Lesson 1Climbing hardware and connectors: carabiners, rope rings, lanyards, cambium savers, friction devices, ascenders, descendersThis lesson explains key climbing tools used in tree work, like carabiners, rings, lanyards, friction tools, ascenders, and descenders. It stresses their strength ratings, how they fit together, checking them, and right way to place them to avoid breaks.
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, limitationsThis lesson shows new rope ways to reach trees, comparing SRT and DRT. It covers main ideas, gear setup, how fast they work, their limits, switching methods, going up and down 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 scenariosThis lesson teaches planned tree rescues, from checking the place to doing safe, quick rescues. It stresses making rescue steps, packing the hurt person, picking lower or pull methods, and making 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)This lesson helps tree workers keep up with safety rules and best ways. It points to ANSI Z133, TCIA, ISA guides, maker notices, training news, and ways to add changes to daily farm tree jobs.
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 basicsThis lesson covers rules and spot safety for tree work, like keep-out areas, hand signs, road traffic control on farms. It shows permit basics, job talks, and papers to handle 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 standardsThis lesson checks must-have gear for tree workers, like helmets, eye and face guards, gloves, chainsaw protection, bright clothes, and boot rules. It covers picking, standards, checking, and using with climbing gear.
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 considerationsThis lesson focuses on picking and fitting tree harnesses for comfort and safety. It talks about hanging trauma dangers, early signs, rescue plans, body position, time limits, and after-rescue health 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)This lesson looks at safe spots to work in trees, clear fall-stop from work-place systems. It details backup ways with prusiks, autoblocks, capture tools to keep 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 criteriaThis lesson explains tree rope kinds, build, and how they act, like static vs stretchy, size picks, cover-core design. It covers knot picks, check routines, cleaning, store, and when to stop using.
Static vs dynamic rope characteristicsDiameter, elongation, and hand feelCommon arborist knots and hitchesRope inspection, cleaning, and storageRetirement criteria and documentation
