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, 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, limitationsIntroduces modern rope access for tree work, comparing SRT and DRT setups. Covers main principles, gear arrangements, efficiency, limits, plus switching methods, ascent and descent 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 aerial rescues, from checking the scene to carrying out safe, quick rescues. Stresses sequence planning, patient packaging, choosing haul or lower methods, and setting up real 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)Guides arborists to keep up with safety standards and best ways. Highlights ANSI Z133, TCIA, ISA resources, plus maker updates, training news, and ways to fit changes into daily tree work.
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 basicsHandles rules and site safety practices, including keep-out zones, communication, and traffic control. Introduces permit-to-work ideas, job talks, and paperwork to manage risks on farms and road sides.
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 key arborist PPE, including helmets, eye and face guards, gloves, chainsaw gear, high-vis clothes, and boots. Covers choosing, standards, checks, and fitting 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 arborist harnesses for comfort and safety. Addresses suspension trauma dangers, early signs, and rescue plans, including positioning, time limits, and after-rescue care.
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)Explores safe work positioning in trees, clearing up fall-arrest vs work-positioning differences. Details backup ways using prusiks, autoblocks, and progress-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 arborist rope types, build, and performance, including static vs dynamic action, diameter picks, and sheath-core design. Covers knot choices, check routines, cleaning, storage, and when to retire.
Static vs dynamic rope characteristicsDiameter, elongation, and hand feelCommon arborist knots and hitchesRope inspection, cleaning, and storageRetirement criteria and documentation