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 hitches, ascenders, and descenders. Stresses strength ratings, matching parts, checks, and right setup 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, limitationsLooks at rope access for trees today, comparing SRT and DRT setups. Goes over basics, gear rigging, speed pros and cons, switches, 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 scenariosDeals with ready-made tree rescues, from checking the spot to carrying out safe, quick saves. Focuses on steps, packing the injured, picking lower or pull methods, and setting up real-life practice runs.
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 tree workers keep up with safety rules and top tips. Points to ANSI Z133, TCIA, ISA guides, maker updates, training news, and ways to fit changes into daily farm 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 basicsLooks at rules and site safety for tree jobs, like keep-out areas, signals, and road control. Covers permit basics, job talks, and records to cut risks on farms and busy paths.
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 standardsGoes over must-have gear for tree workers: hard hats, eye and face guards, gloves, chainsaw kit, bright clothes, and boots. Includes picking right ones, standards, checks, and pairing with climbing setups.
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 considerationsCovers picking and fitting tree harnesses for ease and safety. Tackles hanging trauma dangers, first signs, and rescue plans like body position, time limits, and aftercare health checks.
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)Looks at safe spots to work in trees, sorting fall-stop from work-hold systems. Details backups with prusiks, autoblocks, and capture tools 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 tree ropes, build, and how they act: static vs stretchy, sizes, cover-core setup. Includes knot picks, check routines, cleaning, storage, and when to retire old ropes.
Static vs dynamic rope characteristicsDiameter, elongation, and hand feelCommon arborist knots and hitchesRope inspection, cleaning, and storageRetirement criteria and documentation