Climb Trees & Perform Aerial Rescue

Topics covered include regulations, industry best practice, climbing equipment, access and movement techniques within trees to achieve work positions.

Objectives:

The assessment contains 2 compulsory units:

Unit 1. Climb a Tree

Unit 2. Conduct aerial rescue

Candidates must successfully achieve all Assessment Activities unless otherwise specified
Candidates must successfully achieve unit 1 before undertaking assessment for unit 2

Assessment and Site Requirements:

• This unit is intended for assessment using Rope, Harness and friction hitch climbing systems
  
• There must always be a minimum of three climbers on site (including the assessor)
  
• There must always be a person with a certificate in tree climbing and aerial rescue on the ground, with all necessary equipment to carry out an aerial rescue. This may be the assessor
  
• The assessor must not be ‘the casualty’, but may climb the tree in order to closely observe the rescue at close quarters, if appropriate. (If this is the case, there must be another qualified rescuer on the ground)
  
• ‘The casualty’ must be a trained climber, but does not necessarily have to hold a certificate of competence in tree climbing and aerial rescue. However, the assessor must be satisfied that the operation will be conducted safely, (risk assessment)
  
• Long hair to be tied back and jewelry removed
  
• Safe climbing methods must be used; use of climbing irons is prohibited unless the tree is being dismantled or felled, or a ‘pole rescue’ is being implemented
  
• The candidate is responsible for supervising all operations on the ground, except as otherwise agreed with ground staff
  
• The candidate must come to the assessment prepared and equipped to carry out all the assessment activities (including spikes for the pole rescue)
  
• In addition to the relevant requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998, any ancillary equipment used for this assessment must also comply with relevant requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 where applicable.

The following should be available:

• Medium sized open grown tree (Minimum height for anchor point of 10 meters; branch walking distance at least 5 meters)
  
• Warning signs as appropriate
  
• Personal Protective Equipment as appropriate.
  
• A personal first aid kit.