Lesson 1Climbing hardware and connectors: carabiners, rope rings, lanyards, cambium savers, friction devices, ascenders, descendersDetails key climbing hardware used in arboriculture, including carabiners, rings, lanyards, friction devices, ascenders, and descenders. Emphasises ratings, compatibility, inspection, and correct orientation to prevent failures.
Carabiner types, ratings, and locking stylesRope rings, swivels, and rigging interfacesLanyards and adjusters for positioningFriction devices, descenders, and controlAscenders, backups, and misuse preventionLesson 2Modern rope access systems: single rope technique (SRT) and double rope technique (DRT) principles, advantages, limitationsIntroduces modern rope access in tree work, comparing SRT and DRT systems. Covers core principles, equipment setups, efficiency, and limitations, plus changeovers, ascent and descent control, and rescue implications.
Core principles of SRT in arboricultureCore principles of DRT in arboricultureSRT vs DRT efficiency and limitationsTypical ascent and descent configurationsRescue planning in SRT and DRT systemsLesson 3Aerial rescue planning: rescue sequence development, patient packaging, lowered vs hauled rescue, practised scenariosCovers pre-planned aerial rescue, from assessing the scene to executing safe, efficient rescues. Emphasises sequence development, patient packaging, choosing haul or lower methods, and building realistic, documented practice drills.
Scene size-up and hazard controlRescue sequence and role assignmentPatient assessment and packaging methodsLowered vs hauled rescue decision-makingDesigning and documenting practice drillsLesson 4Staying current: sources for standards and guidance (ANSI Z133, Tree Care Industry Association, International Society of Arboriculture guidance)Guides arborists in staying current with safety standards and best practices. Highlights ANSI Z133, TCIA, and ISA resources, plus manufacturer bulletins, training updates, and methods for integrating changes into daily work.
Overview of ANSI Z133 requirementsUsing TCIA resources and trainingISA publications and credential updatesManufacturer notices and instructionsUpdating company procedures and formsLesson 5Regulatory and site safety protocols: worksite exclusion zones, hand-signalling, traffic management for farm roads, permit-to-work basicsAddresses regulatory and site safety practices, including exclusion zones, communication, and traffic control. Introduces permit-to-work concepts, job briefings, and documentation to manage risks on farms and roadside sites.
Job briefing and permit-to-work basicsWorksite exclusion zones and barriersHand signals and radio communicationTraffic management on farm and roadsidesIncident reporting and recordkeepingLesson 6Personal protective equipment: helmets, eye/face protection, hand protection, chainsaw PPE, high-visibility and footwear standardsReviews essential arborist PPE, including helmets, eye and face protection, gloves, chainsaw protection, high-visibility garments, and footwear. Covers selection, standards, inspection, and integration with climbing systems.
Helmet types, fit, and service lifeEye, face, and hearing protectionHand protection and glove selectionChainsaw protective legwear standardsHigh-visibility clothing and footwearLesson 7Harness selection, harness fit, suspension trauma awareness and rescue considerationsFocuses on selecting and fitting arborist harnesses for comfort and safety. Addresses suspension trauma risks, early warning signs, and rescue strategies, including positioning, time limits, and post-rescue medical considerations.
Types of arborist harnesses and ratingsHarness adjustment and fit checksInspection, care, and retirement cuesMechanisms and signs of suspension traumaRescue planning for suspended workersLesson 8Work positioning, fall-arrest vs work-positioning distinctions, backup systems and redundancy (prusiks, autoblocks, progress-capturing devices)Explores safe work positioning in trees, clarifying differences between fall-arrest and work-positioning systems. Details backup methods using prusiks, autoblocks, and progress-capture devices to maintain redundancy aloft.
Work-positioning system componentsFall-arrest vs work-positioning criteriaBackup knots: prusiks and autoblocksProgress-capture devices and usesRedundancy planning in climbing systemsLesson 9Rope selection and care: dynamic vs static, diameter, sheath/core, knot choices, inspection and retirement criteriaExplains arborist rope types, construction, and performance, including static vs dynamic behaviour, diameter choices, and sheath-core design. Covers knot selection, inspection routines, cleaning, storage, and retirement criteria.
Static vs dynamic rope characteristicsDiameter, elongation, and hand feelCommon arborist knots and hitchesRope inspection, cleaning, and storageRetirement criteria and documentation
