I'd like to revisit the IRATA, SPRAT connection and what has been missed by this two rope mandated regulation. These organizations have spent decades perfecting and refining working at heights with rope in some incredibly harsh environments. But they didn't stop there. They developed a training system that is integral to everything and everyone in that field. That last part cannot be separated from the tools that they use, when safety statistics that they are rightfully proud of, are discussed. Two ropes as a stand-alone mandate does almost nothing to reduce accidents. Add a systematic training schedule that has "levels" that must be adhered to by all participating members, well now you have a recipe for high levels of safety.
The tree industry has also spent decades perfecting climbing systems for our specific and much different work environment. The systems and tools that are in use today for tree work are truly incredible and safe. What we don't have is control over how those systems and tools are used, literally, none at all. Sure we have OSHA and ANSI to guide things, but that is not even close to the same thing. Most accidents in our industry occur due to the omission of safety protocols.
There is nothing to stop a climber from switching tools and systems, without oversight, and to self proclaim proficiency. And proficient they may be, to a point, but in the field of working at height, time at a "level of proficiency" is what is needed if safety is the goal. Only with work hours accrued will the multitude of variables become apparent. Only with time, consistently doing it right, will muscle memory protect you when fatigued.
So I ask you, given the differences in our industry from theirs, how much safer will arborists be with this mandate?
