When climbing a tree, there are certain pieces of equipment that are absolutely essential. Whether you're a professional tree surgeon or you climb trees for some other reason, safety should always come first and having the right gear will dramatically reduce the risk of injury.
Safety Harnesses
You have a reasonable amount of choice when it comes to selecting a suitable safety harness. The harness you choose should fit snugly but still be comfortable to wear.
The tree climbing work positioning harness pictured above is a great option because it is affordable, comfortable, and has multiple attachment points. Make sure you know your waist size before ordering as this will ensure that the harness fits correctly.
Alternatively, you could opt for a full body harness. These harnesses are probably a more comfortable choice for tree surgeons because you can easily sit down into the harness and still feel secure while working at height for extended periods. One of our favourites is the PETZL AVAO rope access safety harness, which wraps over the body in an 'X' shape to reduce the pressure on your body during longer suspensions.
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Lanyards
A lanyard (or flipline) is a length of cord that can temporarily hold a tree climber in place. Having a lanyard attached to your safety harness allows you to maintain a point of contact with the tree at all times.
There are many options available when it comes to picking a lanyard: the length, mechanism and material can vary from one product to the next, so be sure to do some research before making a purchase.
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Helmets
If you're working up a tree, it's important to buy a protective helmet that was actually designed for arborists and tree surgeons. A standard hardhat is not acceptable - hardhats are designed to protect the head from falling objects, and while this is still a potential hazard when climbing a tree, there's also a risk that you will be hit from the side or fall from a great height. Your helmet needs to be capable of protecting you in all of these circumstances.
The helmet shown above is a favourite amongst arborists: the PETZL Vertex Best Climbing Helmet. It features:
- A CentreFit adjustment system
- A strong chinstrap
- Attachment points for a visor / ear defenders
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