Climbing Trees and Aerial Rescue Refresher/CPD (NPTC) 004103

City & Guilds have worked together with industry partners in highlighting the importance of maintaining a competent workforce that can demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and skills within their day to day working practices.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommend all climbers have regular refresher / update training to ensure they work to industry best practice and maintain their levels of competence. The suggested intervals for such training are:

• Occasional climbers - every 2 to 3 years
• Full time climbers - every 5 years

This intensive practical course requires a good level of physical fitness and an ability to study written technical information.

Candidates must already hold an Access a Tree Using a Rope & Harness and Aerial Tree Rescue Operations qualification.

By making a booking you are declaring yourself medically fit to participate in this course.

Equipment is provided for this course but candidates may prefer, for their comfort and safety, to bring their own climbing equipment and PPE as outlined below.

All tree climbing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and rigging equipment must comply with LOLER Regulations. This means that trainees must be able to produce evidence that their equipment has been thoroughly examined by a “competent person” (in the last 6 months for climbing equipment and 12 months for rigging equipment), and also inspected weekly with an accompanying record which can verify this.

EQUIPMENT LIST FOR AERIAL RESCUE

• Approved tree climbing harness in good condition. CE marked with leg loops
• 2 x Climbing ropes - min 12mm, 35-50m long required with manufacturers eye and without any defects
• 6 x self-locking 3 movement Karabiners
• 5 x Prussik loops or split tails or similar
• 1 x adjustable strop for climbing and rescue recommended 5m in length must have a manufacturers eye
• 1 x Set of climbing spikes
• 1 x Steel core flip line 5m with adjuster

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• A safety helmet (the HSE Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG) recommends a mountaineering-style helmet complying with BS EN 12492).
• Eye protection (complying with either BS EN 1731 or BS EN 166).
• Hearing protection (complying with BS EN 352).
• Suitable gloves appropriate to the task and subject to the operator's risk assessment.
• Protective boots with good grip and ankle support (complying with BS EN ISO 20345).
• Non-snag outer clothing. The use of high-visibility clothing may also be appropriate.
• All round leg and groin protection.
• As a minimum, climbers should carry a personal first-aid kit, incorporating a large wound dressing, barrier gloves, plasters and a whistle.
• Climbers should carry a knife with either a lockable folding blade or a fixed blade held in a protective sheath.
• Hand-cleaning materials such as waterless skin cleanser or soap, water and paper towels should be readily available.

If you are using your own equipment, our instructor will check that it is safe to use and complies with industry best practise and must come with relevant LOLER inspection paperwork.

Free parking is available on campus; a permit will be issued and should be clearly displayed.

Candidates are asked to meet at our King’s Lodge Centre before following the instructor to the training site. Please bear in mind we will be working deep within the forest, so bring a packed lunch and any other refreshments. Instructor / Student Ratio 1:4