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

Perform a range of advanced fall arrest rescues 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
229999  Perform a range of advanced fall arrest 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 4  NQF Level 04  4 
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 
The person credited with this unit standard is able to understand and perform a range of advanced fall arrest rescues while maintaining the safety and protection of people while working at height, where there is a risk of injury from a fall. They will be able to ensure that the correct equipment is selected and that this equipment is safe for use. The learner will also be able to follow fall arrest principles when performing a fall arrest rescue.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Explaining the principles of fall arrest rescues and perform rope manoeuvres.
  • Selecting equipment for advanced fall arrest rescues.
  • Explaining the requirements for equipment inspections.
  • Conducting fall arrest rescues.

    In order for a successful learner of this standard to be able to function in a rope access operation, the learner must:
  • Be 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.
  • Be medically and physically fit. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The scope of this unit standard for any person who rigs access ropes and uses access ropes to perform industrial tasks where access to the task is gained by means of ropes anchored to the structure being accessed. 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, and 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 the process is varied in range and is not repetitive. Generation of new ideas is not needed but the learner needs to adapt to new situations. The learner has some responsibility for the learning of others. The person is responsible for supervision, safety and for rescue of others and complete management of work projects.

    Range statements that refer to assessment criteria in this unit standard:
  • Fall arrest rescue equipment includes rope grabs, pulleys, fall arrest winch, rigging plates, ropes, edge protect.
  • Knots include double figure of eight, figure of eight on the bight and a figure stopper knot.
  • Rope access equipment include ropes, harnesses, webbing and hardware. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the principles of fall arrest rescues and perform rope manoeuvres. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knots required for fall arrest rescues are tied and practical use there of demonstrated with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Knots required include but are not limited to figure 8 stopper, double figure 8, figure 8 on a bight, clem heist, figure 8 follow through, figure 9 on a bight, alpine butterfly, double fisherman's knot, clove hitch, tape knot, bowline.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principles for selecting anchor points are described according to safe loading requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Fall factors are explained with examples of how to reduce risk. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A variety of pulley systems are set up appropriate for rescue scenarios. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Abseiling is performed following safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Manoeuvring techniques are performed passing knots descending, ascending ropes and change overs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Select equipment for advanced fall arrest rescues. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The limitations of core rope access rescue equipment are described based on manufacturer's instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment for fall arrest rescues is selected and assembled according to the rescue scenario. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The maximum load of a double locking descender is described with examples of items exceeding the load and the implications of exceeding the load. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The range of fall arrest rescue equipment is identified and the use explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes rope grabs, pulleys, descenders fall arrest winch, rigging plates, ropes, edge protection.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the requirements for equipment inspection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The inspection criteria for ropes, harnesses, webbing and hardware are explained based on industry and safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The frequency of equipment inspections are described based on usage, site, and legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The information required on equipment inspection forms are described with an example of completing an inspection forms for equipment being inspected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedure for dealing with substandard ropes and equipment is described according to worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The requirements for safe storage of equipment is described according to worksite and equipment storage standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct fall arrest rescues. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A (pick off) rescue is performed following safety practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An unconscious casualty is rescued according to fall arrest rescue techniques. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    All three scenarios include but are not limited to a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline, and a work-positioning lanyard.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An unconscious casualty is hauled and lowered using a diagonal cable way following good casualty management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hosting and lowering of a rescued causality is performed in accordance with fall arrest rescue techniques within climb safety. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Types of equipment which can be used in fall arrest rescues.
  • Safety rules and regulations for performing fall arrest rescues. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems which may occur in the selection and condition of the fall arrest rescue equipment and when performing the fall arrest rescue. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others to perform a safe fall arrest rescue. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities so that a fall attempt rescue can be conducted in the shortest possible time by being fully prepared. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information pertaining to the equipment to be used for the fall arrest rescue and to the basic medical condition of the person being rescued. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with the person being rescued and with others who may assist in the fall arrest rescue. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems where the following of the correct fall arrest procedures impacts on the safety of all concerned. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of: being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts when conducting fall arrest rescues. 

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49081   National Certificate: Construction: Advanced Plant Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  48889   Further Education and Training Certificate: Hiring Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    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. Powerpro Technologies and Training Facility (PTY) LTD 
    3. TOP PERFORMERS FOR AFRICA CC 


    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.