Lesson 1Pre-use inspection checklist and lifecycle management for PPE, ropes, and hardwareLooks at routine pre-use checks for PPE, ropes, and hardware, spotting damage, tracking lifespan, and following maker's advice. Stresses records, tracking, and pulling faulty gear before trouble strikes.
Daily visual and tactile inspection stepsIdentifying wear, damage, and contaminationManufacturer instructions and service life limitsInspection intervals and formal gear auditsTagging, quarantine, and removal from serviceLesson 2Friction hitches and mechanical devices: Blake’s hitch, friction hitches (Prusik, Klemheist, Valdotain Tresse), ascenders/descenders, rope-grab devices and their proper useCovers usual friction hitches and devices for climbing up and work hold. Talks about matching, handling, and weak points. Stresses right setup, backups, and regular checks up in the tree.
Blake’s hitch setup and limitationsPrusik, Klemheist, and VT characteristicsRope grabs, ascenders, and descendersDevice compatibility with rope diameterFunction checks and common user errorsLesson 3Harness types and components: sit harnesses, full-body harnesses, dorsal and ventral attachment points, adjustment and fit checksGoes into sit and full-body harness builds, main parts, and tie points. Learners try fitting, tweaks, and matching with climbing gear for comfort, blood flow, and right load lines during jobs.
Sit harness vs. full-body applicationsDorsal, ventral, side, and bridge pointsLeg loops, waist belt, and bridge hardwareFitting sequence and adjustment checksCommon fit errors and how to correct themLesson 4Cleaning, storage, retirement criteria, and recordkeeping for climbing equipmentLooks at cleaning ways, safe drying, and storage to keep gear strong. Sets retirement rules for ropes, harnesses, and parts, and covers record systems for checks, events, and history.
Approved cleaning agents and methodsDrying, UV exposure, and storage conditionsRetirement criteria for textile equipmentRetirement criteria for metal hardwareInspection logs and digital gear trackingLesson 5Lanyards, positioning systems, and fall-arrest devices: shock-absorbing lanyards, energy absorbers, restraint vs. work-positioning vs. fall-arrest setupsLooks into lanyards, work hold, restraint, and fall-stop systems. Covers energy catchers, links, and right harness ties. Stresses picking the best for job, anchor, and fall reach.
Work-positioning vs. fall-arrest vs. restraintShock-absorbing lanyards and energy absorbersAdjustable lanyards and flipline optionsCorrect harness attachment and orientationLimitations and misuse leading to injuryLesson 6Selection and inspection of personal protective equipment: helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, cut-resistant clothing and chaps, glovesGives rules for picking and checking helmets, eye and ear gear, saw pants or chaps, and gloves. Ties PPE picks to arborist tasks, farm weather, and rules or maker needs.
Helmet standards, fit, and service lifeEye and face protection optionsHearing protection selection and careCut-resistant pants, chaps, and bootsGlove types for climbing and saw handlingLesson 7Types of climbing systems: single-rope technique (SRT), double-rope technique (DRT), moving rope systems, and stationary rope systemsIntroduces moving and fixed rope setups, with DRT and SRT terms. Compares speed, work hold, and rescue needs. Covers anchor picks, redirects, and best use for each.
Terminology: DRT, MRS, SRT, SRS clarifiedBasic moving rope system configurationsBasic stationary rope system setupsAnchor selection and redirects in treesChoosing systems for task and tree formLesson 8Ropes and hardware: rope types (kernmantle dynamic vs. static/low-stretch), diameter selection, splice vs. sewn terminations, slings, webbingChecks rope builds, dynamic vs. static action, and right sizes for climbing and rigging. Reviews sewn and spliced ends, slings, and webbing, stressing match, strength, and check spots.
Dynamic vs. static and low-stretch ropesRope diameter, hand, and device compatibilitySewn eyes vs. hand splices in climbing linesSlings, prusik cords, and webbing usesConnectors, rings, and pulleys overviewLesson 9Industry standards and codes: ANSI A300, Z133, and ISA best practicesShows how ANSI Z133, A300, and ISA guides shape safe climbing. Focuses on range, key rules, and turning standards into farm jobs, briefings, and safety plans for rules follow.
Scope and structure of ANSI Z133Relevant ANSI A300 provisions for climbersHow ISA BMPs support safe climbingUsing standards in company safety policiesDocumenting compliance during operations
