University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons Internship Program Reports Education and Visitor Experience 3-2007 A Compendium of Skills for the Aspirating Arborist Travis Barck Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/morrisarboretum_internreports Recommended Citation Barck, Travis, "A Compendium of Skills for the Aspirating Arborist" (2007). Internship Program Reports. 117. https://repository.upenn.edu/morrisarboretum_internreports/117 This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/morrisarboretum_internreports/117 For more information, please contact [email protected]. A Compendium of Skills for the Aspirating Arborist This report is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn.edu/morrisarboretum_internreports/117 Title: A Compendium of Skills for the Aspirating Arborist Author: Travis Barck: Arborist Intern Date: March 2007 Abstract: 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface to the guide ....................................................................................................................4 Safety Tips .................................................................................................................5 Site Inspection ............................................................................................................8 Rope Terminology and Essentials ..............................................................................9 Climbing Gear and Tie-In Knots ..............................................................................16 Installing a Climbing Line ........................................................................................25 Working in the Tree ..................................................................................................29 Making the Cut .........................................................................................................32 Cabling ......................................................................................................................42 Chainsaw Maintenance .............................................................................................44 References ................................................................................................................................46 Recommended Readings ..........................................................................................................46 2 Recommended Websites ..........................................................................................................47 3 PREFACE TO THE GUIDE The compendium of skills is a concise guide for future arborist interns and students of arboriculture. It is a guide rather then a training manual, which briefly highlights key concepts that an arborist faces while learning the fundamentals of tree climbing. My intent was to draw from several arboriculture sources that illustrate key climbing skills. What inspired me to compile this guide was that I wanted to have all of my source materials in one place. I integrated some of the skill descriptions and pictures into the guide to further illustrate a particular concept. This guide covers safety, site inspection, gear, rope installation, working in the tree, cabling, and chainsaw maintenance. During my training here at the arboretum I have discovered how to make improvements to a specific technique or skill. I have incorporated some of my insights into the guide in order to aid the climber with their own climbing education. Helpful references have been included in the works cited section. These references range from books related to tying knots and advanced climbing techniques, to websites that list job openings in the tree care industry. I encourage you to explore these valuable resources and discover more about the arboriculture profession The compendium of skills should in no way be a primary source for climber education. In order to learn how to climb, a beginning climber should have hands on instruction with a qualified instructor. Climbing techniques should be critiqued and adjusted as the climber progresses as a professional. The guide will help the climber review their skills without describing all aspects of the training process. Finally, all information included in this guide is for the sole purpose of education in the field of arboriculture. The author is not responsible for the use/misuse of the materials detailed in this guide or any injury incurred as a result. Safe work practices begin with the individual who must remain ever vigilant not only themselves but for others working in the field. I would like to personally thank all the individuals who assisted me in the creation of this guide. Also, to the entire arboretum staff who have inspired me to become a better arborist with each passing day. Sincerely, Travis Barck – Arborist Intern 07’ 4 SAFETY TIPS Before a climber can make their accent into a tree safe work practices should be thoroughly reviewed. All gear should be inspected for defects and replaced if necessary. A climbing plan and site inspection will ensure that potential hazards are addressed and that the climber will understand the objectives of the job. The benchmark for safety standards that all climbers must be aware of is the ANSI Safety Requirements for arboricultural operations. ANSI = American National Standards Institute Officially entitled: ANSI Z133.1 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations This reference sets the standard for the arboriculture community and is committed to safety in all aspects of the industry. Two words are mentioned in the text that the arborist needs to be aware of: Should and Shall Should implies that the safety measures listed are recommended to all parties involved. Shall dictates that all persons comply with the safety measures listed in accordance with state and federal occupational safety regulations. Figure 1 – Sherrill Figure 2 - Sherrill Figure 3 - Sherrill 5 Safety standards and best work practices are of utmost importance and should be followed in all aspects of job performance. Compliance, communication and team-oriented cooperation are the keys to creating a safe incident-free work environment. Safety is the responsibility of every employee from the senior foreman to the newest employee on the job. The Morris Arboretum requires all employees to perform professional work in an efficient manor, keeping safety first and maintaining a safe and incident free work environment. Gear inspection: All gear should be inspected before and after climbing. Climbing lines should be inspected for excessive wear or defects as listed below. Figure 1 - White, Kilmesova Inspect climbing saddles, lanyards, carabiners, and all other climbing equipment. If you have any questions/concerns about the safety of the equipment ask your supervisor. 6 There are many different types of tools and gear available to the arborist and the best way to ensure safety is to familiarize yourself with the gear being used. Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is a must and is a part of the ANSI safety standards for all arborists. This includes: Hearing Protection, Hard Hat and Safety Glasses. Other recommended gear includes work boots, gloves and clothing that can make working in the elements comfortable and safe. Site inspection Before mapping a climbing route a through site inspection will allow the climber to identify possible hazards. This is a safety must that should become a part of every climbers routine before the climbing line is installed. Here is an illustration of some potential hazards that every arborist should be aware of: Figure 2 - White, Kilmesove 7 SITE INSPECTION The illustration depicts hazards that arborists commonly encounter. A pre-climb inspection should start by identifying potential hazards. Some of the hazards include: Submerged or compromised roots from construction or grade changes Decay - Root, Trunk, Branch Crotches, Cavities Cavities or structural defects throughout the tree Mushroom growth Poisonous plants - (poison ivy, sumac) and growing in or around the tree Hanging limbs or "hangers" Wildlife (ex. squirrels or bee nests) Electrical Hazards - e.g. Power lines Storm damage or rain or ice covered branches Targets = Objects that should be avoided within the drop zone where damage is possible Prior site impact due to construction, pesticide application, poor drainage resulting in the sudden necrosis of leaders and/or decline of the tree Figure 2 - White, Kilmesova 8 ROPE TERMINOLOGY AND ESSENTIALS Understanding what parts of the climbing rope an instructor is referring to make instruction easier for both parties. Confusing the running end with the working end can mean all the difference when tying in to one end verses the other. These two illustrations will help the climber to understand the rope parts and their application while climbing. Figure 3 -White, Kilmesova 9 Beginner knots that every tree Climber should know: Before a beginning climber ever attempts to tie a knot they should be aware of a simple concept known as Tie, Dress, and Set or (TDS). Although the concept is simple not all knots are easy to tie and require patience and practice in order to master. One quote sums up knot tying process: "A knot is never nearly right; it is either exactly right or it is hopelessly wrong, one or the other; there is nothing in between." Clifford Ashley --Exert from the Climber's Companion The Bowline knot is commonly used to attach climbing lines to saddles and carabiners. Some climbers use additional safety measures such