C&G NPTC assessment unit 003922 (formerly CS38)

This five-day, field-based tree-climbing and aerial-rescue course is for anyone required to access or work in trees using ropes and harnesses or anyone required to rescue an injured climber.

This course has been developed to impart the skills and knowledge needed to access a tree’s crown and manoeuvre safely within its canopy. Candidates will learn the skills required to perform an aerial rescue of an injured climber from within the crown of a tree or from a standing pole. This course will provide the candidate with all the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to undertake the C&G NPTC Level 2 Unit 003922 assessment.

Learning objectives

Upon completing this course, the candidate will

• have gained a basic understanding of relevant industry health and safety legislation
• understand the importance of risk assessment and emergency planning for tree-climbing operations
• be able to identify the hazards and risks associated with the working area
• be able to carry out a basic level hazard evaluation of a tree
• have gained an understanding of how to select, inspect and safely use a variety of tree-climbing equipment
• display competence while accessing and manoeuvring within a tree canopy
• be competent to carry out aerial rescues from a variety of different situations.

Equipment required

PPE

Helmet of a mountaineering type with a chin strap, eye protection, appropriate footwear, flexible trousers (not shorts), personal first-aid kit with large wound dressing and whistle. A full climbing kit is provided to all candidates for the duration of the training and assessment. If you would prefer to use your own equipment, you will need a work positioning harness, a minimum of two climbing ropes of which one must be at least 35 m and one must be at least 25 m, a minimum of eight auto lock triple action karabiners, adjustable strop/lanyard, tape sling of around 120 cm, pair of climbing irons (spikes), wire core flip line, four prusik loops or equivalent friction cords, a rescue knife with retractable/folding blade and in-date thorough LOLER examination certificate (or certificate of conformity/receipt for items less than six months old) will be required for all items of climbing equipment.

Although not essential, a copy of The Arboricultural Association’s Technical Guide 1: Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue is recommended. This can be purchased at the start of the course for £15.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course duration

Five days training with an assessment on a separate day.

Cost

Training cost: £700 per person plus VAT. C&G NPTC assessment cost: £160 per person.

Refresher courses are also available, either with or without assessment. Please enquire for details.

Testimonials

“Loved the tree climbing and aerial rescue course. I’d have been happy to carry on for another week. It was probably the best course I’ve been on. Matt and Adam provided a calm, relaxed environment, knew when to add more without overwhelming with information. The course is well structured, covers everything needed for the assessment and more. The kit provided is very good, with the opportunity to try different bits of kit for those who want to.” AO, Plymouth – Level 2 Tree climbing and aerial rescue course, July 2022