Lesson 1Pre-use inspection checklist and lifecycle management for PPE, ropes, and hardwareCover proper pre-use checks for PPE, ropes, and hardware, spot damage, track service life, and follow maker guide. Stress record keeping, tracing, and pull out bad gear before accident 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 useCover common friction hitches and mechanical devices for climb up and work position. Talk about match, tending, and failure ways. Stress right set up, backup plans, and regular check up high up.
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 checksDetail sit and full-body harness designs, key parts, and attachment points. Learners practice fit, adjust, and check match with climbing systems to keep comfort, blood flow, and right 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 equipmentFocus on cleaning ways, safe dry, and store to keep gear strong. Set retirement rules for ropes, harnesses, hardware, and explain record systems dat track checks, 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 setupsLook into lanyards, work-positioning, restraint, and fall-arrest systems. Cover energy absorbers, connectors, and right attach to harness points. Stress pick right system for job, 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, glovesGive rules for pick and check helmets, eye and ear protection, chainsaw trousers or chaps, and gloves. Link PPE choices to specific arborist jobs, weather conditions, and rules or maker needs.
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 systemsIntroduce moving and stationary rope systems, including DRT and SRT terms. Compare speed, work position, and rescue thinks. Talk anchor pick, redirects, and when each system best fit.
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, webbingCheck rope builds, dynamic vs. static act, and right diameters for climb and rigging. Review sewn and spliced ends, slings, webbing, with stress on match, 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 practicesExplain how ANSI Z133, A300, and ISA guide shape safe climbing do. Focus on range, key parts, and how turn written rules to field steps, job talks, and company safety plans for follow rules.
Scope and structure of ANSI Z133Relevant ANSI A300 provisions for climbersHow ISA BMPs support safe climbingUsing standards in company safety policiesDocumenting compliance during operations
