Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue refresher training
Our refresher for tree climbing and aerial rescue (CS38) courses run in North Yorkshire, ideal for arborists, ecologists, IRATA, landscapers and utility workers
Refresher for Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
(formerly CS38)
Tree climbing and aerial rescue refresher
Things you must consider when it comes to tree climbing refreshers, is who is asking you for the evidence of a refresher?
- Is it for your peace of mind?
- Requirements of your insurance company?
- A contract that you have to fulfil?
Before booking be sure that this refresher course will fulfil your requirements.
If you have contracts with specific companies they may insist on awarding organisations refresher certificates.
City and Guilds now offer a CPD unit, please ask for assessment prices if this is what you require.
As we would recommend both our Lowe Maintenance refresher day and CPD unit session.
Carrying out tree climbing activities within industry as a professional is something to take seriously, as such it is important to keep up to date and attend refresher courses.
Think of it this way, if you have an incident one of the first questions your insurance company or HSE may ask, is,
‘When were you last refreshed?’
It’s not going to sound so good if you say you haven’t had a refresher since you did your original course twenty years ago.
Don’t forget HSE advise a refresher every 5 years and some insurance companies are now insisting on a refresher course every three years.
Do you know what your insurance company requires?
With all this in mind and you are now faced with having to gain your tree climbing refresher have you been:
- struggling to find the right fit in terms of a training provider?
- confused by all the names, numbers and acronyms for the land based courses that are available to you?
- worried you will get it wrong or waste your hard-earned money?
- concerned that it will feel like going back to school?
Then we can help you!
No matter which sector you are coming from, and the level of experience. We can work with you to understand your training needs. To tailor a programme and provide courses that will be suitable for you.
Providing award-winning training through tailored, flexible, friendly, approachable trainers and assessors.
All courses are run in small groups. To ensure you have as much time as needed to learn and experience the requirements for the assessments. If you chose to take them. Trainers and assessors are experienced, friendly, and approachable.
Finally, as with all Lowe Maintenance courses, you get support and advice via email or on the phone. If you need it in the future. Just because you’ve completed the course doesn’t mean you can’t get in touch if you need more information or guidance.
Lowe Maintenance Certificate of Completion
This is the certificate you will gain on successful completion of your tree climbing and aerial rescue refresher course, it is valid for 3 years.
We would advise that you check with your insurance company before booking to ensure they are happy with a certificate of completion, many are, but is it certainly worth checking first!
Companies we already provide refresher courses for are:
- Jacobs
- Burnley Borough Council
- amongst many others
Our one-day tree climbing refresher training course provides you with any industry updates, along with plenty of time for you to demonstrate your climbing and aerial rescue methods.
Group sizes are no more than four candidates to one trainer, so nice small group sizes. To allow for plenty of discussion and questions.
You will have access to the Lowe Maintenance portal on booking where you will find leaflets and updates to look through before attending the practical session.
On this tree climbing refresher course you will be covering or demonstrating:
- risk assessment and emergency procedures
- relevant health and safety regulations and changes where applicable
- hazard evaluation of the tree
- inspection of tree climbing equipment
- the ability to access and climb the tree to include changeovers
- branch walking
- aerial rescue methods
- and demonstrate industry best practice
Candidate portal
On booking your course you will be given access to the candidate portal, where you will find lots of leaflets and documentation to read through before you attend the course. This helps you with the terminology on the day and gives you a heads-up of what to expect in any discussions. There could even be some videos to watch to help embed your learning ready for the session.
Assessment
You will be assessed ongoing throughout the session by your trainer who will make recommendations as required. There is no formal assessment process for this course but must meet the requirements listed above to be fully refreshed and demonstrate competence.
We may be stating the obvious and it is sad that we have to be saying this as it appears it is not common practice.
When attending a course with us, you must follow any instructions that are given when using any equipment and carrying out tasks, for the safety of all involved.
For further details please see our terms and conditions for courses.
Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
CS38 Video Testimonials
You will require:
- An arborist climbing helmet (in date)
- Tree Climbing kit to include two climbing systems and up to date LOLER inspection record
- Thin work gloves if preferred
- Stout boots with ankle support and good grips/soles.
- Dinner and drinks
- Waterproofs weather dependent.
- Cost £300 +VAT = £360
- Certification - Lowe Maintenance Certificate of Completion
Valid for 3 years - Length
Training - 1 day - City and Guilds optional extra - CPD unit
Additional day and costs
Please contact us for details
Other courses of interest to you
- Chainsaw, Felling and Forestry
- Tree Climbing and Rigging
- Landbased Machinery
- Pesticides
- Livestock
- Pest Control
- Refreshers
- Online Courses
-
You have probably noticed that there are even more courses than you thought possible.
It seems like there could be one for walking over lumpy ground soon!
With this in mind please feel free to give us a shout and ask for help in figuring out which ones will be right for you.
As a result you may discover you do not need to do as many courses as you first thought!
Testimonials
FAQ
Do I have to climb with two rope systems?
In short – YES!
Can I use lock jacks or spider jacks on the course?
There is nothing to stop you using them but courses are normally run using the basic friction devices as not everyone can afford these more expensive pieces of equipment. Having a standard system during the training makes the rescue situations easier to understand, however, if you are going to use lock jacks and spider jacks it is extremely important everyone in your team understands how to use them.
What are the main knots I’ll need to know?
The main knots used throughout the training course with Lowe Maintenance are:
- Bowline
- Blake’s hitch
- Prussic
- Lark’s foot
- Stop knot
Do I need to get my equipment inspected?
Personal tree climbing equipment is supposed to comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It should be inspected on a 6-monthly basis by an independent person. This period cannot be extended but may be shortened due to the working environment or specific requirements of the site you are working on.
Do I need to do refreshers?
You are advised by HSE to have a refresher every 5 years, this however depends on the company you work for, as some have different regulations for refreshers such as National Trust which is every 3 years.
How do I recognise if a tree is occupied?
There are a number of leaflets about this, one is provided by the Bat Conservation Trust ‘How are trees important to bats’. If you look at their website http://www.bats.org.uk you will be able to download lots of good information. You should arrange a tree survey if you are worried, just to be sure.
Can I climb a tree that has bats in it?
This is not good practice but it is also not that easy to spot an occupied tree.
If you know it to be occupied, then the answer is no as you may disturb the roost and that can be a bit expensive in the form of court actions and possibly your professional reputation.
Can it be too windy to climb?
That is up to you and your confidence levels. If there is a problem, you will have to explain to the insurance company why you were up a tree on a particularly windy day.
Can I climb in the rain?
Yes, there is no reason why not. The tree may be a bit more slippery and you may have to adapt the climb to the conditions but there is no reason why you can’t.
What is the difference between 2 and 3-way karabiners?
A double-action karabiner means it has two motions to close the gate and make it secure, these are easily opened and have been known to open due to rubbing on the trees and branches.
This is why they should not be used as part of the life anchor points in the climbing system.
The triple-action has three motions to close the gate. Furthermore, the triple-action is the only karabiner to be used as part of the life anchor point as it is harder to open accidentally.
Do I need to wear chainsaw PPE when on the climbing course?
No, you only need to wear a pair of work trousers and stout work boots with ankle support. You can if you want to or if the weather is a bit cold but there is no chainsaw use so, therefore, no need for cutting pants.
Do I need another qualified tree climber on site when working?
It is advisable that you have another climber on-site in case something goes wrong. It takes time for the emergency services to respond, that second climber can get to you quicker and shorten the time it takes to get proper help. Most noteworthy is that your insurance company will want you too!
What is the smallest branch size I can climb on?
The branch size depends on the characteristics of the tree and its condition. The branch must be strong enough to take lateral forces as well as supporting the climber. On the tree climbing course, you shouldn’t suspend yourself from branches less than 4” in diameter.
What is SRT?
SRT is Stationary Rope Techniques or Static Rope Techniques, this is a method of accessing and working a tree using mechanical aids to climb. It can make climbing a lot easier but requires a good understanding of rope systems and equipment.
Do I need to know different tree species?
It is advisable for your personal growth to learn more about trees and their characteristics. Especially with the number of pests and diseases that are about these days. We need to improve our biosecurity in general.
What kit do I need?
The Arboricultural Associations Guide to Climbing Practice has a list of the equipment you need. The number of pieces is down to you and your budget.
Be careful as it is easy to buy too much and buy lots of shiny bling that you may never use. If you attend a course with Lowe Maintenance, you will know what to buy by the end of the course as you’ll have used our kit during the course.
How do I choose a climbing rope?
Ropes are like harnesses; the choice is down to personal feel. The average rope is 10mm to 13mm diameter although 12mm to 13mm is more commonly used as they are easier to grip and less chance of hand strain. The smaller diameter ropes are used mainly with mechanical aids and, depending on the item you use, as a friction component. The manufacturer may state a rope diameter, which you should follow for your own safety.
Do I need a first aid qualification for rescue?
It is a strong recommendation that anyone working with a chainsaw should have some level of first aid training due to the increased potential for an accident.
How often should I practise aerial rescue?
HSE advise that you practise at least once a month. If you require an aerial rescue refresher give us a call to arrange a suitable date.
