ASWP03 Ascending Trees
7.1.3 Final Anchor Point
The final anchor point is where the arborist will secure their arborist life line allowing the
arborist mobility to work. The final anchor point is best situated as high in the tree as
reasonable 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 a work positioning lanyard around the main
stem and over a sufficiently strong limb to secure
to tree
Test lanyard is secured
Place weight into lanyard to ensure it does not
move
Communicate to Belayer
Receive and confirm (e.g. "Remove Belay")
Adjust arborist life line to meet work
requirements
Place arborist life line or friction saver around the
main stem
Tie approved friction hitch from list in
Appendix D
Test friction hitch
Gradually place weight into friction hitch to ensure
it does not move
Release work positioning lanyard
7.2 Secured Foot Locking Technique
The secured foot locking technique replaces the need for a Belay person by securing
him/herself to the arborist life line using an appropriate approved friction hitch from Appendix
D.
Note: This system is for ascent only; in an emergency descent use an appropriate fall
protection device or system.
While using the Foot Locking technique the following precautions must be adhered to (Figure
3):
tie dress and set knot
keep hands below the knot at all times
used for ascent only
avoid debris in knot,
spread in rope 5:1; the knot must remain 5 times the diameter of the limb below the
limb (e.g. for a limb that is 20 cm in diameter the knot must stay 100 cm below the
limb to ensure the friction hitch does not fail).
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