Tree Climbing and Rescue – Combined

Course Description

The ability to climb trees safely and carry out aerial rescue is fundamental to professional arboricultural work. This five day course incorporates the Level 2 Award in Accessing a Tree Using a Rope & Harness and the Level 3 Award in Aerial Tree Rescue Operations, leading to the combined qualification Award in Tree Climbing and Rescue. Learning outcomes include: understanding legislation relating to tree climbing; identifying a range of PPE appropriate to work positioning systems; identifying hazards and managing associated risks; choosing appropriate anchor points; tying, dressing and setting a range of tree climbing knots; carrying out a visual tree inspection; carrying out pre-use inspection of tree climbing equipment; using techniques for safe and efficient ascent and descent; understanding the duties of a competent grounds person; establishing safe and comfortable work positions; using climbing irons safely and efficiently; and storing tree climbing equipment appropriately. Course sessions cover: HSE legislation and safety guidelines; tree climbing equipment; visual tree inspection; rope configurations; access techniques and work positioning principles; final anchor point and work positioning techniques; use of a flip-line and climbing irons (spikes); and storing equipment. Candidates must be physically fit, free from vertigo or similar conditions, and free from medication that could affect their safety. Not suitable for persons under 16 years of age. No pre-requisites. Pre-requisite: It is strongly recommended that operators hold a current First Aid at Work certificate with +F Forestry add on. Candidates must hold current LOLER records for all climbing equipment used. Please contact us to discuss equipment requirements and availability prior to booking. Assessment: This course is a Lantra Awards non-assessed course followed by assessment through a Lantra Awards qualification, whereby successful candidates will receive a Level 3 Award in Accessing a Tree Using Rope and Harness and Aerial Rescue. The assessment usually takes half a day to complete. The assessment can be completed in stages during the course or as one standalone event.