Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:14 PM AWST

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Apply laddering skills

Apply laddering skills

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCVE304A
State Code
D6331
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
06/03/2013
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 apply specific laddering skills for use in caving situations. Other related competencies, such as navigation, are defined in other units.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select, fit and use laddering equipment.
  • 1.1. Identify and fit personal equipment to ensure comfort and safety.
  • 1.2. Tie knots suitable to the belay system.
  • 1.3. Check all equipment to ensure satisfactory working order according to manufacturer's specifications, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
2. Demonstrate laddering technique.
  • 2.1. Apply correct posture and technique for descending and ascending a ladder.
  • 2.2. Negotiate vertical laddering obstacles and avoid or remove pitch hazards using a range of laddering techniques in a controlled and safe manner.
  • 2.3. Apply techniques for resting on a ladder pitch.
  • 2.4. Use communication systems to implement safety systems.
  • 2.5. Identify and apply strategies to reduce risk and environmental damage while laddering according to relevant legislation.
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.
Personal equipment may include:
helmet
harness
caving ladders
cow tails and safety lines
prussic cords
caving lights
ropes
rigging
karabiners
maillons
mechanical ascenders
belay devices
clothing and footwear.
Knots may include:
end-of-rope knots
mid-rope knots
friction knots
stopper knots
rope joining knots
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
communication protocols
minimal impact environmental and caving codes
Australian Speleological Federation Codes and Guidelines
code of ethics.
Obstacles may include:
rope and ladder tangles
ladder caught on rock projections
broken or damaged rungs
vertical squeezes and overhangs.
Hazards may include:
water pools and streamways
falling rocks, water, debris and or gear
abrasion points
sharp edges
loose clothing and hair
strong cave breezes
Strategies may include:
top and bottom belays
self belays
use of cows tails and other safety connectors to the safety rope or belay anchors.
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 personal equipment and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
uses a range of equipment and knots to negotiate ladder pitches with a variety of obstacles and hazards
communicates with other participants to monitor safety and progress throughout the laddering activity.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure application of multiple laddering techniques for descending and ascending a ladder pitch in caving environments that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
laddering and belaying equipment
a suitable caving environment with the potential for rigging ladders and 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 descending and ascending a ladder in a single pitch caving context
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of legislation and organisational policies to ensure minimal environmental impact and appropriate use of equipment
observation of negotiating hazards and obstacles
observation of using suitable communication system during laddering and or belaying
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:
SISOCVE303A Rig a ladder pitch.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF57 SISOCVE002 Descend and ascend ladders in caves Unit of competency