Lesson 1Pre-use inspection checklist and lifecycle management for PPE, ropes, and hardwareLooks at steady checks before using PPE, ropes, and tools, spotting bad spots, following service time, and maker's advice. Stresses writing it down, keeping track, and taking out bad gear before trouble comes.
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 usual friction knots and machine tools for going up and staying put. Talks matching, handling, and what goes wrong. Stresses right setup, extra safety, and checks while up high.
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 checksGoes into sit and full-body harness builds, main parts, and tie points. Practice fitting, tweaking, and matching with climbing setups for comfort, blood flow, and right load ways during job.
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 equipmentLooks at cleaning ways, safe drying, and keeping to hold gear strong. Sets when to retire ropes, harnesses, tools, and keeping records of checks, happenings, and service past.
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 setupsLooks into lanyards, work stay, hold back, and fall stop systems. Covers energy takers, links, and right tie to harness spots. Stresses picking right system for job, hold point, and fall reach.
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 ways to pick and check helmets, eye and ear guard, saw pants or chaps, gloves. Ties gear choice to arborist jobs, weather, rules, and 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 systemsShows moving and still rope ways, with DRT and SRT words. Compares speed, stay put, rescue think. Talks hold pick, turns, when each fits 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, webbingChecks rope builds, lively vs still act, right thick for climb and rig. Looks sewn and joined ends, slings, straps, stress match, strength, check spots.
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 practicesShows how ANSI Z133, A300, ISA ways shape safe climb. Focus on reach, key parts, turn words to field steps, job talks, company safe rules for follow.
Scope and structure of ANSI Z133Relevant ANSI A300 provisions for climbersHow ISA BMPs support safe climbingUsing standards in company safety policiesDocumenting compliance during operations