Tree industry ‘ rescue climbers ’
Regulations throughout Australia and New Zealand require suitable provision for an emergency on all work sites . In tree work , this includes the requirement , whenever tree climbing is taking place , that :
The climbing crew should consist of at least two workers with one worker to stay on the ground as a safety observer or spotter . The nominated ground worker should also be trained in aerial rescue techniques .
Safe Work Australia , Guide for Managing Risks in Tree Trimming and Removal
All tree work requiring an arborist to ascend above 3m shall have a second worker trained in aerial rescue procedures and have an appropriate rescue procedure in place .
NZArb™ Best Practice Guide
To meet this requirement , the tree work industries have developed Units of
Competency for aerial rescue , and tree climbing crews must include a ‘ rescue climber ’ who has been assessed as competent in aerial rescue techniques and who has sufficient climbing and rescue equipment to perform a rescue if required .
Despite these preparations , the average tree industry rescue climber is poorly trained and equipped to conduct even a simple rescue . The level of rescue training provided to industry is often rudimentary , with assessments simulating simple accident scenarios close to the ground in a relaxed , low-pressure environment .
In the event of a serious accident requiring even a moderately complex response , a typical tree industry rescue climber may succumb to panic or may attempt a rescue that is beyond their ability to safely perform .
The following ‘ risk matrix ’ is adapted from the tree industry ’ s Minimum Industry Standard MIS304 Aerial Rescue and is intended to provide an approximation of the average level of training provided to a tree industry rescue climber .
Original image © Mark Bridge , used with permission
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