Lesson 1Climbing hardware and connectors: carabiners, rope rings, lanyards, cambium savers, friction devices, ascenders, descendersDetails key climbing gear used in tree work, including carabiners, rings, lanyards, friction devices, ascenders, and descenders. Stresses ratings, matching parts, checking condition, and right setup to avoid breakages.
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 methods in tree work, comparing SRT and DRT. Covers main ideas, gear setups, efficiency, limits, plus switching systems, going up and down control, and rescue needs.
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, practiced scenariosCovers planned tree rescues, from checking the scene to doing safe, quick rescues. Stresses planning steps, packing the injured, choosing lower or pull methods, and setting up real 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 tree workers to keep up with safety rules and best ways. Highlights ANSI Z133, TCIA, ISA resources, maker updates, training news, and ways to fit changes into daily jobs.
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 basicsCovers rules and site safety, including keep-out zones, signals, traffic control. Introduces work permits, job talks, papers to handle risks on farms and road edges.
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 must-have tree worker gear, like helmets, eye/face guards, gloves, chainsaw kit, bright clothes, boots. Covers picking right ones, standards, checks, fitting with climbing gear.
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 picking and fitting tree harnesses for comfort and safety. Covers hanging trauma risks, early signs, rescue plans, positioning, time limits, after-rescue health checks.
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)Looks at safe positioning in trees, clear difference between fall-stop and work-position systems. Details backups with prusiks, autoblocks, capture devices for extra safety up high.
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 tree ropes types, build, performance, static vs stretchy, size picks, cover-core design. Covers knot picks, check routines, cleaning, storage, when to retire ropes.
Static vs dynamic rope characteristicsDiameter, elongation, and hand feelCommon arborist knots and hitchesRope inspection, cleaning, and storageRetirement criteria and documentation