Step 1. Choosing a Time And Place
Every climbing location has an unlimited number of potential obstacles and hazards. Even with a perfectly
rigged system and all the proper PPE, some conditions can still pose a threat to a climber’s safety.
Consider the following when choosing a time and location for climbing.
Environmental Conditions
•Rain or moisture can lead to slipping.
•Wind can affect stability and send debris toward the climber.
•Lightning can often strike trees.
•Humidity can affect the function of equipment, particularly the friction hitch.
•Temperature can affect the function of equipment, and affect the performance of the climber.
Tree-Specic 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 sufcient knowledge and experience with tying secure
anchors. If there is any uncertainty in tying an anchor, consult with a professional arborist.
Standard Set-up Instructions
NOTICE: REGARDING SUBSTITUTIONS
The following set-up instructions are based on the equipment recommended in the previous
section. Substitutes to any of the equipment or methods described herein are made at the sole risk
of the climber. Make sure the function and limitations of any substitutions are well understood
before deviating from these instructions.
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 sufcient rope can result in serious injuries or death.
To Next Page
Loading...
