Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:54 AM AWST

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Apply multi pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces

Apply multi pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOABN406A
State Code
D6265
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
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 abseil independently in multi pitch descents on natural surfaces in a wide range of contexts. This unit does not include the application of belaying or rigging skills.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for the abseiling activity.
  • 1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the activity.
  • 1.2. Identify and select an appropriate activity site or location according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.3. Identify associated hazards and procedures to minimise risks to abseiler and belayer on natural surfaces.
  • 1.4. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan.
  • 1.5. Establish a suitable communication system to use with belayer while abseiling.
2. Select and utilise appropriate equipment.
  • 2.1. Select and use equipment in a safe and efficient manner, after consideration of contextual issues.
  • 2.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety.
  • 2.3. Complete all necessary personal and equipment safety checks prior to commencement according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.4. Select and attach descending device to the rope, suitable to the belay system being used.
  • 2.5. Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk.
3. Demonstrate abseiling technique.
  • 3.1. Display correct posture and technique while abseiling, using single and double rope.
  • 3.2. Maintain effective communication between abseiler and belayer throughout the descent.
  • 3.3. Apply safe and correct abseiling techniques according to the belay system being used to minimise injury in the event of a fall.
  • 3.4. Negotiate obstacles and avoid or remove hazards to descend in a controlled manner.
  • 3.5. Demonstrate techniques that minimise damage to the environment while abseiling.
  • 3.6. Retrieve ropes upon completion of an abseil.
4. Evaluate abseiling activity.
  • 4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of abseiling.
  • 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.
Food and water requirements may include:
perishability
packaging
storage.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine 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
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Natural surfaces may include:
cliffs
boulders
Relevantsources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
coastal patrol or coastguard
volunteer marine rescue
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Equipment may include:
helmets
protective clothing
karabiners
harnesses
gloves
belay device
rope
anchors
spare equipment
first aid kit.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size
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.
Belay system may include:
top belay
bottom brake
self belay.
Abseiling techniques may include:
walking backwards
bouncing backwards
forward rundowns.
Obstacles may include:
ledges
trees
falling water
overhangs
squeezes
traverses.
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:
selects and fits equipment independently and carries out safety checks to ensure effective working order
arranges a suitable communication system with belayer, when abseiling, to monitor progress
applies abseiling techniques and negotiates obstacles and hazards during to ensure safety of self and other participants
evaluates and reflects on own abseiling performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple abseiling activities on multi pitch natural surfaces that are of sufficient duration and breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also include access to:
resources and information regarding abseiling to accurately plan for the activity
a variety of multi pitch natural abseiling sites with 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, karabiners 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:
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 safe participation and demonstration of abseiling skills, such as communicating with 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:
SISOABN407A Establish ropes for multi pitch abseiling on natural surfaces
SISOVTR402A Perform complex vertical rescues.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6070 SROABN005A Apply multi pitch abseiling skills on natural surfaces Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBG04 SISOABS004 Abseil multi pitches, natural surfaces Unit of competency