Descend and ascend single ropes in caves

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

• organisational safety and emergency response procedures for caving activities
• purpose, features, and correct fit for safety, of personal protective equipment for cavers to include:
  • clothing
  • footwear
  • gloves
  • caving helmets
  • headlamps
  • harnesses of different types, advantages and disadvantages
• features, functions and operation of equipment used for single rope descents and ascents in caves:
  • carabiners
  • maillon rapides
  • static and dynamic rope and when each might be used
  • tape
  • sewn sling
  • personal attachment systems, including cow’s tails
  • Prusik cord
  • foot loops
  • mechanical ascenders
  • 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 self to belay system
  • attaching self to anchor
• safety requirements at the pitch head including use of personal attachment systems
• types of personal and equipment safety checks completed prior to descents and ascents
• how to care for equipment during caving activities to avoid damage, and promote long lifespan
• techniques used to adjust the rope rig to include those for changing:
  • cord length
  • types of descenders and ascenders
  • type of ascending action used
• single rope techniques used in caves to:
  • descend and ascend a fixed rope
  • lock off during descent
  • changeover from descending to ascending
  • changeover from ascending to descending
  • complete redirections and re-belays
  • changeover to another system while suspended on a rope
  • avoid obstacles and rope knots during descents and ascents including bypassing and by raising body weight
• typical hazards associated with single rope descents and ascents in caves, and techniques used to safely negotiate these:
  • water pools, streams and seepage
  • falling rocks, water, debris, gear
  • abrasion points
  • sharp edges
  • vertical squeezes and overhangs
  • strong cave breezes
  • darkness
  • rising waters
  • tangled rope
• techniques used to minimise damage to the cave environment when descending and ascending single ropes.