Aerial Tree Rigging

NPTC Level 3 Unit 309 (CS41)

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The course is suitable for arboricultural workers experienced in using a chainsaw from a rope and harness, who wish

to develop their skills to remove part crowns, whole crowns or entire trees situated above dropping zones.

 

Who is this course for?

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      • This course is designed for experienced climbers who want to learn advanced rigging techniques for tree

      surgery

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Course Format

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      • Duration: 5 day

      • Assessment: 4 days training and 1 day Assessment

      • Awarding Body: NPTC Level 2 Certificate

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Requirements

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      • You must be 16 years old or over

      • Candidates must have successfully completed CS30, CS31, CS38 and CS39

      • This is a strenuous course and candidates must be physically able to participate in climbing and training

      exercises

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Course Content

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      • Health, Safety, and Legislation

      • Risk assessments for aerial tree work

      • Understanding responsibilities of the ground-person during rigging operations .

      • Equipment Knowledge and Inspection

      • Use of rigging lines, pulley blocks, slings, friction devices, and specialised rigging gear.

      • Safe working loads, bend ratios, and cycles-to-failure of rigging equipment

      • Practical Rigging Techniques - selection of suitable anchor points and ropes

      • Methods for lowering tree limbs and vertical sections.

      • Working with chainsaws at height in a safe and controlled position within the crown

      • Minimising shock loading and maintaining control over removed sections

      • Tree Assessment and Sectioning

      • Planning the sequence of branch and trunk removal for safe and efficient dismantling

      • Practical Exercises - Hands-on dismantling of branches and tree sections, sometimes including climbing poles

      on spikes and performing rope-guided section removal

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Equipment & PPE

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      • Safety helmet with eye and hearing protection

      • Gloves

      • Chainsaw trousers with leg protection

      • Protective climbing boots

      • Climbing harness/climbing lines/rigging ropes

      • Top-handled chainsaw

      • Additional rigging equipment

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Climbing equipment to be used on course must have appropriate LOLER certificate. Equipment can be provided for

course if required for a small hire charge. If you are providing equipment, please ensure that the requirements of the

Health & Safety at Work Act and any relevant regulations are met.

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Current Forestry England guidelines also require Forestry and Chainsaw workers to carry a Mandatory Personal

Forestry First Aid Kit, which includes a Haemostatic Bandage, Application Tourniquet and Whistle, at all times.

 

Certification

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On completion of the course, successful candidates will be sent a City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Aerial Tree Rigging

certificate.