6/10/13 – 11
4
Tree-Specific Hazards
Insect and animal habitations that can become
agitated.
Dead, rotten, or weakened branches can break
especially when used for anchoring.
Nearby power lines.
Anything sharp, such as nearby fences or
encroaching structures.
Step 2. Anchoring
1.
Tie a weighted object to one end of the climbing
rope.
2.
Throw the weighted object over a limb or crotch that
will support several times the weight of the climber.
3.
Tie the climbing rope to the tree using a trunk-
secured basal approach or a limb-secured canopy
approach.
Note: The climber is responsible for having sufficient
knowledge and experience with tying secure anchors.
If there is any uncertainty in tying an anchor, consult
with a professional arborist.
DANGER: FREE FALL HAZARD
Failure to properly anchor any rope climbing system will
lead to free fall resulting in serious injuries or death.
WARNING: USE EXCESSIVE ROPE
Leave excessive rope at the working end so that the
climber can always reach the ground and will not
unintentionally come off the rope. This is particularly
important if the climber intends to move from branch to
branch within the tree. Failure to supply sufficient rope
can lead to serious injuries or death.
Step 3. Tie Friction Hitch
WARNING: USE PROPER HITCH
The friction hitch is a climber’s ultimate life support and
failure to properly tie and operate a friction hitch can
lead to serious injury or death.
Tie a secure friction hitch to the climbing rope.
Examples of appropriate friction hitch styles include
Valdotain, Michoacán, Distel, Schwabisch, Cooper’s,
XT, and Knut. Mechanical friction hitches may also be
acceptable (check with the manufacturer that the
mechanical device is rated for SRT.) The friction hitch
chosen must be well understood before use.
Note: It is imperative that the climber knows how to
properly tie a friction hitch. There are many variables
to be considered when tying a friction hitch, such as
temperature, humidity, level of expertise, desired
ascent and descent speeds, etc. There is no
substitute for experience and hands-on training –
consult with a professional arborist if you are not
properly experienced or trained.
Step 4. Attach Elements to Carabiner
Attach the ends of the tied friction hitch and one end of
the tether to the carabiner. If using a micro pulley, slide
it onto the rope and attach it to the carabiner as well.
Attach all elements so as to maintain symmetry on the
carabiner, e.g., attach the ends of the friction hitch on
either side of the tether.
Test.
Apply as much downward force on the carabiner
as possible to ensure the friction hitch is gripping
the rope properly. This should be done multiple
times. Ensure that the friction hitch catches when
the climbing rope is both weighted and unweighted.
Step 5. Attach System to Harness
Attach the end of the carabiner to your harness at the
harness’s designated attachment point. If the harness
has a chest attachment point, attach it to the Tether
Attachment Point or to the tether itself.
Step 6. Bounce Test
1.
Slide the friction hitch and Rope Wrench up the
climbing rope as far as possible.
2.
Lean back or crouch down so that the friction hitch
grips the rope. Proceed to the next step only if this
is successful.
3.
Take a small jump and swing the legs forward, such
that the entire body weight is put onto the system
and the climber bounces on the rope.
4.
Look and listen for cracking or creaking from the
supporting branches and trunk. Do not climb on the
system if cracking or creaking is observed.
5.
Be sure there is no excessive give in the branches.
6.
Perform all relevant inspections listed in the section
titled “Pre-Climb inspections”.
This test ensures the system will maintain its integrity
should a fall occur.
