Lesson 1Pre-use inspection checklist and lifecycle management for PPE, ropes, and hardwareCovers systematic pre-use checks for PPE, ropes, and hardware, spotting damage, tracking service life, and following manufacturer guidelines. Stresses documentation, traceability, and taking unsafe gear out of service before accidents happen.
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 common friction hitches and mechanical devices for ascent and work positioning. Discusses compatibility, tending, and failure modes. Stresses correct installation, backup strategies, and routine function 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 checksDetails sit and full-body harness designs, key components, and attachment points. Learners practice fitting, adjustment, and compatibility checks with climbing systems to keep comfort, circulation, and correct load paths during work.
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 equipmentFocuses on cleaning methods, safe drying, and storage to preserve gear strength. Defines retirement criteria for ropes, harnesses, and hardware, and explains recordkeeping systems that track inspections, incidents, and service history.
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 setupsExplores lanyards, work-positioning, restraint, and fall-arrest systems. Covers energy absorbers, connectors, and correct attachment to harness points. Stresses selecting the right system for task, anchor, and potential fall distance.
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, glovesProvides criteria for selecting and inspecting helmets, eye and hearing protection, chainsaw trousers or chaps, and gloves. Links PPE choices to specific arborist tasks, site conditions, and regulatory or manufacturer requirements.
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 systems, including DRT and SRT terminology. Compares efficiency, work positioning, and rescue considerations. Addresses anchor selection, redirects, and when each system suits best.
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, webbingExamines rope constructions, dynamic vs. static behaviour, and suitable diameters for climbing and rigging. Reviews sewn and spliced terminations, slings, and webbing, with emphasis on compatibility, ratings, and inspection 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 practicesExplains how ANSI Z133, A300, and ISA guidance shape safe climbing practice. Focuses on scope, key clauses, and how to turn written standards into field procedures, job briefings, and company safety policies 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
