Course Overview:

Unit 203 – Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue

The course is designed for professionals in arboriculture, forestry and other land-based industries.   5 days training will provide the knowledge, understanding and skills required to climb trees and perform aerial rescue safely and to industry standards in line with current legislation.  Topics covered include risk assessment, emergency planning, legislation, industry best practice, environmental considerations, tree condition and working at height assessments, equipment and systems, tree climbing, aerial rescue by climbing, rescue plan and implementation.

To gain this qualification candidates must successfully complete a one-to-one practical assessment with oral questioning by a City & Guilds NPTC approved assessor.

“It is recommended candidates hold a current Emergency First Aid at Work certificate.  All tree climbing and access equipment must comply with current legislation and recognised industry good practice.  When working on a remote site, a suitable means of communication (such as a mobile phone or radio) must be available, along with a vehicle capable of transporting an injured person.  A site-specific risk assessment must be completed, with appropriate signage, lighting, and guarding in place where required.”

A reasonable level of physical fitness is therefore required to undertake the practical elements of this course.

Candidates MUST provide their own tree climbing equipment compliant with LOLER Regulations.  This means providing a receipt of purchase if equipment is less than 6 months old.  Or, produce evidence the equipment has been thoroughly examined by a “competent person” within the last 6 months.  In addition, weekly inspections must have been carried out and recorded, with documentation available to verify this.

Equipment:

Our instructor has provided the following kit recommendation.

• Approved tree climbing harness in good condition, CE marked with leg loops
• 2 x Climbing ropes – minimum 11.7mm, 35-50m long required with manufacturers eye and without any defects
• 6 x self-locking 3 movement Karabiners
• Friction device for each main line and short strop, either mechanical or rope ie zigzag or prussik loops
• Spare prussik loop for rescue
• 1 x adjustable strop for climbing and rescue recommended 5m in length must have a manufacturers eye
• 1 x Set of climbing spikes
• Teufeleberger multi saver 2m
• 1 x Steel core flip line 3m or 5m with adjuster and soft link for cutting

• Knife with retractable blade or handsaw

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Safety helmet (the HSE Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG) recommends a mountaineering-style helmet complying with BS EN 12492)
• Eye protection complying with either BS EN 1731 or BS EN 166
• Gloves appropriate to the task and subject to the operator’s risk assessment
• Protective boots with good grip and ankle support complying with BS EN ISO 20345
• Non snag outer clothing (preferably high vis)
• Personal first-aid kit, incorporating a large wound dressing, barrier gloves, plasters and a whistle

Location:

Woodland in Essex

Duration:

Total 6 days (5 days training plus one-day assessment)

Cost:

£780 + £120 vat = £900

How to book:

Contact us for more information and details of group bookings (up to 4 candidates)

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