COURSE DESCRIPTION

L1 Tree Climbing Methods and Best Practice (2 day class)

2-Day Module

No prerequisites other than eligibility to attend requirements

Course Description

The participants will be educated in modern tree climbing systems; and learn about the tools and techniques that make tree climbing safer, easier, and more efficient. Basic concepts of physics and mechanical advantage will be introduced as they relate to climbing systems. This course emphasizes safety, skill and productivity; and consists of both theoretical and practical learning activities.



Course Topics



  • Safety and Risk Management
  • Setting Lines and Establishing Tie-in Points
  • Climbing Equipment
  • Ropes: Care, Construction, and Maintenance
  • Climbing Knots and Hitches
  • Rope Climbing
  • Spur Climbing: Methods and Best Practice
  • Climbing Techniques and Methods; Overhead Self-belayed Climbing Systems
  • For an expanded course outline, please contact the ArborMaster office. 



Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites for this course other than eligibility to attend requirements. 

What to Bring
If students do not have personal climbing equipment, we typically recommend they attend the introductory modules before purchasing new equipment. We will have some equipment on hand for the students to try out and share amongst themselves.

Students are encouraged to bring any equipment they use and/or would like to discuss. However it is required that students bring their own Personal Protective Equipment as outlined below.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required
  • Hard hat
  • Ear protection
  • Eye protection
  • Work gloves (sticky or grippy gloves, rubber or nubbed fingers & palms)
  • Work boots (see below)
Personal Gear (bring it if you have it) 
  •  Climbing harness
  •  Climbing spurs (spikes)
  •  Arborist climbing line
  •  Safety lanyard
  • Throw line
  •  Small bucket or container for throwline storage
Please note:
Classes will take place rain or shine. We suggest before departing for your program, to check the extended forecast for the area the training will be held. If rain is forecasted, we recommend that you bring appropriate rain gear, thermal undergarments if in a cooler climate and a change of clothing on the day of the class.

Work Boots
For this module, we recommend that boots provide good ankle support. Many of the traditional heavier climbing boots have a pronounced 'high' heel that will interfere with the student's ability to use their feet on rope during climbing (foot locking for example). Heels can be helpful during spur climbing, however may hinder the progress and ability to learn some rope climbing techniques. 

Does this then mean that an arborist must have two types of boots for climbing? There are some tools and techniques that can help bridge the gap so to speak. However as a general rule of thumb: For a climber to work in a deciduous tree, for example, with rope climbing techniques (low or no heel). However, if a climber is going to spend the day on climbing spurs, it would be very helpful and far more comfortable for them to have a pair of boots that provide a very rigid shank, rigid foont/ankle protection and a more pronounced heel. As a general statement, a climber's boots are an important tool and could be thought of as a form of PPE.