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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Perform a limited range of rope access tasks and rescues 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
230000  Perform a limited range of rope access tasks and rescues 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hiring Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners working towards this standard will be learning towards performing a limited range of rope access tasks and rescues where rope access skills are required. Qualifying learners will be able to perform a limited range of rope access manouevres and rescue manoeuvres, normally under supervision.

The qualifying learners are capable of:
  • Preparing for rope access and assembling personal rope access equipment.
  • Explaining and tying basic rope knots.
  • Performing basic rope access manoeuvres safely on a pre-rigged double rope systems/course.
  • Performing basic rope access rescue manoeuvres on a pre-rigged double rope systems and explain the role of the team.
  • Maintaining personal rope access equipment.

    In order for a successful learner of this standard to be able to legally function in a rope access operation, the learner must:
  • Be medically fit and in possession of a medical certificate, declaring him/her free from a condition that may prevent him/her from working safely as specified in the range statement. The certificate should conform to the content of SABS 0333:2 Annex A.
  • Be physically fit to be able to perform all the tasks required under this standard on the day of assessment.
  • Be at least 18 years old as required in national and international standards. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication Literacy at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • This unit standard describes the competence and knowledge required of a person referred to in the rope access industry as a "level 1" rope access technician.
  • The scope of this unit standard for any person who learns to ascend and descend and perform a limited range of rope access tasks typically under supervision of a qualified supervisor. Access to the task is gained by means of ropes anchored to the structure being accessed. This includes all rope access techniques where rope is used to perform work. It excludes access techniques used by emergency services for rescue work and ropes used for recreational purposes. It can be used in a range of contexts such as cleaning, construction, telecommunications, vessel inspection.
  • In the context of this unit standard, structures being accessed can include buildings, onshore or offshore structures or geological features such as cliff faces. Ropes are used as primary means of support, primary protection and positioning and a means for personnel to ascend or descend.
  • The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because there is limited range of rope access skills, and the work is performed under supervision. Generation of new ideas is not needed. The person is not responsible for teaching or supervising or safety of others.


    Range statements that refer to assessment criteria:
  • Level 1 rope access refers to a "technician" who is able to perform a limited range of rope access work, under close supervision of a level 3 supervisor. NQF level 1.
  • Level 2 rope access refers to a "lead technician" who is capable of rigging working ropes, undertaking rescues and performing rope access tasks under supervision of a level 3 supervisor. NQF level 2.
  • Level 3 rope access refers to a "supervisor" who is capable of complete responsibility for work projects, able to demonstrate skills and knowledge of both levels 1 and 2, is conversant with relevant work techniques and legislation and has comprehensive knowledge of advanced rescue techniques. NQF level 4.
  • Assessment criteria marked with * are assessed according to worksite procedures.
  • Damage to equipment includes but is not limited to dropping equipment, chemicals, standing on ropes, dragging, sharp edges, impacting equipment.
  • Figure 8 knots include all of the following: figure 8 on the bight, double figure 8, figure 8 follow through (or rethreaded) onto a piece of equipment.
  • Identification and traceability of equipment includes but is not limited to permanent marking of equipment with a unique identity number that can be traced to equipment inventory and inspection records.
  • Inspection equipment criteria refer to requirements in BS 7985 table C or SABS 0333-3:1999. It refers to hardware inspection including karabiner, maillon, descender, back-up device, ascender, pulleys, wire slings. It also refers to ropes webbing and harnesses.
  • PPE include but is not limited to helmets, goggles, gloves, work boots, life jackets.
  • Personal equipment refers to but is not limited to a harness, helmet , descender, ascender, back-up device, connectors, cows tails, slings.
  • Legal awareness refers to knowledge of existence of references in this unit standard and OHS act.
  • To be considered medically fit learners should be free form any disability that may prevent them from working safely. The learner should be free form the following conditions: Heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, fits and blackouts, fear of heights, giddiness or difficulty with balance, impaired limb function, alcohol or drug dependence, psychiatric illness, diabetes as well as conditions listed in SABS.
  • Slings include tape slings, wire slings and rope slings.
  • Safety awareness during rope access includes but is not limited to wearing PPE, Doing, double/final check of equipment, following the principles of double attachment and double ropes, mature behaviour during rope access manoeuvres, plan ahead.
  • Correct equipment includes but is not limited to safety equipment, protective clothing, rope access hardware items; ropes, harnesses and webbing and tools appropriate for the task to be performed, to prevent returning to collect items needed for the task.
  • Role of the supervisor includes checking the team's equipment and site before access work.
  • Safe use of rope access equipment includes the use of closed connectors, clipping back-up device unto the back-up rope, locking off the descender, correct use of seat.
  • Simulated snatch rescue includes any of the following: rescue of casualty in descent on one set of ropes approaching from both above and below the casualty, rescue of casualty in descent on two sets of ropes approaching from both above and below the casualty.
  • Awareness of worksite organisation includes following instructions, working under watch of a supervisor and working only in a dedicated area of work, team communication, awareness of worksite procedure. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare for rope access and assemble rope access equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal rope access equipment is assembled and checked before starting access work in accordance with safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basic awareness of worksite organisation is explained according to safe practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The terms "fall factors" and "shock loads" are explained with examples in accordance with industry definitions and the way the learner can reduce the fall factor is explained with an example. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The actions to take if equipment is found to be defective before a task is attempted are explained according to reporting procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The actions to take if tools exceed the 8 kg weight limit are explained according to worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Basic awareness of the existence of relevant legislation and regulations covering safety for rope access work is explained verbally with examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain and tie basic rope knots. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tying of three figure of 8 knots is demonstrated and the uses of each explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Figure 8 follow through, a double figure 8, figure 8 on a bight.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tying of a figure of 9 on the bight is demonstrated and the uses explained with examples of application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tying of an alpine butterfly and a double fisherman's knot is demonstrated and the uses of each knot explained with examples of application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effect knots have on ropes are explained with examples of consequences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The tying of a clove hitch, tape knot and bowline is demonstrated according to recommended use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The limitations of using of a tape knot is explained, with an examples of dangers and preventive measures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform basic rope access manoeuvres safely on a pre- rigged double rope system /course. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rope access equipment including seats are used safely and responsibly during rope access work demonstrating use of double rope system at all times. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A rope system is descended and ascended, with changeovers following double rope protection, starting at the top of a rope system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reason for locking off the decsender is explained with an example of the implications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Passing of knots, deviations, rope transfers, intermediate anchors (rebelays) are demonstrated following double rope protection. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Rope transfers include long and short rope transfers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Vertical aid climbing, horizontal climbing and traversing a loop are demonstrated following safety principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons why the back-up device should be kept above waist height are explained in terms of safety principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform basic rope access rescue maneuvers on a pre-rigged double rope system and explain the role of the team. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of the team leader before the start of rope access work, is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A simulated snatch rescue of a casualty in descent mode, is by bringing the casualty to safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correction of a loaded back-up device (self-rescue) is performed by means of a simulation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Basic principles of tramway or cable way are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reason why it is best not to do rope access work alone is explained based on risk and rescue possibilities when working alone. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Maintain personal rope access equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The inspection of personal rope access equipment is described based on inspection criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The need for certification and traceability and three monthly inspection of equipment is explained with examples of consequences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ways in which equipment is safeguarded from damage are explained with examples of use and storage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reporting of equipment found to be suspect is described according to procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Situations when it is recommended that ropes are withdrawn are described with examples of damage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The limitations of rope access equipment static rope and dynamic rope are explained with examples of each. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution or provider offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • To assess competency, an assessor must be registered by the relevant ETQA as an assessor and recognised by a professional body or association.
  • The recommended assessment tools are oral and practical assessment. Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication that may be verbal or any other agreed upon method.
  • Questions and answers must determine the theoretical knowledge.
  • Direct observation in simulated conditions. Simulated conditions are recommended, as the workplace often does not lend itself to the range of situations required for assessment and as the learner first needs to be deemed competent before being allowed to perform maneuvers on a worksite.
  • Internal and external moderation of the assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines outlined in the relevant qualification and agreed ETQA procedures.
  • Assessors will need to be assessed as competent against the unit standards ID RA004 Supervise rope access teams and perform advanced manoeuvres and rescues. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome.

    Assessors should be familiar with the following subject matter:
  • Rope access equipment, maintenance and inspection
  • Rope access techniques.
  • Rigging of rope systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in where the use of rope access tasks and rescues will be performed. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information - Definition of terms used in this unit standard:
  • Ascender refers to a hand-held device, also called a jumar, which grips a rope when loaded in one direction but moves freely along the rope when loaded in the opposite direction.
  • Anchor points refer to a fixing or fixture for the secure attachment of anchor lines or persons.
  • Back-up device refers to a rope adjustment device for a safety line which accompanies the user during changes of position or allows adjustment of the length of the safety line, and which locks automatically to the rope or only allows gradual movement along it, when a sudden load occurs.
  • Belay refers to a device or method used to fix a running rope round an intermediate anchor point, in order to secure the rope or to control its pay-out rate.
  • Chest ascender refers to an item similar to an ascender but without a handle. It is usually attached by a rope access technician to his/her harness and used in conjunction with an ascender to ascend a fixed rope.
  • Cow's tail refers to pieces of dynamic rope generally 1m long that attach a rope access technician to a variety of different items of equipment or anchors. They are semi permanently fixed to the harness. There are usually 3 cow's tails in number.
  • Footloop refers to a sling with a loop at the end. The sling end is attached to a hand-held ascender and the loop end is used as a step-up device while ascending a fixed rope.
  • Descender refers to a device that utilises friction between itself and a rope to slow down the descent of a body or load down that rope, incorporating a "hands-free" self-locking device or stop.
  • Double protection refers to a protection system whereby the access technician attaches her/himself by two individual ropes or slings, to two individual and suitable suspension points.
  • Fall factor refers to the ratio of a potential fall distance divided by the length of the technician's restraining line. It is used as an indication of the relative impact forces which could be generated in a fall situation.
  • Gear loop refers to an attachment point on a harness, sole for the purpose of attaching equipment weighing less than 8 kg.
  • Harness refers to a webbing garment worn by rope access technicians that serves as an attachment point for items including but not limited to equipment, ropes, back-up slings. A sit harness and a chest harness are usually used in conjunction with one another.
  • Karabiner refers to a type of metal shackle or clip formed by a complete loop with a spring loaded entry gate which is safeguarded in the closed position by a screw-closed sleeve (a screw-gate karabiner).
  • Maillon refers to a type of metal shackle or clip in the form of a complete loop and closed by an internally threaded sleeve. Maillons are typically triangular or D-shaped.
  • PPE or (Personal protective equipment) refers to any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against potential hazard, conforming to a relevant equipment quality standard. It includes but is not limited to all equipment defined in this unit standard and overalls, protective footwear, helmets, gloves, eye protection, respiratory protective equipment, hearing protectors, life jackets (when working above water).
  • Rope access; The use of rope techniques developed by mountaineering enthusiasts and adapted for industrial purposes for reasons of efficiency and cost. It is used to access and work in areas previously only accessed by conventional means.
  • Rigging refers to the organising and anchoring of the access and back-up ropes.
  • Shock load refers to the force (greater than the static load) exerted on a rope, weight or anchor when the fall factor is greater than zero. It is affected by the weight and height of the fall.
  • Sling refers to a piece of rope, tape or wire tied in a loop and used for a variety of purposes but normally to attach one load bearing article to another.
  • Static rope refers to a kern mantel rope which has a low stretch coefficient. It is not intended to absorb shock loads.
  • Tramway refers to double ropes tensioned between two sturdy anchors. It is also referred to as a cable way or an aerial tramway.
  • Work seat refers to a suspended seat, not forming part of the safety system, provided for the comfort of a rope access operation; it is not to be used on its own without a sit-harness.

    References used in writing this unit standards:
  • SABS 0333-1: 1999 Code of practice, Industrial rope access Part 1: Worksite procedures, First edition.
  • SABS 0333-2: 1999 Code of practice. Industrial rope access Part 2: Training and certification procedures, First edition.
  • SABS 0333-3:1999 Code of practice, Industrial rope access Part 3: Inspection certification and management procedures for equipment, First edition.
  • SABS 1833: 1999 Specification, Equipment for use in industrial rope access work, First edition.
  • IRATA (Industrial rope access trade association) Document: International Guidelines on the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes, Edition1.
  • IRATA Document: Rope Access technician Syllabus.
  • BS 7985, 2002: Code of practice for the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes.
  • Occupational Health and safety act No 85 of 1993 and its amendments.
  • "Industrial rope access techniques" - training manual of "Cape town school of mountaineering". 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  57937   General Education and Training Certificate: Hygiene and Cleaning  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Elective  49081   National Certificate: Construction: Advanced Plant Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Certified Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    2. PMC Training 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.