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 setup, backup plans, and routine checks while 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 parts, and attachment points. Learners practise fitting, adjustment, and compatibility checks with climbing systems to ensure comfort, blood flow, and proper 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 keep gear strong. Sets retirement rules for ropes, harnesses, and hardware, and explains record systems to 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 harness attachments. Stresses picking the right system for the task, anchor, and possible 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, glovesGives criteria for choosing and checking helmets, eye and hearing protection, chainsaw pants or chaps, and gloves. Links PPE choices to specific arborist tasks, site conditions, and rules or manufacturer specs.
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 terms. Compares efficiency, work positioning, and rescue needs. Covers anchor choice, 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 builds, dynamic vs. static traits, and right diameters for climbing and rigging. Reviews sewn and spliced ends, slings, and webbing, stressing compatibility, 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 practicesExplains how ANSI Z133, A300, and ISA guidelines shape safe climbing. Focuses on scope, key rules, and turning standards into site 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
