Lesson 1Climbing hardware and connectors: carabiners, rope rings, lanyards, cambium savers, friction devices, ascenders, descendersCovers main climbing gear for tree work, like carabiners, rings, lanyards, friction hitches, ascenders, and descenders. Stresses load ratings, matching parts, checks, 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 rope access for trees, comparing SRT and DRT. Covers basics, gear setup, efficiency, limits, switching systems, climb and lower 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 scenariosTeaches planned tree rescues, from site checks to safe execution. Focuses on steps, patient prep, haul or lower choices, and realistic practice drills with records.
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 rules and best ways. Points to ANSI Z133, TCIA, ISA guides, maker updates, training, and ways to use changes in 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, like keep-out areas, signals, traffic on farm paths. Introduces work permits, job talks, and papers to cut risks on farms and roadsides.
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 guards, gloves, chainsaw kit, bright clothes, boots. Covers picking, standards, checks, and use 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 considerationsFocuses on picking and fitting tree harnesses for comfort and safety. Covers suspension trauma dangers, signs, rescue plans, positions, times, and aftercare.
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, fall-arrest vs work-positioning. Details backups like 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: static vs dynamic, sizes, sheath-core. Covers knots, 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