Spur climbing
Arborists use climbing spurs ( also called climbing gaffs or climbing irons ) to move and work on tree trunks . Spur climbing is used for access or to assist with moving around a tree during dismantling and is critical whenever work must be conducted without an anchor above the climber , for example when blocking or rigging down the final sections of trunk .
The climber is supported by their lanyard whilst making a cut . By leaning away from the tree , the back of the harness provides good support whilst the spurs are pushed into the timber .
In the image above , the climber ’ s MRT system is looped around the tree below their lanyard . If the climber is injured , they will not be able to descend without either spur-climbing downward , or reconfiguring their line to descend .
The recommended practice is that climbers are set for self-evacuation , with their climbing line set up so that they can descend directly to the ground if injured . There are many ways to achieve this , usually by choking the rope or using an additional sling , however it is still common to see climbers working without such preparations in the name of small gains in productivity .
Situations where the casualty is located at the top of a trunk , with no branches or stem available above them to attach an anchor , are described as pole-top rescues .
Chainsaws should always be connected to the climber whilst working at height . Rescue crews may encounter a running chainsaw dangling below the climber or pinched in a cut section but still connected to the climber by the lanyard .
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