TRAINEES

A development course for persons experienced in climbing trees using a rope and harness (Work Positioning System) who already hold NPTC Unit CS 38, and who wish to develop more efficient and ergonomic methods of entering, exiting and moving around in trees.

The course is physical in nature. Trainees must have a good level of general fitness and stamina.

Medical conditions must be reported to the course organiser prior to commencement. Certain medical conditions may disqualify prospective trainees.

OBJECTIVES

The expected learning outcomes are that the trainee: -

1. Is aware of the legislation and safety guidelines pertaining to tree climbing

2. Recognises the difference between Work Positioning and Fall Arrest systems, and understands the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements for both.

3. Is aware of the range of PPE appropriate to the Work Positioning System.

4. Is aware of the need for, and is able to carry out, pre-use checks to PPE, and can comply with the requirements for its inspection, record keeping, storage and transport.

5. Recognises and uses approved techniques for safe and efficient ascent, descent and movement within the crown.

6. Can use: -

• Throwlines and throwbags for installing friction savers and climbing lines;
• Footlocking methods utilizing ascenders and friction hitches;
• Belay devices and Italian (Munter) hitch;
• Various friction hitches, 'fair-lead' pulleys and re-directs (for access and movement around the tree crown).

7. Is able to establish secure and comfortable work positions.

8. Can descend from the tree using various friction devices and friction hitches.

9. Is able to identify and control potential hazards.

10. Understands the principles of karabiner construction and design.

11. Understands the construction of ropes suitable for use in arboricultural work.

SYLLABUS

1. Issue of AFAG Guide 401. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing as per AFAG 401. Legislation relating to tree climbing. Status of AFAG Guides.

2. Range of PPE appropriate to Work Positioning Systems. Procedures for pre-use checks to PPE. Requirements for inspection, record keeping, storage and transport of PPE.

3. Prusik knot and Blake's hitch, bowline, figure-of-eight, marlin-spike hitch, timber hitch, prusik loops, split tails, bunt-line hitch, double fisherman's knot, Italian (Munter) hitch, Klemheist, French prusik, sheet bend, running bowline and clove hitch.

4. Use of throwbags and throwlines to install friction savers and climbing line from ground level.

5. Techniques for ascending trees using footlocking methods with friction hitch (single and double line) and double ascenders. Belayed free climb, assisted prusik lift and body thrust technique with double ascenders.

6. Moving around the tree crown using adjustable strops, re-directs, fair-lead pulleys, and working between the climbing lines (where appropriate).

7. Descending from trees using traditional descent methods in addition to using various descenders and friction hitches.

8. Retrieval of climbing lines and friction savers from the ground.

9. Storage of work equipment.

DURATION
Three days.

LOCATION
To be advised