2.2.3 Advancing an anchor
This chapter describes the skills and progression techniques required to use arborist tree climbing techniques to advance from one anchor point to a higher anchor point . This is sometimes described by arborists as ‘ alternating anchor points ’ and is an essential skill for rescuers .
Even when advanced tree access methods are used , it is common for rescuers to progress further through the canopy , climb a secondary stem , or alter the original anchor point using this technique .
In the image above , the rescue climber installed their access lines as high as possible in the tree ’ s crown and secured the lines using a basal anchor setup . The climber used normal rope ascent techniques to climb these ropes until they reached the anchor .
Whilst remaining secured to the two access lines , the climber is using rope throwing techniques to set another climbing system ( green rope ) over a branch higher in the tree .
The climber has brought with them two additional climbing systems . In the image above , they have brought a second climbing rope ( shown in red ) with a CT Sparrow 200R and an additional lanyard and adjustor ( shown in purple but partially hidden behind the climber ’ s body ). They require three climbing systems in total in order to maintain two continual points of attachment whilst advancing their anchor to ascend the structure of the tree .
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