To ensure the safety of USFS tree climbers

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

Training All 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

Objective Accomplish 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

Program Management – Recommend changes to policy and/or technical guidelines Field Guide – Approve equipment, techniques, practices

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/