climbing solo, what are the guidelines?
- Thread starter davepell
- Start date
- Location
- Colorado
After leaving my prior employer and starting my own company I have been enjoying solo work/climbing immensely. I feel that maybe having only one person to worry about can make you a safer climber in that no one is pushing production goals on you from above and theres no one on the ground for you to need to manage. My concentration is on the tree and the most efficient and safe way to achieve my goals. Being your own supervisor gives you the freedom to quit when you are tired and pace yourself.
The biggest challenges are logistical ones such as pedestrian control, tool delivery, and untying the rigging. Luckily if you are the salesman AND the climber for the company that means you have days or weeks to plan the job rather than taking your first gander at 7 am.
I recall a good discussion in the book <u>Arborist tools</u> about the value of being prepared for aerial rescue being a bit below avoiding putting yourself in a position where you needed to be rescued. Always climb with enough line to descend to the ground in one shot. I climb with a phone but would be nervous to depend on my county fire dept to safely remove me from a tree.
That being said, every climber is responsible to come up with their own terms and limits for themselves. Staying current in our field on forums like this can show us ways to work as safely as possible and help one learn the rules very well so that you can decide when its OK to break them.
The biggest challenges are logistical ones such as pedestrian control, tool delivery, and untying the rigging. Luckily if you are the salesman AND the climber for the company that means you have days or weeks to plan the job rather than taking your first gander at 7 am.
I recall a good discussion in the book <u>Arborist tools</u> about the value of being prepared for aerial rescue being a bit below avoiding putting yourself in a position where you needed to be rescued. Always climb with enough line to descend to the ground in one shot. I climb with a phone but would be nervous to depend on my county fire dept to safely remove me from a tree.
That being said, every climber is responsible to come up with their own terms and limits for themselves. Staying current in our field on forums like this can show us ways to work as safely as possible and help one learn the rules very well so that you can decide when its OK to break them.
TreeCo
Carpal tunnel level member
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I spent the money I should have used for labor on pot.
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Is this a Joke?
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I think it was a typo and he meant 'spot', his dog.
[ QUOTE ]
I spent the money I should have used for labor on pot.
[/ QUOTE ]
Is this a Joke?
[/ QUOTE ]
I think it was a typo and he meant 'spot', his dog.
- Location
- Canon City ,CO
I frequently climb alone. I feel neither foolish nor guilty about doing so. That doesn't mean that I think having a capable climber within sight and hearing of the climber in the tree is not a great idea. I simply recognize that life is not risk free. Climbing is not risk free. The best approach to life's risks is to acknowledge them, minimize them and accept them without excessive anxiety. The most important risk reductions for a climber are not availibility of rescue, rather, they are the mitigation and avoidance of situations that might require a rescue. Climbing scares me. Climbing alone does not.
mdvaden
Participating member
- Location
- Beaverton. Oregon
If a climber is in the tree and gets hurt, let's suppose he has his "ANSI" Ace up his sleeve - the 2nd trained worker on the ground.
Does ANSI state that a 3rd trained person must arrive first, before the rescue climb of the 2nd worker above 12'?
Does ANSI state that a 3rd trained person must arrive first, before the rescue climb of the 2nd worker above 12'?
Damn you guys stay up late. I was sleepy and meant to say pot holders. That is what my wife wanted last week and some money to go to Tea Time. Allready this week it was 2 huny for the stair railing and who knows what the 4Runner costs. It was pot holders I swear and it was like 50 bucks for some retarded mittens.
Anyway, another point to make is that I have not met many people I would let tie my life line off on the ground if I was in the tree. Besides for climbers you up there by yourself anyway. Don't expect just because groundies have experiance in tree work that they can handle doing it up here. You know what it like if you try to do something improperly, they don't have they automatic self leveling ability they we have learn. THE SENSE, so to speak. They might make it worse.
It is good to know that some us do solo acts with precision and that if you can do that you obvioulsy know when to get help.Its also good to know there are people who can't.
I appreciate everbodies mindset on this as to I frequently handle things alone. It s not like I wondered if it was ok to do that,I am intrested in what you have to say about it. I have picked up alot of good things from this post and it has solidified my confidence level even greater than before.My thanks to the people who made this forum possible and the people who contribute. Ben Saville Kimberton Tree Phoenixville Pa 19460
Anyway, another point to make is that I have not met many people I would let tie my life line off on the ground if I was in the tree. Besides for climbers you up there by yourself anyway. Don't expect just because groundies have experiance in tree work that they can handle doing it up here. You know what it like if you try to do something improperly, they don't have they automatic self leveling ability they we have learn. THE SENSE, so to speak. They might make it worse.
It is good to know that some us do solo acts with precision and that if you can do that you obvioulsy know when to get help.Its also good to know there are people who can't.
I appreciate everbodies mindset on this as to I frequently handle things alone. It s not like I wondered if it was ok to do that,I am intrested in what you have to say about it. I have picked up alot of good things from this post and it has solidified my confidence level even greater than before.My thanks to the people who made this forum possible and the people who contribute. Ben Saville Kimberton Tree Phoenixville Pa 19460
- Location
- Retired in Minneapolis
When considering risk there are two very important words to run past yourself...
Widow
Orphan
I'm not against risk by any means. When I make a decision to do something that I've scaled as high risk I think through it very carefully. A few years ago I grabbed my Roller Blades and the sack of PPE. by the time I was ready to roll I had on a helmet, elbow pads, wrist pads and knee pads. then I realized that I had on more PPE to play than I wear to work. that was a hard one to balance out but it didn't stop me from 'blading.
Widow
Orphan
I'm not against risk by any means. When I make a decision to do something that I've scaled as high risk I think through it very carefully. A few years ago I grabbed my Roller Blades and the sack of PPE. by the time I was ready to roll I had on a helmet, elbow pads, wrist pads and knee pads. then I realized that I had on more PPE to play than I wear to work. that was a hard one to balance out but it didn't stop me from 'blading.
Save that kind of talk for the lady with the Excursion, cell phone and the eyeliner pencil. That's what I call risk, when you put you life in someone elses hands like her.
Risk? NO! It is our job to eliminate the risk, that is why we get paid so much. I lost 20 bucks in a casino once and that's all I would ever put down to lose on a gamble. I'll spend thousands out of pocket if narrows the risk margins and adds security. These are common stratagies I imagine. I don't think I would do this still if there was that much risk invloved.
I have seen the logger who brought his family to watch him vault strewn timber with a running 66 with a high idle and a loose chain. Not for me. Kids running atop logs as he rammed his little bobcat around with more kids on his lap. What can I say? He takes my logs and wants to pay me as well.
Now there are guys like that all over and there are guys with crews who do it right(and there are a few differrent ways to do it right). But for all those who quote Ansi standards like they were bible scripture I say " Things are a little different in the field than they are on paper ( this doesn't mean I think its a joke) and just because you read how to do it doesn't mean you can do it. Go ahead and apply all the standards to every job and circumstance. You will just be getting started while I smoked six trees and went home. If I ever see anybody in a japanese maple with a hardhat I will start plunking him with my Daisy 10 pumper with busnell scope and assualt grip.If he don't stop after that I will just cut the tree down with him in it and run his hat through the chipper. If I see some scabs all running amuk and looking like scabs I say to them " Don't insult me you scabs"if I get a chance I like to show them up.
I have found that most of the "holy #@!$" moments have come from the actions of those who aren't me. Meaning, groundies, bosses,civilians and other climbers. When you climb you know you can't make a mistake so you don't and every day those guys hammer me with stupity. So I quit and that was a great way to narrow the risk margin of my wife becoming a single parent and a widow.
Ansi can write six more books on the subject before I find 1 man that can consistantly lower branches and not be on the phone while he does it. Personally I think you should use the same pads you use for play and start using them for work.
Risk? NO! It is our job to eliminate the risk, that is why we get paid so much. I lost 20 bucks in a casino once and that's all I would ever put down to lose on a gamble. I'll spend thousands out of pocket if narrows the risk margins and adds security. These are common stratagies I imagine. I don't think I would do this still if there was that much risk invloved.
I have seen the logger who brought his family to watch him vault strewn timber with a running 66 with a high idle and a loose chain. Not for me. Kids running atop logs as he rammed his little bobcat around with more kids on his lap. What can I say? He takes my logs and wants to pay me as well.
Now there are guys like that all over and there are guys with crews who do it right(and there are a few differrent ways to do it right). But for all those who quote Ansi standards like they were bible scripture I say " Things are a little different in the field than they are on paper ( this doesn't mean I think its a joke) and just because you read how to do it doesn't mean you can do it. Go ahead and apply all the standards to every job and circumstance. You will just be getting started while I smoked six trees and went home. If I ever see anybody in a japanese maple with a hardhat I will start plunking him with my Daisy 10 pumper with busnell scope and assualt grip.If he don't stop after that I will just cut the tree down with him in it and run his hat through the chipper. If I see some scabs all running amuk and looking like scabs I say to them " Don't insult me you scabs"if I get a chance I like to show them up.
I have found that most of the "holy #@!$" moments have come from the actions of those who aren't me. Meaning, groundies, bosses,civilians and other climbers. When you climb you know you can't make a mistake so you don't and every day those guys hammer me with stupity. So I quit and that was a great way to narrow the risk margin of my wife becoming a single parent and a widow.
Ansi can write six more books on the subject before I find 1 man that can consistantly lower branches and not be on the phone while he does it. Personally I think you should use the same pads you use for play and start using them for work.
- Location
- Canon City ,CO
If you were to start shooting me with your airgun you might wind up very dead.
- Location
- sunny Madison, WI
I have been known to wear my hardhat when pruning shrubs. No shooting please!
TreeCo
Carpal tunnel level member
[ QUOTE ]
If I ever see anybody in a japanese maple with a hardhat I will start plunking him with my Daisy 10 pumper with busnell scope and assualt grip
[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
If you were to start shooting me with your airgun you might wind up very dead.
[/ QUOTE ]
Stumper I'd like to see the Japanese Maple that would hold the weight of your manly figure! LOL.
If I ever see anybody in a japanese maple with a hardhat I will start plunking him with my Daisy 10 pumper with busnell scope and assualt grip
[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
If you were to start shooting me with your airgun you might wind up very dead.
[/ QUOTE ]
Stumper I'd like to see the Japanese Maple that would hold the weight of your manly figure! LOL.
If I climb a dead tree I have somebody close by to call in case of failure, I owe them that, my loved ones.
Most jobs I can afford someone to standby. I must share the wealth.
Most jobs I can afford someone to standby. I must share the wealth.
- Location
- Phoenix Arizona
I always wear my hard hat.
I have never been shot at by my boss...
I have never been shot at by my boss...
mdvaden
Participating member
- Location
- Beaverton. Oregon
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
If I ever see anybody in a japanese maple with a hardhat I will start plunking him with my Daisy 10 pumper with busnell scope and assualt grip
[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
If you were to start shooting me with your airgun you might wind up very dead.
[/ QUOTE ]
Stumper I'd like to see the Japanese Maple that would hold the weight of your manly figure! LOL.
[/ QUOTE ]
I've used the limbs of a lot of Japanese Maples like a ladder here - some upwards of 30' tall.
ATTACHMENT: Did up to 2/3 of the thinning in the one attached by standing in the tree - about a 22' tree. My weight is 250 lbs.
It was a gnarly one - don't think it was every pruned before.
Usually, I can get half way up the canopy. Can't really put weight out past the unions unless the limb is like 4" in diameter.
Don't you have big Japanese maples over there? I'd suspect other states would have even bigger ones than we have here.
A good time for soft soled athletic shoes.
I've considered trees as better and safer ladders in most cases, than virtually any extension ladder I've ever used against a house.
[ QUOTE ]
If I ever see anybody in a japanese maple with a hardhat I will start plunking him with my Daisy 10 pumper with busnell scope and assualt grip
[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
If you were to start shooting me with your airgun you might wind up very dead.
[/ QUOTE ]
Stumper I'd like to see the Japanese Maple that would hold the weight of your manly figure! LOL.
[/ QUOTE ]
I've used the limbs of a lot of Japanese Maples like a ladder here - some upwards of 30' tall.
ATTACHMENT: Did up to 2/3 of the thinning in the one attached by standing in the tree - about a 22' tree. My weight is 250 lbs.
It was a gnarly one - don't think it was every pruned before.
Usually, I can get half way up the canopy. Can't really put weight out past the unions unless the limb is like 4" in diameter.
Don't you have big Japanese maples over there? I'd suspect other states would have even bigger ones than we have here.
A good time for soft soled athletic shoes.
I've considered trees as better and safer ladders in most cases, than virtually any extension ladder I've ever used against a house.
Attachments
treebing
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Detroit, Mi.
I feel naked with out a hard hat when Im working. It lets me know Im at work. Been doing a roofing job the last couple of days. No one else had a hardhat on so I tried it for a minute but felt exposed. Strapped on the hardhat, safety galsses and gloves. ready to work.
boreality
New member
- Location
- boreal forest
Working alone is for me a slightly different level of safety thinking. I go on somewhat extreme wilderness trips regularily, there can be no communication or human contact for weeks. A small cut could become life threatening. You know that, and you are that much more careful in a dangerous enviroment.
I don't know how a new business would start if they followed ansi. You just can't offer full time work right out of the gate, let alone have well trained staff. After quitting a government job with all the bs I really enjoy working alone, but like it even more when I have a good crew.
I don't know how a new business would start if they followed ansi. You just can't offer full time work right out of the gate, let alone have well trained staff. After quitting a government job with all the bs I really enjoy working alone, but like it even more when I have a good crew.
mdvaden
Participating member
- Location
- Beaverton. Oregon
[ QUOTE ]
Working alone is for me a slightly different level of safety thinking. I go on somewhat extreme wilderness trips regularily, there can be no communication or human contact for weeks. A small cut could become life threatening. You know that, and you are that much more careful in a dangerous enviroment.
I don't know how a new business would start if they followed ansi. You just can't offer full time work right out of the gate, let alone have well trained staff. After quitting a government job with all the bs I really enjoy working alone, but like it even more when I have a good crew.
[/ QUOTE ]
I know exactly how you feel.
95% of my hikes are solo, otherwise I'd never go hiking. When I'm ready to go, which is often spontaneous, nobody else is to be found as a hiking partner. I'd never enjoy experiencing that aspect of living if I waited for someone else. So I just go as prepared as I can >> Emergency Kit Items
And as I implied in an earlier post, most tree businesses would not begin and exist if they followed ANSI. "ANSI to the letter" is designed for big tree services to dominate. ANSI as a good guideline and set of advice is great for all tree businesses.
Working alone is for me a slightly different level of safety thinking. I go on somewhat extreme wilderness trips regularily, there can be no communication or human contact for weeks. A small cut could become life threatening. You know that, and you are that much more careful in a dangerous enviroment.
I don't know how a new business would start if they followed ansi. You just can't offer full time work right out of the gate, let alone have well trained staff. After quitting a government job with all the bs I really enjoy working alone, but like it even more when I have a good crew.
[/ QUOTE ]
I know exactly how you feel.
95% of my hikes are solo, otherwise I'd never go hiking. When I'm ready to go, which is often spontaneous, nobody else is to be found as a hiking partner. I'd never enjoy experiencing that aspect of living if I waited for someone else. So I just go as prepared as I can >> Emergency Kit Items
And as I implied in an earlier post, most tree businesses would not begin and exist if they followed ANSI. "ANSI to the letter" is designed for big tree services to dominate. ANSI as a good guideline and set of advice is great for all tree businesses.
boreality
New member
- Location
- boreal forest
That's a pretty good website, it makes me feel guilty as I head out by truck, quad, argo, boat, and canoe after da moose, and throw my kit together in an hour in the morning.
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