Advanced Training – TW Domain – Cabling & Bracing Module

Course Description

This course will show and demonstrate the installation of hardware and EHS cable to help weak, compromised and at-risk limbs to help reduce the risk of limb or tree failure. We will be following the ANSI A300 Standard (Part 3) Supplemental Support Systems for cable/bracing, going over in detail, when it is appropriate to use J lags, when to switch to eye bolts and through hardware, and the advantages and limitations of each. This is a hands-on course where we will actually install a J lag or eyebolt (or both) and static cabling system, using EHS cable, to help support a compromised branch union. Proper tensioning techniques will be demonstrated using a come-a-long and Havens grip. We then will install a bracing rod in a compromised branch union to help support and prevent it from splitting.

Equipment Requirements

• Hard hat that meets the ANSI Z89 standards
• Eye protection that meets the ANSI Z87 standards
• Work boots that cover the ankle

Provided Equipment

• All the necessary cabling and bracing gear
• Cordless drill and bits for J lags and eye bolts
• Gasoline powered drill and bit for the through rod
• Aerial lift truck

Day One

Meet in a classroom for introductions, a one-hour Power Point presentation and a display of the variety of cabling and bracing hardware, and the tools required to install them. Then meet outdoors at the site to perform a:

• Job briefing
• Tree risk assessment
• Install a support system, simple direct cable
• Install a bracing system using the appropriate size rod

We will demonstrate using the proper size drill bit for the appropriate anchor, J lag or eyebolt. The support system will be installed using a come-along for tensioning.
The bracing rod will be installed using galvanized rod, round washers and hex nuts. The ends of the rod will be peened over to prevent the nuts from unthreading.