• Tree Care Industry Association: TCIA (www.tcia.org) also offers certifications and training including ground and chipper operations
specialist, aerial rescue, electrical hazards awareness program (EHAP),
and the certified tree care safety professional (CTSP) program.All of
these certifications and training also add value to an individual and the
company by which they are employed in a variety of ways. For example, a CTSP on staff will have the tools and knowledge to create a
culture of safety that can help reduce accidents and injuries while
maintaining efficiency. Certification and/or training in subjects such
as aerial rescue or EHAP are not only required by some contracts, but
also help assure company leadership that their staff members are well
prepared to deal with emergencies or electrical hazards that may arise
during the course of business.
• State/provincial organizations: There are some states within the
United States that have their own statewide arboricultural organizations that also offer certifications and training.The provincial system
in Canada is often more related to the requirements of the particular
provincial government, but certification holders must be aware that
their particular provincial certification may not be accepted in another province. Although an additional state or provincial certification
may seem to be overkill to some climbers, the reality is that trees and
the work performed do vary with region and geography; and additional training and certification can only benefit the individuals and
the trees they care for.
www.arborage.com
Hands-on chain saw training often involves practicing techniques on small bolts of
wood prior to actual trees.
Photo by Michael "House" Tain
Arbor Age / April 2013
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