Lesson 1Pre-use inspection checklist and lifecycle management for PPE, ropes, and hardwareLooks at step-by-step 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 keeping records, tracing history, and taking dodgy gear out of service before trouble strikes.
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 mechanical bits for climbing up and staying put at work. Talks about how they match up, 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, 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 equipmentLooks at cleaning ways, safe drying, and storage to keep gear strong. Sets out when to retire ropes, harnesses, and hardware, and explains record systems for inspections, mishaps, and service history.
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 setupsExplores lanyards, work positioning, restraint, and fall-arrest setups. Covers energy absorbers, connectors, and right harness attachments. Stresses picking the best system for the task, anchor, and drop distance.
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 rules for choosing and checking helmets, eye and ear protection, chainsaw trousers or chaps, and gloves. Ties PPE picks to specific tree jobs, farm conditions, and rules or maker requirements.
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 stationary rope setups, including DRT and SRT terms. Compares efficiency, work positioning, and rescue needs. Covers anchor choice, redirects, and best system for the job.
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 diameters for climbing and rigging. Reviews sewn and spliced ends, slings, and webbing, stressing match-up, strength ratings, and check points.
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 guides shape safe climbing. Focuses on what they cover, key rules, and turning them into on-site steps, job talks, and company safety policies for following the 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
