Attach descending device to the abseil rope being used.
  • 1.5. Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk.
2. Demonstrate abseiling technique.
  • 2.1. Display correct posture and technique while abseiling, using single and double rope.
  • 2.2. Maintain effective communicationsystems between abseiler and belayer throughout the descent.
  • 2.3. Apply safe and correct abseiling techniques, to minimise injury in the event of a fall.
  • 2.4. Negotiate simple obstacles and avoid or remove hazards to descend in a controlled manner.
  • 2.5. Demonstrate techniques that minimise damage to the environment while abseiling.
3. Demonstrate belaying technique.
  • 3.1. Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to belay device that allows effective use of belay system.
  • 3.2. Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from belay system, and attachment of belayer to an anchor to minimise movement during a fall.
  • 3.3. Maintain rope tension to ensure fall distance is minimised whilst not restricting abseiler movement.
  • 3.4. Monitor abseiler progress constantly and respond appropriately to abseiler calls.
  • 3.5. Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to the belaying device and situation.
  • 3.6. Identify a situation where a self belay system or bottom brake system would be required.
  • 3.7. Demonstrate use of a self belay or bottom brake system to maintain safety in the event of a fall.
4. Evaluate abseiling activity.
  • 4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of abseiling and belaying.
  • 4.2. Identify improvements for future abseiling activities.
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.
Equipment may include:
helmets
protective clothing
karabiners
harnesses
gloves
belay device
rope
anchors
footwear.
Safety checks may include:
A - anchors - secure and suitable to application
B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations
C - connectors - locked, secured and orientated
D - devices - threaded correctly and secured
E - everything else including end of rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured
F - friend - cross check.
Descending device may include:
auto locking devices
circular devices
plate devices
tubular devices
improvised devices
inline devices.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Abseiling techniques may include:
walking backwards
bouncing backwards
forward rundowns.
Obstacles may include:
ledges
trees
water
overhangs.
Belay device may include:
plate devices
auto locking devices
tubular devices.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom brake
self belay.
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
natural surface features
abseiling techniques.
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:
correctly fits equipment independently and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
arranges a suitable communication system with abseiler, when belaying, to monitor progress
negotiates obstacles and hazards during abseiling, and adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants
evaluates and reflects on own abseiling and belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in abseiling and belaying activities on single pitch natural surfaces that are of a sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a cliff with simple obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate abseiling skills
other abseiling participants, to assist with belaying
equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, descending devices, ropes, gloves and karabiners.
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 safe participation and demonstration of abseiling and belaying skills, such as communicating with abseiler or belayer to inform of progress
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure or change in weather
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:
SISOABN304A Establish ropes for single pitch abseiling on natural surfaces
SISOVTR301A Perform vertical rescues.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6068 SROABN003A Apply single pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBG05 SISOABS003 Abseil single pitches, natural surfaces Unit of competency