Level 2 - Tree climbing and aerial rescue

Upon completing this course, the candidate will

• have gained a basic understanding of relevant industry health and safety legislation
• understand the importance of risk assessment and emergency planning for tree-climbing operations
• be able to identify the hazards and risks associated with the working area
• be able to carry out a basic level hazard evaluation of a tree
• have gained an understanding of how to select, inspect and safely use a variety of tree-climbing equipment
• display competence while accessing and manoeuvring within a tree canopy
• be competent to carry out aerial rescues from a variety of different situations.

PPE

Helmet of a mountaineering type with a chin strap, eye protection, appropriate footwear, flexible trousers (not shorts), personal first-aid kit with large wound dressing and whistle. A full climbing kit is provided to all candidates for the duration of the training and assessment. If you would prefer to use your own equipment, you will need a work positioning harness, a minimum of two climbing ropes of which one must be at least 35 m and one must be at least 25 m, a minimum of eight auto lock triple action karabiners, adjustable strop/lanyard, tape sling of around 120 cm, pair of climbing irons (spikes), wire core flip line, four prusik loops or equivalent friction cords, a rescue knife with retractable/folding blade and in-date thorough LOLER examination certificate (or certificate of conformity/receipt for items less than six months old) will be required for all items of climbing equipment.

Although not essential, a copy of The Arboricultural Association’s Technical Guide 1: Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue is recommended. This can be purchased at the start of the course for £15.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Five days of training with an assessment on a separate day.