Pete in Tasmania

"listening to an mp3 player helped relax me and improve my focus," The thought of someone being cut off from any of their senses (apart from the inevitable sound masking when a saw is going) while in a tree horrifies me. I want every one of my senses fully operational working at heights with cutting implements. Being fully present and observant is of fundamental importance and just might save your life or some other misfortune one day. There could be a small sound of a branch cracking or someone trying to communicate from the ground--anything could be missed with extra sound directed into your ears. One of the things that I try to keep in mind at heights is that it is mostly what is right in front of me in my control that will determine my safe work. Pete

And the other one which was reputed to be what someone intending to rob a bank said to the teller: "Hands up Mother sticker, this is a f*** up!" We had an ABC (our National Broadcaster) radio newsreader years ago who read in an item that: "Today in Sydney a lady was bitten on the funnel by a finger web spider" --one of my all time favourites!

"I'm as dry as a dead dingo's donger" is one of my favourites. Another which I heard recently which really appealed was along the lines of: "No use farting sparks over that.........." meaning no use getting excited over that

Crikey that must be a welcome from the horse's mouth! Thanks!

I think the focus needs to be on all the elements that keep you safe. Once they have all had your good attention and assessment there ought to be a narrower focus on what will keep you safe through the job. For example it starts with things like do I know how to do what I'm proposing to do? It ought to move through gear selection and maintaining its condition, assessment of the tree and surrounds and then stay on the job in hand--the attachments right in front of you, the cutting implements and how they might behave in the worst case scenario, how the tree might react in the worst case etc. If your focus might be on your music player or anything else you risk missing something one day that might be vital to your well-being. If you are focussing on if an industry standard rope will hold you (for instance) when it has been well maintained I suggest shifting your attention to the things that do matter are in your direct control and have not been under the attention and scrutiny worldwide over the years by thousands of others. It's you and what is right in front of, around and above and sometimes below you which is the key to your smooth safe operation in a tree. "Be here now!"

I like the Barnel hand and pole saws. Got 'em from Forestry Tools who have an advert at the bottom of the page.