Introduction to tree climbing
Competency for tree climbing
What is good tree climbing?
Tree climbing equipment
Essential tree climbing equipment
Arborist harness
Lanyard and adjustor
- Steel-core lanyards
- Rope lanyards
Climbing rope and friction hitch
Hitch-minding pulleys and friction devices
Karabiners and other connectors
Correct configuration of karabiners
Equipment inspection
Equipment inspection checklist
Climbing equipment standards
Climbing systems
Building a climbing system
- Safe climbing systems
- Simple climbing systems
- Efficient climbing systems
- Ergonomic climbing systems
Climbing system comparison
Example of inefficiency in a climbing system
Example of inefficiency in a climbing system (continued)
Selecting and configuring equipment within a climbing system
Example of equipment compatibility and configuration: Petzl RIG
Correct selection and use of tree climbing equipment
Example of equipment misconfiguration
Preparing to work in trees
Site and tree hazard inspection
Work site exclusion zones
Tree species and behaviour
Preparing for climbing
Developing a work strategy
Comparing work strategies
Hazard control measures for tree climbing
Climb plans
Selecting a tree access method
- Alternating anchor points
- Setting an anchor point using a throwline or similar
- Spur climbing
Communication
Tree climbing: Core skills
Core skills 1: Installing an anchor point
Throwing rope
Using a throwline
Manipulating a throwline
Selecting a suitable anchor point
Testing an anchor point
Connecting to a climbing system
Advancing a system / alternating anchor points
Selecting a Tie-In-Point (TIP)
Core skills 2: Work positioning
Rope angle
Branch walking
Work positioning
Climbing technique 1: Moving rope technique
Body thrusting
Assisted body thrusting
- Footlocking the tail of the rope
- Use of a foot ascender
- Trunk walking
MRT tie-in-points: Friction savers
Ring and ring friction saver
Retrieving a friction saver
Setting a friction saver from the ground
Single-pulley friction savers
Descending from a tree
Climbing technique 2: Spur climbing
Spur fit, sharpening and adjustment
Spur climbing - basic technique
Advancing the lanyard
Self-arrest
Working on climbing spurs
Branch walking with climbing spurs
Climbing technique 3: Stationary rope technique
Introduction to stationary rope technique
MRT vs SRT - selecting the right tool for the job
SRT setups and terminology
Basal anchors
Canopy anchors
Basics of SRT climbing - SRT systems
SRT ascent systems
SRT descent systems
SRT work-positioning systems
Techniques for SRT work positioning
- Working in columns I: use of multiple climbing ropes
- Working in columns II: main line and redirect line
SRT: 3:1 systems for work positioning
Additional skills 1: Redirects
Redirect terminology
Redirects, rope angle and forces
Natural redirects
- Retracing a climbing system – MRT
- Retracing a climbing system – SRT
Fixed artificial redirects
Removable and retrievable artificial redirects (MRT)
Removable and retrievable artificial redirects (SRT)
Additional skills 2: Use of multiple lines
Access lines
Use of multiple lines
Counterbalance technique
V-Rig technique
Floating anchors and high lines