to ensure the safety of usfs tree climbers and the integrity of existing climbing activities
TRANSCRIPT
To ensure the safety of USFS tree climbers and the integrity of existing climbing activities.
Safety Program Documents‣ Health and Safety Code Handbook
– FSH 6709.11 Section 22.49 Tree Climbing
‣ Tree Climbing Program (Policy)– FSH 6709.12-2001-2 (currently being
revised)
‣ National Tree Climbing Field Guide– 0167-2802-MTDC
TrainingAll FS employees engaged in any climbing activities must be properly trained and certified.
Training‣ Verbal or Written Test
– Safety requirements– Hazards of climbing– Hazard tree assessment– Function, use, and maintenance of
equipment
Training‣ Performance Requirements
– Successfully tie all task specific knots– Proficiency using 3-point method
Training– Perform aerial rescue
using rappel system– Exercise reasonable
and prudent judgment in all situations
Training‣ Optional Training and Certification
– Sectional ladders– Spurs– 4” tie-in system– Body thrust– Footlock– Friction knot systems
Training– Ascenders– Other miscellaneous
technologies– Chainsaw use in trees
• 4 separate endorsements for eligible and qualified individuals
Certification‣ Valid 3 years (unless revoked earlier)
– Training does not guarantee certification
‣ Certification Classes– Tree Climbing Trainee– Tree Climber– Tree Climbing Instructor
ObjectiveAccomplish climbing tasks to help meet the needs in multiple program areas and agency mandates.
Objective‣ Reforestation and Restoration
– Cone Surveys and Collection– Tree Pruning and Maintenance
‣ Genetics– Tree breeding and Controlled Pollination– Pollen and Scion Collection– Cone Caging
Objective‣ TE & S
– Red Tree Vole Surveys– Marbled Murrelet
Surveys– Spotted Owl Survey
and Manage– Red Cockaded
Woodpecker Artificial Nest Installation
Objective‣ Insects and Disease
– Specimen collection– Asian Longhorned
Beetle Survey– Trapping– Mistletoe “broom”
removal
Objective‣ Research
– Bald Eagle and Other Raptors
– Puerto Rico Parrot– Monitoring
Equipment Installation
Objective– Foliar Sampling– Neotropical bird nest surveys– DNA Sampling
Objective‣ Wildlife
– Fungal inoculum installation and tree topping
– Osprey nest platform construction– Preparation of bear-proof food supports
Objective‣ Other
– Phone line maintenance– Solar panel and
antenna installation– Hazard limb and tree
removal
Objective– Remote runway tree pruning– Abandoned
equipment removal (from “tree sitters”)
Program Management‣ Program & Deputy Program
Managers, Region, Station & Area Coordinators
‣ TAG: Technical Advisory Group– Reviews and recommends changes to
program to provide safest work practices
Program Management‣ Technical Advisors
– Manage operations– Ensure operational
effectiveness– Operational/technical
advice to climbers
– Recommend changes to policy and/or technical guidelines Field Guide
– Approve equipment, techniques, practices
Program Management
Program Management‣ Program Outreach
– Setting example for other agencies and groups
– Many agencies rely on FS expertise for training, advice, and assistance
– Foster change in industry standards• Oregon OSHA adopted FS standards
http://www.fs.fed.us/treeclimbing/