Lesson 1Pre-use inspection checklist and lifecycle management for PPE, ropes, and hardwareLooks at proper checks before using PPE, ropes, and hardware, spotting damage, keeping track of how long they've been in use, and following maker's advice. Stresses writing it all down, tracing history, and taking dodgy gear out of service before trouble starts.
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 hitches and gadgets for climbing up and staying put at work. Talks about how they match, looking after them, and what can go wrong. Puts stress on right setup, backup plans, and regular checks while up in the tree.
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 designs, main parts, and tie-in spots. You'll practise fitting them right, adjusting, and checking they work with your climbing setup for comfort, good blood flow, and proper load during the 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 equipmentDeals with cleaning ways, safe drying, and storage to keep gear strong. Sets out when to retire ropes, harnesses, and bits, and explains record systems to track checks, mishaps, 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 positioning, restraint, and fall-arrest setups. Covers energy absorbers, links, and right harness attachments. Stresses picking the best system for the task, anchor, and drop risk.
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 gear, chainsaw trousers or chaps, and gloves. Ties PPE choices to arborist jobs, weather on Zambian farms, 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 systemsIntroduces moving and fixed rope setups, with DRT and SRT terms. Compares how well they work, positioning at work, and rescue thoughts. Covers picking anchors, redirects, and best use for each.
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, dynamic vs static action, and right thicknesses for climbing and rigging. Reviews sewn and spliced ends, slings, and webbing, stressing match, strength ratings, and 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 practicesExplains how ANSI Z133, A300, and ISA ways shape safe climbing. Focuses on what they cover, key parts, and turning rules into farm job steps, briefings, and company safety for following 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
