2.2 General tree climbing techniques
2.2 General tree climbing techniques
Where there is no access for a rescue appliance , rescuers must use arborist climbing techniques to access the tree and reach the canopy . Tree climbing techniques overlap with traditional rescue techniques in several ways , but in some respects are unique to arboriculture and should not be attempted without training and practice .
Tree climbing is an activity with many inherent risks , and rescuers should adopt a safety-first attitude , including :
• careful and methodical rescue planning and risk assessment .
• having a ‘ mental tool kit ’ of different possible climbing techniques , work strategies and climbing systems .
• having the knowledge to determine the strengths and weaknesses of different strategies and climb plans .
• recognising the limitations imposed by tree structure , access equipment and own skill level and experience .
• implementing the chosen process , including preparing for climbing , selecting and inspecting equipment , configuring equipment within a climbing system , inspecting site and tree hazards and implementing control measures , communicating with crew , and accessing and positioning safely within the tree .
2.2.1 Tree access techniques
When accessing a tree for rescue , the first preference should be to set anchor points from the ground utilising a throwline or similar . The rescuer can ascend this line to gain access high in the tree .
In the best-case scenario , these established lines ( main and belay ) are suitable for the rescuer to perform the relevant rescue . However , where the lines cannot be set at suitable high points from the ground , the rescuer may need to ascend lines set to a lower point and advance the systems to establish a high point suitable to the situation at hand .
Where it is not possible to set lines from the ground , for example where the branches have been removed ( pole-top rescue ) or the tree is densely-branched or tall , spur climbing techniques can be used to ascend by climbing up the trunk .
The three tree climbing techniques introduced in bold above are compared on the following page .
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