SKT A
Rope Climbing Technique A – Basic Course
The courses SKT A, B, and C form the foundation for the training to become a European Tree Worker climbing.
In SKT A you learn how to ascend correctly and above all safely, and how to move in the tree so that you can carry out work independently. With this special climbing technique you can work throughout the entire crown area, stand upright in the tree without damaging the branches, and work hands-free. You also learn how to bring an injured team member back to the ground quickly, safely, and efficiently.
Advanced courses such as SKT B (which covers the use of the chainsaw in the tree and tree dismantling) and SKT C – Rigging Specialty (in which you learn things like speedline construction, dismantling at exposed locations, and working with various winch and bollard systems in rigging) are the next training modules on the path to the internationally recognized qualifications European Tree Worker (Arborist according to ONR 121122) and European Tree Technician (Tree Technician according to ONR 121122) – (whereby SKT C is an optional but not a mandatory prerequisite for ETW and ETT).
Our SKT A course lasts 5 full days (Mon–Fri). The certificate exam is taken separately on the Saturday after the course, so you have more time to practice and consolidate what you have learned.
Course Content
- Safety rules
- Equipment knowledge
- Knot knowledge
- Tree assessment
- Site securing
- Ascent techniques
- Rope installation
- Moving and working in the crown
- Accident prevention
- Rescue from the crown
Requirements
- Minimum age 18 years
- 16-hour first aid course (no more than 4 years old; refresher courses possible!)
- Valid G41 examination
- Proof of expertise (horticultural or forestry qualification, or attendance of the Basics of Tree Care course)
Please note that certificates will not be issued if proof is missing!
What to Bring
- Valid occupational health examination "work at great heights with risk of falling" (if no expiry date is indicated, no more than 3 years old)
- 16-hour first aid certificate (no more than 4 years old; refresher courses possible!)
- Proof of expertise (horticultural or forestry qualification) or attendance of the Basics of Tree Care course
- Sturdy footwear reaching above the ankle! (not included in the rentable basic equipment)
- Safety goggles (not included in the rentable basic equipment)
- Grip gloves (not included in the rentable basic equipment)
If you are not renting equipment, the following items must be brought:
- Inspection protocol for the annual PPE inspection by a competent person
- Tree climbing harness with CE and EN marking; according to EN 358 | EN 813
- Tree climbing rope semi-static with spliced eye, min. 40m, CE + EN tested & rope bag
- Lanyard (without steel core) with positioner + carabiner
- 5-6 triple self-locking carabiners
- Friction hitch sling, ideally 80cm with 2 spliced eyes (e.g. Gleistein Inco or Teufelberger Ocean Sling)
- Hitch climber pulley
- Helmet with chin strap suitable for tree care work according to EN 12492
- Cambium saver
- Pull-through
- Throw line set = spool or folding bucket + throw bag + throw line
- 2 material carabiners
- Sling 120cm
- Rescue set: Ring L (e.g. from Petzl), quickdraw sling, first aid pack
- Storage box or bag for all climbing equipment
- Own equipment: The PPE brought must be inspected and documented by a competent person before use at the course (an annual PPE inspection by a competent person + documentation is legally required according to ASchG). PPE inspections can also be carried out by staff at the Kreitl Shop in Raasdorf. To schedule an appointment: +43 664 517 72 44.
- Equipment rental: For SKT A courses there is the option to rent the necessary equipment at the Kreitl Shop in Raasdorf (Freeworker Austria). This way you'll receive equipment put together according to the requirements of the Arbor Technical Institute. You'll also have the opportunity to try out and test various climbing harnesses in use, to find the optimal model for you. The rental equipment can be purchased at a discount at the Kreitl Shop at the end of the course week. The basic equipment is as new! For the advanced courses SKT B and SKT C, as well as chainsaw courses, your own (complete, inspected – with proof!) PPE must be brought.
Advantages of rental equipment for SKT A:
- Getting to know the basic tree care equipment (as-new, inspected & high-quality material)
- Testing and comparing various climbing harnesses in practical use & support in selecting the optimal model for you
- Option to purchase the rental equipment at a discount at the Kreitl Shop in Raasdorf at the end of the course week – ideal as a starter package to continue training the learned techniques & to make your entry into tree care significantly easier
IMPORTANT! For the advanced courses SKT B and SKT C as well as chainsaw courses, exclusively your own, complete, and inspected PPE (including inspection protocol) must be brought. Equipment rental is not possible for these courses.
Information on the certificate and recertification:
After passing the exam, you will receive an SKT certificate and a card. These are valid for 3 years. For recertification, a 4-hour rescue training session must be attended, and proof of a current 16-hour first aid course and valid G41 must be provided. You will then receive a new SKT card.
Investment
Course: € 980,00 excl. VAT (€ 1.176,00 incl. VAT)
Exam: € 200,00 excl. VAT (€ 240,00 incl. VAT)
Full: € 1.180,00 excl. VAT (€ 1.416,00 incl. VAT)
