Aerial Tree Rigging Course
Aerial Tree Rigging NPTC Level 3 Unit 309 (CS41)
4 Day Course
Aerial Tree Rigging Course description
The course develops the knowledge and practical skills required to plan and carry out controlled aerial tree rigging operations safely and efficiently. Candidates will learn how to assess the tree and work site, establish appropriate work, drop and exclusion zones, select suitable anchor points and choose compatible rigging equipment for anticipated loads.
Training covers the selection and use of rigging ropes, blocks, slings, strops, connectors, lowering devices and friction systems. Candidates will develop an understanding of load calculations, peak forces, shock loading and methods of introducing and controlling friction within a rigging system.
Practical training includes the controlled removal and lowering of tree sections using a range of techniques including tip tying, butt tying, balancing/cradling and vertical lowering, together with an understanding of snatching, speed lining and lifting techniques. Candidates will also practise appropriate rigging knots, work positioning, communication between climber and ground staff, and the selection and execution of suitable cuts.
Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on planning, equipment selection, safe working positions, effective communication and maintaining control of tree sections throughout the rigging operation.
Training content
- Legislation knowledge
- Risk assessment
- Understand when to use aerial tree rigging
- Carry out equipment inspection
- Removal of tree limbs
- Removing vertical sections by various techniques
- Lowering of limbs and sections
- Establish safe and comfortable work positions
- Understand responsibilities of the ground person
Assessment content
- NPTC Unit 309 (CS41.1) – Aerial Tree Rigging
To view the CS41 NPTC assessment guidance please click the link below
Who is the Aerial Tree Rigging course for?
This aerial tree rigging course is relevant for tree surgeons and arborists who are familiar with aerial tree work with a chainsaw and wish to expand their expertise by understanding the use of rigging equipment.
price and booking
Course cost: £988 (price includes VAT & NPTC assessment fees.)
Equipment hire: £65 Inc VAT
Booking: If you would like to book, please review the requirements below and follow the link to our contact form.
Dates: Please click the link below to view our online calendar for all course dates.
Prerequisites
- Candidates must already hold valid NPTC Level 2 20-03 (CS30) Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross Cutting, CS31 Felling Trees up to 380mm, CS38 Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue and CS39 Aerial Tree Cutting certificates
- Be able to participate in 2 days of physical climbing
- NPTC candidates must over 16 years old
Equipment requirements
- PPE: Type C chainsaw trousers, hard hat with chin strap, gloves and steel toe-cap boots with chainsaw protection
- Basic rigging equipment - rigging line, pulley block with compatible dead eye sling and a friction device for base of the tree (capstan or board)
- Top-handled chainsaw and suitable lanyard
- Fuel & oil
- Maintenance kit
- Filing kit suitable to users chainsaw
- Tree climbing harness
- Two climbing lines (30m+)
- Adjustable Lanyard
- 6 Karabiners (triple action, self-locking)
- 4 prusik loops or friction cord
- Spikes
Please ensure all climbing equipment is EN compliant and has appropriate LOLER certificates and PPE is in good condition. Equipment is available for hire if candidates do not yet have their own. Please contact the office for cost.
Are You Ready To Start?
The course lasts for five days, including both training and assessment.
This course is designed for experienced climbers who want to learn advanced rigging techniques for tree surgery.
Participants need PPE, a climbing harness, climbing lines, rigging ropes, a top-handled chainsaw, and additional rigging equipment.
The course covers advanced rigging techniques, load calculations, anchor selection, and the safe use of rigging equipment.
Successful participants receive an industry-recognized NPTC certification upon completion.
