Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:26 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:26 PM AWST
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Apply multi pitch lead climbing skills on artificial surfaces
Apply multi pitch lead climbing skills on artificial surfaces
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCLA407A
SISOCLA407A
State Code
D6295
D6295
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Transition (Deleted)
Transition (Deleted)
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 apply lead climbing and belaying skills to multi pitch routes on artificial surfaces. This unit focuses on the use of advanced climbing techniques and independent participation as part of a climbing party. It does not include the competencies required to instruct or guide others.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for the climbing activity.
- 1.1. Identify and select an appropriate activity site according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.2. Identify associated hazards and procedures to minimise risks to climber and belayer on multi pitch artificial surfaces.
- 1.3. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environment information to determine activity plan, where applicable.
- 1.4. Establish a suitable communication system to use while climbing and belaying with other participants.
- 1.5. Develop contingency plans in the case of unforeseen circumstances.
2. Select a route for the climb.
- 2.1. Identify suitable access to and egress from the climbing site.
- 2.2. Select a suitable route for the climb and inspect the position and quality of features to ensure the capabilities of the climbing party are not exceeded.
- 2.3. Provide an accurate route description for the climb.
- 2.4. Identify and communicate route demands and hazards with climbing party members.
- 2.5. Determine the need for protection required for the safe ascent of the route.
3. Select and utilise equipment.
- 3.1. Select and use equipment according to manufacturer's specifications, organisational policies and procedures and contextual issues.
- 3.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety.
- 3.3. Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks, according to organisational policies and procedures, prior to commencement.
- 3.4. Demonstrate attachment to a suitable belay system at bottom of pitch, in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, and apply correct rope handling and knot tying techniques.
- 3.5. Apply safety procedures at the top and bottom of climbing site, and at belay stations.
- 3.6. Organise quick draws on the harness to provide the required access when climbing.
4. Demonstrate climbing techniques.
- 4.1. Apply fluent climbing techniques suitable to features and possible holds.
- 4.2. Maintain effective communication between climber and belayer throughout climb.
- 4.3. Locate and evaluate the main features of the climb whilst climbing.
- 4.4. Apply safe and correct climbing techniques to minimise injury in the event of a fall.
- 4.5. Locate and utilise rest positions to reduce fatigue.
- 4.6. Negotiate obstacles and avoid hazards to climb in a controlled manner.
5. Ascend a multi pitch route as a lead climber.
- 5.1. Set up anchors and belay systems safely and efficiently.
- 5.2. Place fixed protection and quick draws throughout the climb to reduce fall distance.
- 5.3. Apply correct techniques to minimise rope drag, displacement of quick draws and artificial protection, and injury in the event of a fall.
- 5.4. Establish a belay system at the top of the pitch which maximises climber and belayer safety at all times.
- 5.5. Demonstrate the ability to retreat from pitches.
6. Change over safely at belay stations.
- 6.1. Ensure climbing party members are always attached to an anchor or belay system.
- 6.2. Apply efficient rope handling skills at the belay stations.
7. Demonstrate belaying technique.
- 7.1. Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to chosen belay device that allows effective use of belay system.
- 7.2. Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from belay system, and attachment of belayer to anchor to minimise movement during a fall.
- 7.3. Perform all safety checks in accordance with organisational policies and procedures to ensure belayer safety in the event of a climber or gear fall.
- 7.4. Maintain rope tension to ensure fall distance is minimised whilst not restricting climber movement.
- 7.5. Monitor climber progress constantly and respond appropriately to climber calls.
- 7.6. Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to the belaying device and situation.
8. Evaluate climbing activity.
- 8.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of lead climbing and belaying.
- 8.2. Identify improvements for future lead climbing 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.
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 and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
equipment failure.
Artificial surfaces may include:
portable or fixed walls
fixed towers or bridges
indoor or outdoor.
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.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Contingency plans may include:
poor communication conditions
injuries
escape or retreat options
off route possibilities
ability of the second.
Unforeseen circumstances may include:
equipment failure
change of route
climber or belayer injury.
Features may include:
arĕtes
chimneys
corners
cracks
edges
flakes
jugs
ledges
overhangs
pockets
roofs
slabs.
Capabilities may include:
body weight or strength ratio
stamina
flexibility
balance
endurance.
Equipment may include:
helmets
karabiners
harnesses
belay device
ropes
tapes
anchors
slings
quick draws
personal clothing
climbing shoes
chalk bag and chalk.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
group objectives
group size.
Safety checks 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- everything else including end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.
F- friend - cross check
G - organisation specific procedures.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom belay
single rope
double rope.
Knot tying may include:
midline knots
end-line loops
stopper knots
friction hitches
lock-off knots.
Climbing techniques may include:
bridging
dynamic movement
heel hooks
jamming
lay backing
layaways and side pulls
mantle shelving
pinch grips
smearing
underclings.
Obstacles may include:
ledges
overhangs
squeezes
traverses.
Anchors may include:
multi-directional
uni-directional
self-equalising.
Fixed protection may include:
fixed hangers
fixed draws
chains
quick draws.
Belaying position may include:
top of the pitch
bottom of the pitch.
Belay device may include:
plate device
tube device
auto locking device.
Belayer safety may include:
wearing of helmets
attaching to safety ropes
standing out of direct line of gear fall.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
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 and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
equipment failure.
Artificial surfaces may include:
portable or fixed walls
fixed towers or bridges
indoor or outdoor.
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.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Contingency plans may include:
poor communication conditions
injuries
escape or retreat options
off route possibilities
ability of the second.
Unforeseen circumstances may include:
equipment failure
change of route
climber or belayer injury.
Features may include:
arĕtes
chimneys
corners
cracks
edges
flakes
jugs
ledges
overhangs
pockets
roofs
slabs.
Capabilities may include:
body weight or strength ratio
stamina
flexibility
balance
endurance.
Equipment may include:
helmets
karabiners
harnesses
belay device
ropes
tapes
anchors
slings
quick draws
personal clothing
climbing shoes
chalk bag and chalk.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
group objectives
group size.
Safety checks 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- everything else including end or rope knots, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured.
F- friend - cross check
G - organisation specific procedures.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom belay
single rope
double rope.
Knot tying may include:
midline knots
end-line loops
stopper knots
friction hitches
lock-off knots.
Climbing techniques may include:
bridging
dynamic movement
heel hooks
jamming
lay backing
layaways and side pulls
mantle shelving
pinch grips
smearing
underclings.
Obstacles may include:
ledges
overhangs
squeezes
traverses.
Anchors may include:
multi-directional
uni-directional
self-equalising.
Fixed protection may include:
fixed hangers
fixed draws
chains
quick draws.
Belaying position may include:
top of the pitch
bottom of the pitch.
Belay device may include:
plate device
tube device
auto locking device.
Belayer safety may include:
wearing of helmets
attaching to safety ropes
standing out of direct line of gear fall.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
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:
selects and fits equipment independently and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
communicates effectively to monitor progress when belaying and to organise climbing group at belay stations safely and efficiently
negotiates obstacles and hazards during lead climbing, and adapts quickly to unforeseen circumstances that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants
evaluates and reflects on own lead climbing and belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple lead climbing and belaying activities on multi pitch artificial surfaces to demonstrate competence and consistency of performance.
Assessment must ensure access to:
resources and information regarding lead climbing and belaying, to accurately plan for the activity
suitable artificial multi pitch climbing sites with obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate lead climbing skills and belaying
other climbing participants, to assist with belaying and second climbing
equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, ropes, slings, quick draws, karabiners and climbing shoes.
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:
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 safe participation and demonstration of lead climbing skills, such as placement of quick draws and protection, and communicating with belayer to inform of progress
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment misuse 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:
SISOCLA408A Establish belays for multi pitch climbing on artificial surfaces.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
selects and fits equipment independently and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
communicates effectively to monitor progress when belaying and to organise climbing group at belay stations safely and efficiently
negotiates obstacles and hazards during lead climbing, and adapts quickly to unforeseen circumstances that may arise to ensure safety of self and other participants
evaluates and reflects on own lead climbing and belaying performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple lead climbing and belaying activities on multi pitch artificial surfaces to demonstrate competence and consistency of performance.
Assessment must ensure access to:
resources and information regarding lead climbing and belaying, to accurately plan for the activity
suitable artificial multi pitch climbing sites with obstacles and features that allow participant to demonstrate lead climbing skills and belaying
other climbing participants, to assist with belaying and second climbing
equipment such as harnesses, helmets, belay devices, ropes, slings, quick draws, karabiners and climbing shoes.
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:
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 safe participation and demonstration of lead climbing skills, such as placement of quick draws and protection, and communicating with belayer to inform of progress
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment misuse 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:
SISOCLA408A Establish belays for multi pitch climbing on artificial surfaces.
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J768 | SIS40313 | Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |
| D445 | SIS50310 | Diploma of Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |