Climber

The Climber physically implements all arbor ground and climbing activities and procedures established by Company policy and with specific direction from the Foreman.

• Climbs to heights of at least 75 feet.
• Operates bucket truck, chipper, chipper truck, stump grinder, all types of chain saws and other tree-related equipment.
• Maintains climbing gear and tree care equipment in a safe and operational condition.
• Assists in preparing truck and materials needed for the day’s work at Foreman’s direction.
• Helps to maintain and keep track of all tools and/or equipment used in daily operation.
• Uses all equipment and performs all jobs safely.
• Participates in the pre-job meeting with the Foreman to be informed of the job site and any potential site hazards.
• Uses hand lines to lower limbs and equipment.
• Practices good housekeeping by keeping trucks, assigned equipment and work area in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Safeguards Associates and public from hazards in and around the work area, and stays in frequent verbal communication with workers on the ground.
• Observes all safety rules strictly and ensures that fellow workers observe all safety rules.
• Alerts the Foreman of any potential problems anticipated or observed including electrical hazards.
• Observes all company policies and procedures including dress standards.
• Implements traffic control safety program as required.

• Knowledge of the daily maintenance and safe operation of all equipment commonly used in tree care is required. Including, but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, work boots, climbing rope, climbing saddle (harness), snaps or double auto locking carabiner’s, safety lanyard, handsaw and chainsaw.
• Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of all knots, ropes and rigging devices used in tree trimming and removal operations.
• Must be able to perform the following:
• Inspection of Equipment. Must demonstrate a pre-climb inspection of equipment. This includes a manual and visual inspection of the rope, safety lanyard, and climbing saddle for any defects which could pose a safety hazard.
• Proper Tie-In. Must demonstrate a proper tie-in, including a recognized friction hitch (tautline hitch, Blake’s hitch, Distel, Schwabisch, or French Prusik (VT).
• Tying a Figure-8. Must demonstrate tying a figure-8 in running end.
• On Rope. Must demonstrate on-rope for body thrust OR secured footlock. Must be tied in, both feet on tree, and hands off of rope.
• Knots and Hitches. Must demonstrate the tying of six required knots. Bowline, running bowline, cow hitch with a better half OR timber hitch, sheetbend OR quick hitch, clove hitch with two half hitches, midline knot: clove hitch or butterfly.
• Tree and Site Inspection. Each Climber must do a tree and site inspection. Identify the following:
  The location of utilities and wires, In ground targets, Above ground targets and tree structure and stability.
• Climbing Line Installation. Climbers must install the climbing rope at a predetermined position (20 to 25 feet [6 to 8 meters] above the ground).
• Secured Entry. The climbing rope must be installed in a manner which will permit a secured entry into the tree by tying a recognized friction hitch. Candidates must then enter the tree using the body-thrust OR secured footlock technique.
• Tree Inspection. Climbers should provide a verbal tree inspection by identifying potential hazards, if present.
• Ascend to Final, Pre-Determined Tie-In Point. The climber must tie-in in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Hand Contact Station – First Designated Work Station. Climbers must assess the first designated work station, demonstrating the controlled use of the climbing line. Climbers must never put themselves in a position in which they…