Lesson 1Pre-use inspection checklist and lifecycle management for PPE, ropes, and hardwareCovers proper pre-use checks for PPE, ropes, and hardware, spotting damage, tracking how long they last, and following maker's advice. Stresses keeping records, tracing history, and taking out bad gear before accidents happen.
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 common friction hitches and mechanical tools for climbing up and work positioning. Talks about matching them, handling them, and what can go wrong. Stresses right setup, backup plans, and regular checks while 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 checksDetails sit and full-body harness designs, main parts, and attachment points. Learners practise fitting, adjusting, and checking match with climbing systems to keep comfort, blood flow, and right load paths during work.
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 equipmentFocuses on cleaning ways, safe drying, and storage to keep gear strong. Sets retirement rules for ropes, harnesses, and hardware, and explains record systems that track checks, incidents, and service 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 at lanyards, work-positioning, restraint, and fall-arrest systems. Covers energy absorbers, connectors, and right attachment to harness points. Stresses picking the right system for the job, anchor, and possible fall distance.
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 hearing protection, chainsaw trousers or chaps, and gloves. Links PPE choices to specific arborist jobs, weather conditions, and rules or maker requirements.
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 stationary rope systems, including DRT and SRT terms. Compares efficiency, work positioning, and rescue needs. Covers anchor picking, redirects, and when each system fits best.
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, webbingLooks at rope builds, dynamic vs. static action, and right diameters for climbing and rigging. Reviews sewn and spliced ends, slings, and webbing, stressing match, strength ratings, and check points.
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 practicesExplains how ANSI Z133, A300, and ISA advice shape safe climbing. Focuses on what they cover, key parts, and turning written rules into field steps, job talks, and company safety policies for following rules.
Scope and structure of ANSI Z133Relevant ANSI A300 provisions for climbersHow ISA BMPs support safe climbingUsing standards in company safety policiesDocumenting compliance during operations
