Lesson 1Climbing hardware and connectors: carabiners, rope rings, lanyards, cambium savers, friction devices, ascenders, descendersCovers vital climbing gear in tree care, such as carabiners, rings, lanyards, friction hitches, ascenders, and descenders. Stresses load ratings, matching components, checks, and right positioning to avoid mishaps.
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 latest rope methods for tree work, comparing SRT and DRT. Discusses basics, gear arrangements, benefits, drawbacks, transitions, climb and lower control, and rescue aspects.
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 scenariosDeals with planned tree rescues, from site evaluation to carrying out safe, quick operations. Focuses on rescue steps, patient prep, selecting lower or haul, and creating practical training exercises.
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)Helps tree workers keep up with safety norms and practices. Spotlights ANSI Z133, TCIA, ISA materials, maker updates, training refreshers, and ways to adopt changes in routine tasks.
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, like no-go areas, signals, traffic handling. Introduces work permits, job talks, records for managing dangers 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 standardsGoes over key tree worker gear: helmets, eye/face shields, gloves, chainsaw kit, hi-vis clothes, boots. Includes picking, norms, checks, and pairing with climbing setups.
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 considerationsCovers choosing and adjusting tree harnesses for ease and safety. Tackles suspension trauma dangers, signs, rescue plans, positioning, time limits, aftercare needs.
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, differences between fall-arrest and work-positioning. 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, action like static vs dynamic, sizes, sheath-core. Includes knot picks, checks, cleaning, storage, when to retire.
Static vs dynamic rope characteristicsDiameter, elongation, and hand feelCommon arborist knots and hitchesRope inspection, cleaning, and storageRetirement criteria and documentation