BASIC TREE CLIMBING & AERIAL RESCUE - (CS38)
An initial course for persons inexperienced in climbing trees using a rope and harness (Work Positioning System).
Successful completion of this course will prepare trainees for assessment for NPTC Unit CS38.
This course is both physically and mentally demanding. 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:
- Is aware of the legislation and safety guidelines pertaining to tree climbing.
- Recognises the differences between Work Positioning and Fall Arrest systems and understands the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements for both.
- Is aware of the range of PPE appropriate to the Work Positioning System.
- 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.
- Is able to identify hazards and manage the associated risks.
- Recognises and uses approved techniques for safe and efficient ascent, descent and movement within the crown.
- Is able to establish secure and comfortable work positions.
- Understands the importance of, and is able to apply correct final pruning positions, the 1-2-3 method of branch removal and the appropriate use of undercuts.
- Is able to use hand tools in a safe and efficient manner to remove lightweight branches.
- Recognises and is able to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of a competent grounds person.
- Is able to perform aerial rescue in a safe and efficient manner using techniques appropriate to a range of circumstances likely to be encountered.
SYLLABUS
- Legislation relating to tree climbing. Status of AFAG Guides. Issue of AFAG Guide 401. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing as per AFAG 401.
- Range of PPE appropriate to Work Positioning System. Procedures for pre-use checks to PPE. Requirements for inspection, record keeping, storage and transport of PPE.
- Prusik knot and Blake’s hitch, bowline, figure of eight, marlin-spike hitch, timber hitch, prusik loops and split tails.
- Identification of hazards and management of the associated risks (including weather conditions, tree condition, overhead power lines and cables, ground features, public access and roadside working).
- Choice of another points. Use of throwing coil and throw bags to establish initial anchor point from ground level.
- Techniques for safe, efficient ascent and decent including installation, use and removal of friction savers/false crotches.
- Pre-use inspection of ladders. Safe use of ladder for entry into tree.
- Duties of a competent grounds person.
- Use of adjustable strop(s), double rope system(s) to: effect movement within the crown and to reach outer portions of crown; establish safe and comfortable work positions.
- Correct final pruning position and the 1-2-3 method of branch removal. Appropriate use of step cuts.
- Removal of lightweight branches using handsaw and pole-pruners fitted with lopping heads and saw heads. Disposal of arisings.
- Safe and efficient use of climbing irons.
- Issue of AFAG 402, 802. Emergency procedures and rescue equipment. Aerial rescue techniques appropriate to a range of circumstances likely to be encountered. Reference to AA/FASTCo Aerial Rescue Guidance Notes.
DURATION
Five days.
NB: The chainsaw can be introduced to this course provided the operator is a fully trained and experienced chainsaw operator working at ground level.
USE OF CHAINSAW FROM A ROPE & HARNESS – CS39
TRAINEES
A course for persons experienced in climbing trees using a rope and harness (Work Positioning Climbing System).
Upon successful completion of this course will prepare trainees for assessment for NPTC Unit CS39.
This course is physically demanding. 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.
Trainees must hold NPTC Units CS30, 31 & 38 (minimum).
OBJECTIVES
The expected learning outcomes are that the trainee:
- Is aware of the legislation and safety guidelines pertaining to tree climbing and use of chainsaw from a rope and harness.
- Is aware of the safety considerations to be observed in organising the work sit and risk assessment.
- Is aware of pre-use inspection and safe use of ladders for entry into the tree. The trainee should also be of aware of alternative access methods.
- Is able to use appropriate techniques for movement within the crown and to establish secure and comfortable work positions.
- Understands the importance of, and is able to apply, correct final pruning positions, the 1-2-3 method of branch removal and the appropriate use of step and sink cuts.
- Is able to use top-handled and rear handled chainsaws in a safe and efficient manner to remove light and medium weight branches.
- Recognises and is able to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of a competent grounds person.
SYLLABUS
- Legislation relating to tree climbing and use of chainsaw from a rope and harness. Status of AFAG Guides. Issue of AFAG Guides 301, 308, 401, 402, 801, 802, 804.
- Safety considerations to be observed in organising the work site.
- Pre-use inspection of ladders. Safe use of ladders for entry into tree.
- Use of adjustable strop(s), redirect(s), double rope system(s) and fairlead pulley(s) to: effect safe movement within the crown and to reach outer portions of crown; establish safe and comfortable work positions.
- Correct final pruning positions, the 1-2-3 method of branch removal and the appropriate use of steps and sink cuts.
- Use of top-handled and rear handled chainsaws in a safe and efficient manner to remove light and medium weight branches. Includes transferring chainsaws and other tools into the tree, attachment of chainsaws, approved starting techniques, use of chain brake and on-off switch, safe use of chainsaws, free-fall and hand-held techniques, dealing with trapped saws. Disposal of arisings.
- Duties and responsibilities of a competent grounds person
DURATION
Up to two days.
