Lesson 1Climbing hardware and connectors: carabiners, rope rings, lanyards, cambium savers, friction devices, ascenders, descendersCovers key climbing gear used in tree work here in Zim, like carabiners, rings, lanyards, friction hitches, ascenders, and descenders. Stresses load ratings, matching gear, checks, and right setup to avoid mishaps.
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 on farms, comparing SRT and DRT. Looks at basics, gear setups, efficiency gains, limits, switching systems, controlling ups and downs, 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 rescue steps, packaging the casualty, choosing lower or haul, and setting up realistic drills with records for farm teams.
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 best ways. Spotlights ANSI Z133, TCIA, ISA guides, maker updates, training refreshes, and weaving changes into daily farm tree 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 basicsDeals with rules and site safety on farms, like keep-out zones, hand signals, road traffic control. Introduces work permits, team briefings, and paperwork to cut risks near crops and tracks.
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 PPE for tree work: hard hats, goggles, gloves, chainsaw chaps, hi-vis gear, boots. Covers picking right ones, standards, checks, and pairing with climbing kit.
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 considerationsLooks at choosing and fitting tree harnesses for comfort and safety on long jobs. Tackles suspension syndrome risks, signs, and rescue plans like positioning, time limits, 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 up trees, fall-arrest vs work-position lanyards. Details backups with prusiks, autoblocks, capture devices for extra safety while working 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 criteriaBreaks down tree ropes: static vs dynamic, sizes, sheath-core builds. Covers knot picks, checks, cleaning, storage, when to bin old rope for farm safety.
Static vs dynamic rope characteristicsDiameter, elongation, and hand feelCommon arborist knots and hitchesRope inspection, cleaning, and storageRetirement criteria and documentation
