Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
- organisational safety and emergency response procedures for abseiling activities
- purpose, features, and correct fit for safety, of personal protective equipment for abseiling on natural surfaces to include:
- clothing
- footwear
- gloves, advantages and disadvantages
- abseiling/climbing helmets
- harnesses of different types, advantages and disadvantages
- features, functions and operation of abseiling equipment used on natural surfaces:
- carabiners
- static and dynamic rope and when each might be used
- tape
- sewn sling
- Prusik cord
- descending devices:
- assisted locking
- inline
- plate
- figure 8
- tubular
- improvised
- belay systems:
- top rope top belay
- bottom brake
- self-belay
- belay devices:
- assisted locking
- inline
- plate
- figure 8
- tubular
- improvised
- types of equipment and knots used, and how to tie them, when:
- attaching descending devices to abseil ropes
- attaching belay system to anchors
- attaching self to back up belay system for self-belays
- attaching self to anchor
- types of personal and equipment safety checks completed prior to abseiling and belaying
- abseiling techniques and appropriate posture for descents on natural surfaces to include those for:
- walking backwards
- self-belayed descents
- techniques for belaying others during abseils on natural surfaces to include those for:
- establishing belaying position for effective and safe use of belay system
- rope handling and maintaining adequate rope tension
- controlling bottom brake system
- arresting abseiler falls
- securing abseiler, tying off belay system and releasing
- reasons for attaching belayer to anchor system when belaying others including:
- minimising belayer movement to retain stable position and stance
- minimising effects of force of abseiler fall and risk of injury to belayer
- minimising risks of belayer fall
- communication protocols used between abseilers and belayers to include:
- calls
- hand signals
- whistles
- radio
- typical hazards for single pitch abseiling on natural surfaces, and techniques used to safely negotiate these:
- falling rocks, water, debris, gear
- abrasion points
- sharp edges
- squeezes and overhangs
- ledges
- traverses
- slippery or unstable terrain
- dense vegetation and trees
- strong breezes
- tangled rope
- how to care for abseiling equipment during activities to avoid damage, and promote long lifespan
- techniques used to minimise damage to abseiling surfaces in natural environments when abseiling.