Course Description
This is a 2-day module designed to show and demonstrate how to properly use the latest climbing tools and techniques. This is a ‘hands-on’ course. All attendees will perform a climbing gear inspection, learn to tie 5 essential climbing knots, assess the tree for risk, install a climbing rope, ascend into the tree using a ‘moving rope system’, advance the rope, limb walk and descend.
Optional Equipment
Day One
Meet on site. Have all Instructors and attendees introduce themselves. As a group go over (1) arborist climbing ropes and rope fibers, explaining what Standards must be met, and the advantages & limitations of each, (2) arborist climbing hardware (carabiners & locking snaps, explaining what Standards must be met, and the advantages and limitations of each, (3) work positioning harness and what Standards must be present on the harness, (4) work positioning lanyard and what Standards must be met. . . The Instructors will demonstrate how to inspect each of those components to determine they are Safe to use. . . The following knots will be demonstrated, explained why we use them, and tied by all (1) stationary bowline, (2) barrel knot, (3) anchor hitch, (4) Valdotain Tresse [VT], (5) figure of eight knot. . . The Instructors will demonstrate and preform the following (1) tree risk assessment, to determine if the tree is safe to climb, (2) throwline use and how to use it to install a climbing rope, (3) donning a work positioning harness, (4) ascending into the tree, staying ‘tied in’ at all times, (5) advancing the climbing rope, using a work positioning lanyard, to stay secured, at all times, (6) choosing a final ‘tie in point’ [TIP], (7) descending to the ground. . . All attendees will have the opportunity to set their climbing rope, ascend into a tree, and advance their climbing rope. . . End with a question-and-answer session.
Day Two
Review all knots and continue climbing with Instructor coaching. A practical (skills) exam will be given to all attendees. The exam consists of tying the 5 knots and performing a 2-station climb that has a designated tie in point, a short limb walk, and longer ‘limb walk’ stations.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the Climbing Level module, each attendee will gain the knowledge of, or be able to perform the following tasks, with emphasis on Climbing Safety:
