Lancstree

I know what you mean. I'll try out the rescue line when I get back to work after christmas. Have you ever thought about leaving a throw line in so in case of emergency you can tie the rescue line onto it and install it in seconds? Its not as ideal as having the rescue line in, in terms of time wasted getting up the tree but it would however be better than no precaution. In addition, it would reduce the chance of damaging an expensive rope by getting it snagged or spiked. On thick bark trees you could perhaps tuck the line in under the bark so it doesn't blow around in the wind but could be easily pulled out by the groundie.

Haha. Perhaps I should get my own stall next to STIHL and stand there with my chin up!

The good thing about Haix boots is the very presence of the metal plate which makes standing in spikes far more comfortable than in some of those Elten boots.

Thanks. I've been cautious about posting this picture but its worthwhile if it helps people to bring safety to the forefront of their minds. I've just had another near miss in a car accident but thats another story!

Drew, how do you find working in a tree with a rescue line left in? I mean, does it get snagged at all when rigging and does it take up a lot of time moving it around when you are dismantling? I think a big shot would be another advantageous tool to have in a rescue situation.

I have done on a few occasions. Once in chicago on work experience (just a friendly comp between folks from our depot), a couple of times at Myerscough, once in Leyland (for which I never got my 11th place prize!), and one in Leeds at roundhey park. I've got no plans to do it again but I haven't ruled it out

I thought I'd put this on to all those who are becoming complacent with chainsaws. It happened over two years ago when I was topping a small leylandii hedge. I climbed it after the morning brew and the 020 I was using was a poor starter so I had to start it with the chain break off and revv it. I then went straight in to cut a piece about 3 inch thick but the nose of the bar hit something smaller behind this and the saw kicked back into my neck. A better work position in this instance would have prevented this accident but we all know how hard it is to get a good work position in a conifer hedge. A cherry picker would work though. There was a tiny piece of plastic chipped out of the visor on my helmet but the chain break worked just before it hit my neck. I was extremely lucky and I have only two tiny scars to show for it, one on my adams apple and the other just under my chin. It makes shaving a bit tricky in those regions! I'd had plenty of experience with chainsaws before this happened so it just goes to show you can never be too careful. I got back in the hedge the next day and finished the job - with a better running saw.

This is true but sad. Working for the local government we do get paid for it and there is always a rescue kit in the van so there is no excuse for us. The HSE should provide some sort of financial initiative for those who are self employed or work for companies that won't allow time for practice. I might join the ISA for things like that.

Thats right Drew. Once a month is ideal and its good for team moral. But how do you convince someone who has this attitude... "well I'd just put the spikes on as thats the quickest way up the tree.." or in the case of only two people on site "we'd just do jobs where I can stand on the roof of the van to rescue.."? Are these valid reasons for not practicing? I don't think so

In this case the team leader is essentially the groundie. Our three man team consists of two climbers and a 'team leader'. When one person is absent it becomes a two man team and there is no person available to fill in to make it three again. In a tight team such as this I reckon all should be trained and kept up to date by practicing. I work in local government

I am hoping to Steve but in the two years in this particular crew it has only been mentioned a few times and I brought it up each time. My team leader should be the one being proactive on this subject and we have recieved in writing a recommendation from the health and safety department to carry out regular practice. These words are still being taken too lightly for my liking. We've had plenty of opportunity when work has been a bit slack or we are between scheduled jobs but we end up doing pointless things instead. Its just one of my ongoing gripes at work! Don't get me wrong, I love the job and I want to keep doing it, so as I see it rescue practice is part of staying alive and healthy.

I asked this question on treebuzz but I've since stumbled upon this forum so here it is again. We are aware it is law to have people who are involved in tree work operations to be qualified in aerial rescue. Is there any referrence in law or health and safety literature to state that aerial rescue must be practiced regularly? What good is aerial rescue qualifications if we are unable to rescue confidently? What good is law stating there should be aerial rescue qualified people on jobs when companies do not seem to be obliged to allow practice in work time? As far as I know, it is only 'reccommended' that teams practice aerial rescue.