Lesson 1Pre-use inspection checklist and lifecycle management for PPE, ropes, and hardwareLooks at thorough pre-use inspections for PPE, ropes, and hardware, spotting damage, tracking lifespan, and following maker's advice. Stresses records, tracking history, and pulling faulty gear before trouble strikes.
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 usual friction hitches and mechanical tools for climbing up and work positioning. Talks about matching, handling, and failure risks. Stresses right setup, backups, and regular checks 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 checksGoes into sit and full-body harness designs, main parts, and tie-in points. Learners try fitting, adjusting, and matching with climbing gear for comfort, blood flow, and proper load during farm tree jobs.
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 equipmentDeals with cleaning ways, safe drying, and storage to keep gear strong. Sets retirement rules for ropes, harnesses, hardware, and record systems for checks, incidents, and history tracking.
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 gear. Covers energy absorbers, links, and right harness ties. Stresses picking the best for job, anchor, and fall distance on estates.
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 ear gear, chainsaw chaps, and gloves. Ties PPE to arborist tasks, farm conditions, and rules or maker standards.
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 setups, with DRT and SRT terms. Compares efficiency, positioning, and rescue needs. Covers anchors, redirects, and best use for tall trees.
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, webbingChecks rope builds, dynamic vs. static action, and right diameters for climbing and rigging. Reviews sewn/spliced ends, slings, webbing, focusing on matching, 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 practicesShows how ANSI Z133, A300, and ISA guides shape safe climbing. Focuses on key parts and turning standards into farm job plans, briefings, and safety rules for compliance.
Scope and structure of ANSI Z133Relevant ANSI A300 provisions for climbersHow ISA BMPs support safe climbingUsing standards in company safety policiesDocumenting compliance during operations