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

Conduct rope work operations from helicopters 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115469  Conduct rope work operations from helicopters 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Special Combat Capabilities 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
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
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
The qualifying learner is capable of participating in rope work operations from helicopters.

Persons credited with this unit standard are able to prepare their personal equipment for use during rappelling, hoisting or rope withdrawal operations. They can apply all the relevant safety aspects to ensure that these operations are safely concluded and are aware of the uses of the various rope work methods.

The achievement of this unit standard will contribute to the personal development of members in the special operations environment and further mobility and transportability within the civilian environment of emergency services, adventure based training and mountaineering.

This unit standard together with the unit standards "Conduct fat roping operations" and "Basic rope work from fixed platforms" prepares learners to successfully take part in helicopter operations for the purpose of maintaining peace and security in the RSA. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners applying to enter this programme are assumed to be competent in:
  • English literacy skills required for NQF level 4.
  • Unit Standard Conduct Fast Roping Operations NQF level 3.
  • Unit Standard Conduct Basic Rope Work Operations from Fixed Platforms NQF level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare personal equipment for rope work operations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Helmet.
  • Goggles.
  • Harness.
  • Connectors.
  • Friction devices.
  • Gloves.
  • Ropes.
  • Equipment containers.
  • Slings.
  • Leg/rope bags. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The preparation of personal equipment for fast roping is demonstrated according to workplace procedures (eg, goggles securely fixed to helmet, appropriate and serviceable gloves, harness fitted securely). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply the safety aspects for rope work operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various emergencies and implications that could occur during rappelling, hoisting and rope withdrawal (eg equipment caught on the aircraft, hook up on friction device, leg bag incorrectly prepared, incorrect procedure during rope withdrawal) are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The duties and responsibilities of the safetyman during rappelling are discussed and demonstrated according to work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The duties and responsibilities of the team leader during rope withdrawal are discussed and demonstrated according to work place procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate rappelling techniques from helicopters. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Rappelling techniques must be demonstrated both during the day and night with and without equipment not exceeding a height of 30 meters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rappelling from a mobile platform, utilizing the various techniques and according to organisational specific work place procedures is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate the hoisting technique using helicopters. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Hoisting must be demonstrated both during the day and night with and without equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hoisting from a mobile platform according to organisational specific work place procedures is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The hooking up of equipment to the hoist in accordance with organisational specific work place procedures is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate rope withdrawal techniques when making use of a helicopter. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Withdrawal techniques must be demonstrated both during the day and night with and without equipment. Learners must be capable of differentiating between the various ropes that are used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to hook her/himself and her/his equipment to the rope according to the organisational specific work place procedures is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Differentiate between the various applications and rope work methods. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Differentiate between the various applications and rope work methods used during helicopter operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The uses, limitations and applications of the three rope work methods (rappelling, hoisting, rope withdrawal) are analysed and described according to organisational specific work place procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or will assess this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.
    4. Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any relevant assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA.
    5. For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills, subject matter experience and assessment experience.
  • As a minimum requirement, the assessor needs to be competent in the planning and conducting assessment of learning outcomes as described in the unit standard "Plan and Conduct assessment of learning outcomes" NQF level 5.
  • The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Qualifying learners must be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of:
  • Equipment required for conducting rope work operations.
  • The application of safety during rope work operations.
  • Differentiate between the various rope work methods and techniques. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. Learners are capable of safely conducting rappelling, hoisting and rope withdrawals as individuals or within a team while taking their fellow team members into consideration. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and mange oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. In achieving this unit standard learners will be capable of preparing themselves and their personal equipment for rope work operations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual and language skills in modes of oral and written persuasion. Learners will be able to effectively communicate by means of visual and oral commands while in-flight to the area of operations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. Learners credited with this unit standard are able to apply science and technology to ensure the safe execution of rope work operations. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep in mind the following general guidelines and principles when designing and conducting assessments:

    3.1 Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the specific outcomes of the unit standard and ensure that the assessment is integrated rather than fragmented.
    3.2 Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
    3.3 Assessment must include practical demonstration either in the workplace or through simulation. A range of assessment methods should be used, including:
  • Direct observation - watch the learner carry out the tasks or produce the desired outcome.
  • Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the learner to demonstrate in a simulated environment (e.g. demonstrate rappelling).
  • Questioning (verbal or written) - ask the relevant questions linked to the unit standard. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary notes

    Definitions:
    Abseiling: A descent from a fixed platform against a vertical surface making use of software and hardware.
    Rappelling: A descent from a platform that has no fixed vertical surface, which the climber can use (e.g. from a helicopter).
    Software: All rope work equipment that is made of material/webbing (e.g. ropes, slings, harnesses).
    Hardware: All rope work equipment that is made of hardened materials (e.g. helmet, connectors, friction devices).

    Credits

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:
    Activity Hours
    Classroom learning 4
    On-the-job learning 11
    Self directed learning 3
    Coaching required 8
    Other 4
    TOTAL 30 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48879   National Diploma: South African Special Forces Operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2010-04-07  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.