Rockclimbing Skills 1

This Course is designed for people with some experience in rock climbing techniques either in gyms or on natural rock.  It is for those who want to take their climbing skills further by wanting to know how to safely set up for Top-rope Climbing on real rock. Conducted over 2.5 days it will cover basic concepts for safe top rope climbing and single pitch abseiling including, anchor systems, technical information of equipment, limitation of gear, ethics and more.  Included in this course are study notes and a reference book written by Glen Tempest, Rockclimbing Getting Started. This is a nationally accredited course by PACI.  (PACI is a Registered Training Organisation)

Topics covered are:

Knots

Fall factors

Interpreting technical data

Rockclimbing techniques

Abseiling techniques

Anchor systems

Belaying

Interpreting a guide book

Ethics

Safety

Basic emergency procedures

For a full description of the course click here.

Includes:

¨        Reference book valued at $30 (Rockclimbing Getting Started by Glen Tempest)

¨        Equipment provided

¨        Certificate on completion

¨        Training delivered in two local areas

¨        20% discount card for Mountain Designs and the Scout Outdoor Centre

Only $289

Rock Climbing Skills 1

 MODULE TITLE:        ROCK CLIMBING SKILLS 1

 Normal duration:       2.5 Days

 Pre-requisites:           Some experience in rock climbing either in-door or on real rock.

 Module purpose:        This module provides the student with information and skills associated to safely be able to set up for top rope rock climbing and single pitch abseiling.

 Relationship to PACI: This module contains knowledge and standard requirements of PACI (Professional Association of Climbing Instructors).

SUMMERY OF CONTENT

 1.                RISK MANAGEMENT

1. Identify potential hazards associated with each step of the activity

1.1 Potential hazard sources are identified and reported for each step of the activity/task.

1.2 Identified hazard(s) are classified according to their particular nature and form.

1.3 Ar eas and/or work processes in which the hazard(s) occur are identified.

2. Determine the likelihood and consequences of each risk

2.1 The likelihood of events occurring and the magnitude of their consequences are evaluated in the context of existing control measures.

2.2 Risks that have been identified as having a high likelihood of occurrence are prioritised for development of control measures.

3. Determine appropriate control measures to control the identified risks

3.1 The level of risk found during the assessment process is compared with established risk control measures and a decision is made as to whether the risks can be accepted.

3.2 A range of options for controlling the risks are identified.

3.3 Effects of short and/or long term exposure to the risk(s) are identified.

2. SELECT, USE AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT FOR WORKING AT HEIGHT

1. Select and check equipment resources required to work at height

1.1 Sufficient equipment resources are selected and prepared to enable access to the work position.

1.2 Sufficient equipment resources are carried to enable the planned work task to be completed.

1.3 Equipment resources are suited for the intended application/purpose.

1.4 Equipment resources are checked to ensure conformance to the relevant standards for fall protection.

1.5 Faulty equipment is identified, rejected and isolated from use.

2. Operate equipment

2.1 Equipment is used in accordance with manufacturers instructions.

2.2 Equipment design limits are not exceeded.

2.3 Equipment is used in a way that ensures personal safety and the safety of others.

2.4 Equipment is improvised in accordance with the demands of the situation and the

level of risk involved.

3. Maintain equipment

3.1 Equipment is maintained in accordance with manufacturers specifications.

3.2 Routine servicing/cleaning is carried out a regular intervals.

3.3 Ropes are coiled using a procedure that minimises kinking/twisting and facilitates ease of use and readiness for

deployment.

3.4 Equipment is stored in accordance with enterprise procedures.

3.5 Equipment use is accurately recorded in accordance with enterprise procedures.

3. INSTALL AN ANCHOR SYSTEM

1. Identify and select solid and secure anchor points

1.1 A systematic search is conducted and possible anchor points within chosen area are identified and assessed for suitability.

1.2 Underlying structural integrity of area surrounding chosen anchor point is assessed.

1.3 The condition of the anchor is checked to ensure it is solid and reliable.

2. Select and apply appropriate knots to suit the situation

2.1 A range of possible knots are evaluated and the most appropriate knot is selected to achieve the task.

2.2 Method of tying is within established parameters for type of knot.

2.3. Knots are recognisable in form and shape as the particular type intended to be tied.

2.4 Knot symmetry is adjusted to optimise strength and behaviour under anticipated load.

3. Establish the anchor system to suit the job/task requirements

3.1 Anchor system is installed to meet the requirements for the particular type of work task.

3.2 Anchor system is accurately positioned to enable work task to be completed.

3.3 Anchor system is installed in a way that avoids placing reliance on a single-point.

3.4 Diversion systems are used where necessary to re-direct the trajectory of force from the primary anchor system.

3.5 Angles within the anchor system are within stipulated parameters to reduce excessive transmission of tensional forces to

individual anchor points under load.

3.6 Anchor system is capable of withstanding maximum predicted operational load.

4. APPROACH AND DESCEND THE CLIFF  USING ABSEILING TECHNIQUES

 1. Select a descent point

1.1 Precise descent point is located to enable the work position to be reached.

1.2 Surrounding area is assessed to ensure stability.

1.3 Access to top and bottom is confirmed.

1.4 Authorisation is obtained to use intended descent point.

1.5 Height of intended descent point is estimated and a decision is made as to whether an abseil descent is possible.

2. Deploy rope(s) required to reach the work position

2.1 Suitable stopper knot is tied in the end of the rope(s).

2.2 The effects of wind and height are assessed and an appropriate deployment technique is used to accurately position the rope(s).

2.3 Intention to deploy rope is communicated to others in a manner suited to the situation.

2.4 Personal safety is maintained during rope deployment to avoid loss of balance and/or falls from height.

2.5 Visual confirmation is obtained that the rope(s) is fully extended and reaches the intended work position.

2.6 Rope length is sufficient to allow exit to safe ground/position.

3. Configure a descending system

3.1 A descending system is configured using available resources

3.2 Descending system is suitable for the intended type of work

4. Perform an abseil descent

4.1 Method of descent is appropriate for the intended task.

4.2 Balance and speed control is achieved and maintained throughout the descent.

4.3 Descent speed is adjusted by varying hand grip pressure and/or controls on descending system.

4.4 Descent is halted as required and the descending system is locked-off using a method that is suited to the design of the

system so both hands can be freed if required.

4.5 Unintended loss of speed control is checked using a procedure appropriate to the descending system.

4.6 Obstacles are carefully negotiated during abseil descent.

4.7 Descent rate is adjusted to minimised heat build-up.

4.8 Descent rate is slowed as the intended work position is approached to ensure a controlled arrival.

5. Operate a self-belay / fall-arrest system

5.1 An appropriate self-belay / fall-arrest system is selected

5.2 Self-belay / fall-arrest system is manipulated during descent using one hand.

5.3 Self-belay / fall-arrest system is initiated to arrest a fall or halt descent.

5.4 Self-belay / fall-arrest system is attached on the rope in a position that is best suited for the planned task.

5.5 Energy absorbing devices are used in conjunction with the self-belay / fall-arrest system as required and/or as specified by workplace procedures.

5. INSTALL AND OPERATE A SINGLE-ROPE BELAY SYSTEM TO SAFEGUARD A PERSON

1. Install the belay system

1.1 A suitable belay position is identified and used.

1.2 Belay system is configured to withstand anticipated forces generated by a fall or load.

1.3 The belay system is configured to limit or dampen movement in accordance with the requirements of the work situation.

1.4 Procedures to be used to coordinate with and safeguard the person are agreed upon.

1.5 The belay position facilitates visual contact with the person.

2. Operate the belay system

2.1 Safety checks are carried out to ensure belay system is ready for intended application.

2.2 Com munication procedures to be used are discussed and agreed upon.

2.3 Body position and stance is adjusted to optimise ability to arrest a fall.

2.4 Rope is managed to facilitate movement through belay device.

2.5 Safety calls are responded to in the manner agreed.

2.6 Falls are promptly arrested using a technique suited to the belay device.

3. Escape from a belay system under load

3.1 Belay system is locked-off using a method suited to the particular device.

3.2 Load is transferred to an alternate anchor to enable belay device to be released.

3.3 Anchor system is reinforced where necessary to secure the person.

3.4 Situation is assessed and appropriate action is taken.

6. APPLY CLIMBING SKILLS

1. Select a suitable route

1.1 An appropriate route is selected that will enable the work position to be reached using available equipment and applying current skill level.

1.2 Hazards present on the route are identified using an appropriate risk assessment technique.

2. Demonstrate climbing techniques

2.1 Rest positions are located and used to recover strength and composure.

2.2 Intentions are communicated to belay person while climbing.

2.3 Movement from current position to target position is achieved by using a range of climbing techniques.

2.4 Body position is adjusted to maintain balance during movement.

2.5 A controlled and accurate sequence of movement is used to reach the intended work position.

2.6 Potential holds/ features are identified and evaluated as distance out from belay person increases.

3. Apply fall protection procedures

3.1 Fall protection system is attached when climbing above limits specified by workplace and industry guidelines.

3.2 Attachment to the fall protection system is carried out in accordance with manufacturers specifications.

3.3 Fall protection system is used to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall from height.

3.4 A defensive posture is adopted in the event of a fall to reduce the risk of impact injury.

3.5 Personal and equipment safety checks are carried out in accordance with workplace procedures.