Purpose To ensure the safety of USFS tree climbers and the - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Purpose

To ensure the safety of USFS tree climbers and the integrity of existing climbing programs.

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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.

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Training

• Verbal or Written Test

– Safety requirements – Hazards of climbing – Hazard tree assessment – Function, use, and maintenance of equipment

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Training

• Performance Requirements

– Successfully tie all task specific knots – Proficiency using 3-point method

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Training

– Perform aerial rescue using rappel system – Exercise reasonable and prudent judgment in all situations

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Training

• Optional Training and Certification

– Sectional ladders – Spurs – 4” tie-in system – Body thrust – Footlock – Friction knot systems

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Training

– Ascenders – Other miscellaneous technologies – Chainsaw use in trees

• 4 separate endorsements for eligible and

qualified individuals

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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.

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Objective

• Reforestation and Restoration

– Cone Surveys and Collection – Tree Pruning and Maintenance

• Genetics

– Tree breeding and Controlled Pollination – Pollen and Scion Collection – Cone Caging

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Objective

• TE & S

– Red Tree Vole Surveys – Marbled Murrelet Surveys – Spotted Owl Survey and Manage – Red Cockaded Woodpecker Artificial Nest Installation

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Objective

• Insects and Disease

– Specimen collection – Asian Longhorned Beetle Survey – Trapping – Mistletoe “broom” removal

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Objective

• Research

– Bald Eagle and Other Raptors – Puerto Rico Parrot – Monitoring Equipment Installation – Foliar Sampling – Neotropical bird nest surveys – DNA Sampling

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Objective

• Wildlife

– Fungal inoculum installation and tree topping – Osprey nest platform construction – Preparation of bear-proof food supports

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Objective

• Other

– Phone line maintenance – Solar panel and antenna installation – Hazard limb and tree removal

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Objectives

– Remote runway tree pruning – Abandoned equipment removal (from “tree sitters”)

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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

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Program Management

• Technical Advisors

– Manage operations – Ensure operational effectiveness – Operational/technical advice to climbers – Recommend changes to policy and/or technical guidelines Field Guide – Approve equipment, techniques, practices

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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

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http://www.fs.fed.us/treeclimbing/