ASWP03 Ascending Trees
7.2.3 Final Anchor Point
The final anchor point is where the arborist will secure their life line allowing the arborist
mobility to work. The final anchor point is best situated as high in the tree as possible to allow
mobility of the worker, similar to a pendulum. The final anchor point must meet the
requirements of all anchor locations.
Step Action
Secure to tree using a work
positioning lanyard
Place work positioning lanyard around the main
stem of the tree or a suitably strong limb
Ensure that lanyard is secured
Check snaps, place weight into lanyard
Remove friction hitch from life line
Secure arborist life line around main
stem of tree and over a suitably
strong limb
Secure rope to arborist using
carabiner, termination knot or captive
eye snap
Tie friction hitch from approved list of
friction hitches in Appendix D
Adjust arborist life line to meet work
requirements.
Test friction hitch
Slowly place weight into system.
Slippage of friction hitch requires redressing of
hitch and retesting
Release work positioning lanyard
7.3 Secured Body Thrust Technique
The secured body thrust technique is sometimes called a self-belay technique. The following
action applies for continuing ascent.
7.3.1 Ascent
Step
Action
Place arborist life line in tree at the
first interim anchor point or final
anchor point if available
Secure arborist life line to arborist
Use a termination knot, carabiner, captive eye
snap
Secure arborist using a friction hitch
(Figure 4) from the list of approved
friction hitches in Appendix D
Figure 4
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