Lesson 1Climbing hardware and connectors: carabiners, rope rings, lanyards, cambium savers, friction devices, ascenders, descendersCovers main climbing gear for tree work, like carabiners, rings, lanyards, friction tools, ascenders, and descenders. Focuses on strength ratings, matching parts, checks, and right positioning to avoid breakages.
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, limitationsIntroduces rope access for trees, comparing SRT and DRT. Explains basics, gear setup, benefits, drawbacks, switching methods, climb 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 scenariosTeaches planned tree rescues, from site checks to safe execution. Covers steps, patient prep, haul or lower choices, and realistic drills for farm sites.
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)Helps arborists keep up with safety rules and practices. Spotlights ANSI Z133, TCIA, ISA guides, maker updates, training, and ways to apply changes in daily farm work.
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 basicsCovers rules and site safety, like keep-out areas, signals, and road control. Introduces work permits, briefings, and records for risks on farms and roadsides.
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 standardsReviews key arborist gear: helmets, eye/face shields, gloves, chainsaw kit, bright clothes, boots. Includes picking, standards, checks, and use with climbing.
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 considerationsFocuses on choosing and fitting harnesses for comfort and safety. Covers suspension risks, signs, rescue plans, positioning, times, and aftercare.
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)Explains safe positioning in trees, fall-arrest vs work-positioning. Details backups like prusiks, autoblocks, capture devices for 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 criteriaExplains rope types, build, performance: static vs dynamic, sizes, sheath-core. Covers knots, checks, cleaning, storage, and when to retire ropes.
Static vs dynamic rope characteristicsDiameter, elongation, and hand feelCommon arborist knots and hitchesRope inspection, cleaning, and storageRetirement criteria and documentation