Lesson 1Climbing hardware and connectors: carabiners, rope rings, lanyards, cambium savers, friction devices, ascenders, descendersCovers main climbing gear used in tree work, like carabiners, rings, lanyards, friction hitches, ascenders, and descenders. Stresses load ratings, matching parts, checks, and right positioning 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, limitationsLooks at rope access for trees today, comparing SRT and DRT. Explains basics, gear setup, pros and cons, switching systems, controlling up and down, 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 checking the site to carrying out safe, quick saves. Covers steps, packing the casualty, choosing lower or haul, and setting up real practice runs 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 good ways. Points to ANSI Z133, TCIA, ISA info, 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 basicsDeals with rules and site safety, like keep-out areas, signals, and road control. Covers permit basics, job talks, and papers to cut 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 standardsGoes over must-have gear for tree work: helmets, eye and face guards, gloves, chainsaw kit, bright clothes, and boots. Includes picking right ones, standards, checks, and use 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 considerationsShows how to pick and fit tree harnesses for comfort and safety. Covers hanging trauma dangers, signs, and rescue plans, like body position, time limits, 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 up trees, differences between fall-stop and work-position gear. Details backups with prusiks, autoblocks, and capture tools for extra safety high up.
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, and how they act: static vs stretchy, sizes, cover-core. Covers knots, checks, cleaning, storage, and when to retire them.
Static vs dynamic rope characteristicsDiameter, elongation, and hand feelCommon arborist knots and hitchesRope inspection, cleaning, and storageRetirement criteria and documentation
