Sign language as part of a Student's Training?

[Sambo]

In my years climbing I have worked for a few different people and been required to decipher many different signals and gestures used by crews to get attention and explain things while up high or over loud machines etc. 

 

I've always wondered if it would be a practical advantage for arborists to leave college (or training to be available from the same sources as our qualifications) knowing at least a working level of something like British sign language so they can communicate more comprehensively and with no misunderstanding. In the long run would this not be more economic and robust an approach then having more bits and pieces like radios and headsets involved while aloft?!

 

Your thoughts would be appreciated!

[Steve Bullman]

A universally agreed sign language for tree workers would be good

[Darrin Turnbull]

I find when working with professionals or you have finely tuned team.

i never need to say very much at all.

when working with strangers I always go through the game plan.

Maybe it has its place.

Good luck 

 

[Haironyourchest]

You still need an audible way to attract attention though, like whistle or headset. Complex sign language works well when you have good visibility and can also see facial expressions, head bobs etc. In a leafy canopy, with a visor on, at a distance, it'll be simple, large and few movements only. Like the banksman signals for crane operators. Most important hand signal is the "cut throat" - ie. kill the machines. 

[Mark J]

I think BSL should be part of the national curriculum.

 

[felixthelogchopper]

18 hours ago, Steve Bullman said:

A universally agreed sign language for tree workers would be good

We're already part way there.

[Mark Bolam]

We do cut throat, V’s, T, and universal beer drink hand waggle.

 

On a more complex rigging job we might break out up, down and number of wraps.

 

It’s taken years of training.

[benedmonds]

The Arb association working group came up with some about 5 years ago. We discussed what was important and ripped off the crane ones.. Tommy Plummer did some nice diagrams.

 

You used to be able to download them in the "help for arborists section" but not any more...

I had a quick look on my PC but could not find them, I am sure someone has them somewhere..

 

Fairly sure I posted them on here

 

Edited October 15, 2018 by benedmonds

[carlos]

hand signals are important but having just started using comm headsets the difference is night and day.

[ABA Northern division]

Have you tried using blue tooth headsets? We find them ok. they aren't to expensive either (when compared to the rest of the gear we need! )