Personal Fall Protection Systems

In this Tuesday episode of Talking Trees, we dive into the essentials of Personal Fall Protection Systems (PFPS) used in modern arboricultural climbing and aerial rescue operations.

We discuss:

The two primary climbing techniques: Moving Rope Technique (MRT), where the rope moves over an anchor point, and Stationary Rope Technique (SRT), with a fixed rope setup
The structure of a fall protection system, which includes a main line and a backup system, both critical to minimize the risk of a fall
Different backup options, such as two independent anchor systems or backup devices integrated into the same system
Safety protocols around harness use, anchor redundancy, and fall arrest strategies, especially during tasks at height
Specific exceptions for short-duration work or emergency rescues, where standard procedures may be adjusted for practical reasons

These systems are not just technical requirements—they're vital lifelines ensuring climbers return safely from every canopy mission.

Background information: