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/